Why choose 120 volts?

Wed May 27 00:50:39 UTC 2009

On Tue, 26 May 2009 19:51:42 -0400, Chris Adams <cmadams at hiwaay.net> wrote:
> Isn't 208V usually provided as a connection across two phases of a 3
> phase circuit?  In that case, you get 120V by going between one phase
> and neutral (no transformer required).

Indeed it is.  If you want to see it yourself, measure the voltage between  
"hots" on different circuits.  I see 208-212V depending on the legs (they  
aren't evenly loaded.)  This is easier to do in a data center, but with a  
long extention cord it can be done with the office. :-) (of course, having  
the building wiring diagram(s) makes for a short hunt.)

--Ricky