On Tue, 21 Jul 1998, Leo van Loon wrote:

> Dear friends,
>
> In another mailinglist a member told about a two-phase 120V net with 180
> degrees phase difference in parts of the US. I do not understand how high
> power induction motors can be used with such an electricity supply. Three
> phase rotary currant was invented for this type of motors.
> Can anybody from the States tell me about the finesses of this type of
> electricity supply?

  I'm not in North America, but from what wire gauge I see used on the
cables of equipment coming from there, I believe that they got the 240 V
thing so they can have dryers & ovens that are *lighter* than their *power
cables* ;).
  Most bigger household appliances for 110 Volts (toaster etc) have cables
so thick you could use them to tie a small boat with (1500 W toaster @ 110
V ~= 14 Amps, against only 7 here @ 220 V). So someone saw the light and
decided that people get to touch 'safe' 110 Volts, but large appliances
will be powered with a more sensible 220 Volts, so the Copper mines don't
get filthy rich on in-house wiring ;)

perhaps this helps,

        Peter