4 HN users recommended this explainer4 months2021–2026score 4
Years with an HN recommendation, 2007–2026
HN commenters point to it to correct misconceptions about US voltage and to explain 240V availability in American homes.
Technology Connections explains that US household power is split-phase, with two 120V legs that combine to 240V for large appliances. It covers the breaker panel and how the system works.
“There's a lot of misconceptions about US electricity. This video does a nice job at pointing out the good and the bad.” (HN, 2022)
Relevant video: Technology Connections, "The US electrical system is not 120V", where there is a (long) discussion of how the breaker panel works and how you get 240V. [this video]
Explains the breaker panel and how US homes get 240V.
Single family homes in America are 240v rails for large appliances, like stoves/ovens, furnaces, and dryers (two-phase). Technology Connections (YouTube) explains this fairly well: > [this video]
Explains US 240V split-phase for large appliances.
Huh, what?! Mega TIL moment for me as an Australian with an electric kettle and dryer plugged into whatever power socket I wish! Reminds me of this great Technology Connections video: [this video]
The US (and CA) runs on 240V as well, it's just split in half for smaller appliances. See requisite Technology Connections video: * [this video] My stove and clothes dryer are certainly not 120V.
A 2022 Technology Connections video explores various ways to boil water: [link] And a 2020 video about different voltages in the US electrical systems: [this video]
Covers different voltages in the US electrical system.
> Also our infra not being 240v is hurting us. The rest of the world can just plug in overnight to any regular outlet and it is good enough for almost any commute. US homes don't need any significant accommodations for 240 volt infra. Plenty of US home appliances are already 240 volt; this is a solved problem. [this video]
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