Oddly Fascinating

I find it oddly fascinating that in the split phase electricity system used in the United States, the only power that flows on the neutral wire back to the center tap of the pole transformer is the difference in amperage between the phases.
So if you have …
20 amp draw on the Phase A
30 amp draw on Phase B
You’ll have 10 amp flowing on the neutral, which is also referenced to the ground
If you disconnect the neutral from the center tap of the transformer, the 20 amp load will work okay but the 30 amp circuit will see its voltage cut by 1/3rd.
SVGZ Graphic: Albany County Electric Grid
SVGZ Graphic: America's Three Power Grids
SVGZ Graphic: Households without Access to Electricity
Thematic Map: Electric Buildings in the Capital Region
Thematic Map: New York Electric Grid
Thematic Map: NYS Electric Utility Service Territories Map

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