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    The US electrical system is not 120V

    Technology Connections

    4 HN recommenders · recommended in 8 months, 2021–2026

    YouTube

    24:26 · 3.1M views · Jun 22, 2020

    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.

    HN commenters point to it to correct misconceptions about US voltage and to explain 240V availability in American homes.

    Earth, Energy & EnvironmentPower grid, heating & buildingsHome, DIY & practical skills
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    8 comments from Hacker News

    1. @jamesbfbSep 2024· in “Serving AI from the Basement – 192GB of VRAM Setup”

      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

      RecommendsView on HN
    2. @RimintilJan 2023· in “A US federal agency is considering a ban on gas stoves”

      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

      RecommendsView on HN
    3. @kruadorNov 2021· in “Museum of Plugs and Sockets”

      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

      RecommendsView on HN
    4. @coreyp_1Aug 2022· in “A looming copper crunch and why recycling can’t fix it”

      There's a lot of misconceptions about US electricity. This video does a nice job at pointing out the good and the bad. this video

      RecommendsView on HN
    5. @kibwenMay 2026· in “California leaders report four to six weeks worth of gasoline and diesel supply”

      > 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

      CitesView on HN