Comments by "eDoc2020" (@eDoc2020) on "The US electrical system is not 120V" video.

  1. Then we can start badgering you about only having 400v where here in the US we use 277/480v in industrial applications.
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  2.  @mmmhorsesteaks  Ground fault interruption is usually handled by a device downstream of the breaker. The receptacle underneath Alec's panel has an integrated GFCI (which may also protect additional downstream outlets.) This is the standard setup in the US.
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  3. The secret is we only have one phase going to residential areas. The second leg is an exact opposite (180 degree) instead of 120 degrees as if it were three phase. I hope this makes sense. In areas with true three phase, you indeed cannot get an entire 240v from two phases.
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  4. Modern American RVs with more electrical use a four pin 120/240v 50a connector.
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  5. In the US, the neutral and ground are connected at exactly one point. Since that point is the the service panel, you are permitted to interchange the two there. In subpanels the two must be kept separate. Note that different countries use different earthing types.
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  6. No, we use 120v because we've always used that, even in the late 1800s. The plugs came later in the 1910s. We couldn't change because that would render too much existing equipment obsolete.
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  7. 0:48 Nope, we don't have 240v at our disposal here in the US. Only 120v. A little food grinder in the sink doesn't draw enough power to require 240v.
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  8. It actually is still allowed. But it is uncommon. If you take a closer look you may notice that they are actually only one unit. Some manufacturers create double pole breakers which look very similar to two single pole breakers bound together.
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  9. Actually, by that definition 240v systems are actually 415v because of phase separation. Now, do those high power appliances really use the 415v or do they just have multiple 240v inputs?
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  10. The NEMA 6-15 plugs you are mentioning are actually fairly uncommon. Most 240v outlets in US households are dryer and range sockets (NEMA 14-30 and 14-50, or NEMA 10-30 and 10-50 in older houses.)
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  11. Yes, they are exact mirror images of each other.
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  12. No, it's fine. The neutral wires could have a bit less insulation uncovered but it's not excessive. It may look scary to you but that's how it's done here. Technically the panel won't pass current code but only because nowadays we need to use fancy electronic circuit breakers to detect arcs.
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