I think you are referring to 3 wire service. There is also 3 phase service, wich is usually found in manufacturing settings where higher voltage or amperage is needed. But if its 3 wire service you wonder about, that is simply the 3 wires that come into most homes in the US. Two are 120 volts each, the third is a neutral wire. Each of the hot wires is connected via a main switch to the branch circuit panel, where all your circuit breakers are located. Generally the panels are arranged so half the breakers work off one wire, the other half work off the second 120 volt wire. In the case of an Electric clothes dryer, oven, water pump or HVAC system, it would draw power from both of the hot wires, thus, it would be a 220 volt appliance. Older homes primarly in the Northeast section of the US sometimes are still found with 2 wire service. That means they could not have any 220 volt appliances- which nobody had anyway back in the 1930's when most of the 2 wire installations came to a close.
Chat with our AI personalities
A 3-pole electric service typically refers to a type of electrical system with three separate conductors or poles that can carry current. This configuration is commonly used in three-phase power systems, which are often found in industrial and commercial settings to provide a more balanced and efficient distribution of electrical power.
The wire that runs from the electric meter to the breaker box is called the service entrance cable or service wire. It is responsible for carrying the electricity from the meter into your home's electrical system through the breaker box.
It is not recommended to run coaxial cable in the same PVC conduit as the electric service. The electrical interference from the power lines can degrade the signal quality of the coaxial cable. It is better to run them in separate conduits to avoid interference issues.
It is not safe or recommended to connect a 240V electric cooktop to a 120V service. The cooktop requires 240V to operate properly. You would need to have a dedicated 240V circuit and receptacle installed to connect the cooktop safely.
Hot service wires feeding an electric panel are typically black or red in color. It's important to always consult a professional electrician if you are unsure about the wiring in your electrical panel.
To disconnect service from an electric meter box, you will typically need to contact your utility provider to request a service disconnection. They will send a technician to physically disconnect the service at the electric meter box to ensure it is done safely and in compliance with regulations. It is not recommended to attempt to disconnect the service yourself.