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208 volt vs 240 volt

by Ismael Deckow Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

What is the difference between 208-volt and 240-volt? 240-volt is single-phase power, while 208-volt is 3-phase power. Phase refers to the method of delivery of the power load. 3 phase requires 3 wires

The difference between 208V three phase, and 240V single phase, is how the voltage is derived. 240V single phase is obtained by taking a single leg of three-phase power. 208V three phase is obtained by taking two legs of three-phase power.Feb 25, 2007

Full Answer

Is 230V the same as 208v?

In North America, the terms 220V, 230V, and 240V all refer to the same system voltage level. However, 208V refers to a different system. In North America, the utility companies are required to deliver split phase 240VAC for residential use.

Is 208 volts and 220 volts the same?

think globally. 208V is a line to line voltage of a 208/120Y system. 220V is a line to ground voltage of a 380/220Y system. 240V is the line to ground of a 415/240Y system. The important dfference, othere than maybe having too high or low a voltage, is that one of the input leads is either ground referenced or both are hot.

How do you get 208 voltage?

How do you get 208 voltage? The formula is volts times the square root of 3, which happens to be rounded off to 1.732. For 2 lines each carrying 120 volts, the calculation for this is 120 volts times 1.732, and the result is rounded up to 208 volts. That's why we call it a 208 volt three phase circuit, or a 208 volt 3 phase line. In respect to ...

Is 208v always 3 phase?

Voltage between three hot wires (hot 1, hot 2 & hot 3) = 208V Three Phase Voltage between any two hot wires = 208V Single Phase Voltage between any hot wire and Neutral = 120V Single Phase.

Can I use 208V instead of 240V?

In short, just because a 208v motor may be designed to run on 230v or 240v systems by using two power legs from the utility source, that doesn't mean that it will provide the same output efficiency. You will see differences in performance if you try to use 208v when 240v is typically required.

Is 208 volts and 220 volts the same?

In North America, the terms 220V, 230V, and 240V all refer to the same system voltage level. However, 208V refers to a different system voltage level. In North America, the utility companies are required to deliver split phase 240VAC for residential use.

What is 208 voltage used for?

The most common commercial building electric service in North America is 120/208 volt wye, which is used to power 120 volt plug loads, lighting, and smaller HVAC systems. In larger facilities the voltage is 277/480 volt and used to power single phase 277 volt lighting and larger HVAC loads.

How do you tell a 208 from a 240?

1:526:25How is 208 volts different than 230/240 volts? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd we split it in half into two separate phases with that neutral in the middle but in the case ofMoreAnd we split it in half into two separate phases with that neutral in the middle but in the case of 208. 208 really isn't single phase 208 is actually two phases we're taking two phases out of three.

Is 208 and 240 the same?

The difference between 208V three phase, and 240V single phase, is how the voltage is derived. 240V single phase is obtained by taking a single leg of three-phase power. 208V three phase is obtained by taking two legs of three-phase power.

Can I plug 220V into 208V?

No. It would have to be a 240 Volt system. The reason why it's rated at 220 volts is because of the voltage drop in the branch circuit conductors.

Is 208V single or three-phase?

120/208V single phase is derived from 208V three phase power. If viewed on an oscilloscope, the three voltage waveforms on the three “hot” conductors all peak at different times: each one is 120 degrees behind the next.

Does 208V have a neutral?

208V 3 Phase power has 3 electrical legs (phases) evenly spaced in a circle (360 degrees / 3 phases = 120 degrees) around a center (neutral). Each leg (phase) provides power (phase voltage) at a unique angle (phase angle) to the center (neutral).

Is 240V 3 phase the same as 208V 3 phase?

208V is *not* the same as 240V. 208V is the voltage between phases of a 3-phase “Y” circuit that is 120V from neutral to any hot. 480V is the voltage between phases of a 3-phase “Y” circuit that's 277V from hot to neutral.

How do I know if my outlet is 240V?

How to Identify 240-Volt Outlets? The 240-volt outlets are larger than 120-volt outlets, and they have rounded tops with three or four holes. The top hole of an older three-prong 240-volt plugs looks like a backward 'L'and the other two holes are diagonally placed on the sides.

Why is 240V called single-phase?

In a more general sense, this kind of AC power supply is called single phase because both voltage waveforms are in phase, or in step, with each other. The term “single phase” is a counterpoint to another kind of power system called “polyphase” which we are about to investigate in detail.

How can I get 208V single-phase?

To do so, simply connect the two hot output wires of the CB and connect to the load point. Connect the neutral as well if needed. This way, a three pole circuit breaker will power up a single phase 208V circuit as shown in the fig above.

Can you run a 208 volt motor on 230 volts?

Even though the system voltage of 3 phase 208 is within the -10% rating of the three phase 230 v motor, the 208 is allowed to vary to -10% or 187 volts -- and the motor will not work at that level.

Is 208 volts single or three-phase?

120/208V single phase is derived from 208V three phase power. If viewed on an oscilloscope, the three voltage waveforms on the three “hot” conductors all peak at different times: each one is 120 degrees behind the next.

What does 120V 208V mean?

120/208VAC means that power distribution is 3 phase with neutral connection (Y System). 120V represents voltage of each phase to neutral point and 208V represents voltage between any two phases. For balance systems, line to neutral voltage is line to line voltage divided by 1.73 (Sq. root of 3).

Does 208V single-phase have a neutral?

IN a single phase 208v application in most cases no neutral is needed, is there no return path.

What is the difference between a 208V and 240V power supply?

Apart from the obvious differences in overall voltage, 208 and 240v power supplies use the electrical company’s power differently. The motors also see entirely different sine waveforms.

What voltage is a split phase motor?

Single- and split-phase motors are usually 240v or 230v. Some split-phase power sources may be 220v, 120v, 115v, and so on, but higher-voltage applications are more common nowadays. You’ll probably see 240v the most often, but you may see some even higher voltages, like 245v or 246v.

How far out of phase are the sine waves of a split phase motor?

Remember when I said that the sine waves of split-phase motors are 180° out of phase? The power legs of 208v motors are actually 120° out of phase. The distance between the sine waves isn’t totally opposite. They can’t reach their full potential if they don’t directly oppose each other, and the voltage is lower overall as a result.

Why is a single phase power called a split phase?

We also refer to single-phase power as split-phase power because the single-phase power can split into two separate, opposing phases. If you look at a waveform, you’ll notice three lines: two opposite sines and one flat line. The flat line is the center tap, and the sines are the split phases.

Can a 208V motor run on 230V?

You can’t expect the same degree of performance when you use 208v on 230v (or higher) applications. For example, when you use a 208v motor in a residential condensing unit that typically requires 230v, the unit won’t run at its full capacity.

Do electric motors rotate?

As you know, electric motors rotate in a circular motion. We don’t view the corresponding voltage as a circle, though. We visualize and map voltage patterns as sines, which are wavy lines that rise and fall at a regular rate on a chart.

Can a single phase motor be rated for 208V?

You may notice that some single-phase motors are rated for 208/230v. So, it may seem like the motor will find ways to make up for the lower voltage. That’s not quite how these motors work. You’ll see some differences in performance if you use a 230v motor for a 208v application, even if it’s rated for both.

208V vs 240V: Quick Comparison

Before going on to the detailed discussion, you can get a basic understanding from the quick comparison I mentioned here:

208V vs 240V: Detailed Comparison

As you’ve come this far, I guess you want to dive deeper to compare them thoroughly. I’ve divided the 208V vs 240V comparison into some different categories. So, let’s hop in to compare the both.

The Dilemma Situation: Use Which Instead Of Which?

Electrical devices are designed to work properly in the prescribed voltage. So, substituting one with the other is not really an ideal solution.

Final Verdict

From the discussion above, I can say that the better option for you will depend on the purpose of your use.

FAQs

Answer: Yes, a three-phase 220V can work on 208V, but the torque will be down.

Conclusion

Electrical equipment can do wonders, but they are tricky also. So, always follow the proper guidelines and safety precautions.

What is the difference between a 240V and 208V system?

The difference between a 240v system and a 208v system is 32v.: grin:

What is 120/208/240?

120/208 is derived from two legs of three phase power. From the pics (Nova's), it seems that the delta could essentially carry 120/208/240, with the 208 from L2 to Grn. The Wye system looks like it won't achieve anything past 208V. So in a residential setting, would the transformer be a Delta? Then if this is the case, you have L1, L3 and Grn coming into the house, where's L2?#N#Back on page 21 this guy asks this, "single phase to three phase converters", they talk about rotary vs. static phase converters. Are these creating three phases out of the one leg of three phase? and if they are, would it make a different again if it were a wye or a Delta Transformer?#N#Following the follow-up of 422.60A, I also referred to 422.61 for the listing of the elements, the unit has been modified it seems (30 Amp cord and Plug for what I'm coming up with at 38.46 Amp). I found a wiring diagram on the junction box cover plate. After clean up I can barely make out that it shows Single and Three Phase wiring. All my numbers are lost so I will refer to the manufacturer. Why I was checking is that the newer units and replacement elements come as 208 and 240. Making it work isn't the issue, now it's about phase conversion and why would one system (Wye vs. Delta, 208V vs. 240V) be better than the other and for what structure application. Is it about money and the ease of power distribution? Or is there a valid reason for the difference? Then another explaination please, some of the guys doing the multiplexes were wiring with three phase and there were others wiring with the Single phase. I didn't have the chance to install the cans so I'm wondering now what woild be the difference? If in the three phase units wouldn't be hard to get the 240V for the household appliances? Thanks, if you can.

How many hot legs are there in a single phase panel?

In both cases, you have two 'hot' legs that are 120V from the grounded conductor. In both cases you use a 'single phase' panel that has two 'hot' bus bars, one 'neutral' bus bar and (sometimes) one 'ground' bus bar.

What is the primary voltage for a lab?

The primary could be 208V, but this is unlikely, used perhaps in a lab or for a single machine that needs 480V where the building supply is 120/208V.

What voltage is 120/240?

From the midpoint to any line reads 120V, and from line-to-line (the full voltage) reads 240V. Imagine planting a black flag in the sand, walking 120 steps in a straight line, planting a white flag, and then walking another 120 steps in the same line to plant a red flag at the end.

How many steps does it take to plant a blue flag in a 120/208 system?

You walk 120 steps away from the white flag, and plant a black flag. You return to the white flag, turn 120 degrees, and walk another 120 steps, planting a red flag. You return to the white flag, turn 120 degrees, and walk 120 steps to plant a blue flag.

Is a single phase load a line to neutral load?

In both cases, only single phase loads are served, either line to neutral loads, or line to line loads.

What voltage is commercial lighting?

commercial application, much of the load is at 480V. The lighting,

What is the voltage stepped down in a secured electrical room?

voltage stepped down in a secured electrical room to 480Y/277. One or

Is voltage balanced in a floor?

voltage. The diversity of the floors are approximately balanced.

Is 208V a pain in the A?

208V. It's a pain in the A though if residents don't understand and

Can a 208 volt generator be used for 240 volts?

designed for 240. You can 208 volt equipment but it costs more and

How many volts are in a 277/480?

Just like 120/208 means that between hot and neutral you have 120 volts, and between two hots you have 240 – in a 277/480 service the voltage between hot and neutral is 277 and the voltage between two phase (hot) conductors is 480 volts. It’s just a lot stronger push.

What is medium voltage?

Next is the Medium Voltages that we use as electricians, and this is anything from 100 volts to 250 volts. This is typically what you’ll see in homes and small businesses. 120 volts and 240 volts for a single-phase, and 120, 208, and 240 for three-phase. Depending on how a transformer is wound at the service, you’ll have 208/120 or 240/120, and in the case of a 3phase 4wire Delta application, you’ll have 208/240/120 all in the same service.

What is a low voltage system?

Low Voltage systems (50 volts and below) are typically used for communication and signaling. These are far less dangerous voltages to come into contact with which is why they’re not regulated by the National Electrical Code. These are 5, 10, 12, 16, 20, 24 volts for example.

What is the difference between 240 and 208?

It works the other way too. If you cut the voltage in half, the power is 1/4, since 1/2 squared is 1/4. In the case of 240 vs. 208, the change in voltage is 0.866 times... which squared is 0.7511.... 4500 x 0.7511 = 3380.

Is AC voltage based on resistance heating?

AC voltages are based on resistance heating so it's straightforward...

Can a 208 watt unit operate at 240 watts?

Essentially you have a dual wattage unit. If you want the unit to operate at 208 the same as 240, you need to up your watts which will probably mean upping your volts, if that makes sense.

Single-Phase vs. Three-Phase Power

Image
Your home electrical service in the United States is almost surely 120-volts alternating current single-phase power. Single-phase power is delivered through one wire and a neutral wire. You may recognize these as the black and white wires that you find in the electrical box if you replace a light fixture or repair a wall switc…
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Beware of The Following

  1. Before attempting any alterations or addition to your electrical service, please consult with a qualified electrician.  Electricity is a wonderful thing, but it can also be dangerous.
  2. Make sure any equipment you purchase is suitable for the type of electrical service.  Never try to run three-phase equipment in a single-phase system. Without special knowledge, changing single-pha...
  1. Before attempting any alterations or addition to your electrical service, please consult with a qualified electrician.  Electricity is a wonderful thing, but it can also be dangerous.
  2. Make sure any equipment you purchase is suitable for the type of electrical service.  Never try to run three-phase equipment in a single-phase system. Without special knowledge, changing single-pha...
  3. Follow all the manufacturer’s guidelines and safety precautions when using any electrical equipment or tools, no matter which type of system you are using.

Before You Plug-In

  • This short explanation of the differences, benefits, and downsides of each type of electrical system is just an introduction. I hope it gives you a better understanding of the types of delivery systems and why 208-volts and 240-volts are different. Before you plug-in, make sure that your appliance or tool is compatible with the voltage and type of delivery system you are using.
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Resources

  • Here are some resources we used to put this article together for you. 1. Fluke https://www.fluke.com/en-us/learn/blog/power-quality/single-phase-vs-three-phase-power 2. OEM Panels http://www.oempanels.com/what-does-single-and-three-phase-power-mean 3. Aegis Power Systems, Inc http://aegispower.com/index.php/blog/179-what-s-the-difference-between-si…
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