It's always something in Philadelphia....
History of Undergrounding Electrical Wires in Center City - http://www.philadelphiaspeaks.com/threads/history-of-undergrounding-electrical-wires-in-center-city.30345/
Two-phase electric power - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Two-phase_electric_power
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By Fran

13 thoughts on “Mains pains – two phase days”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Nagy Péter says:

    Connecting ground to neutral when there is no ground wire is worse than having an ungrounded outlet.If the neutral disconnects(loose connection,oxidation,wire breaks from bending,accidentally someone drills or cuts it) every grounded metalwork will be live.That places needs to be rewired.

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Grant Imahara says:

    I came here seeking information about 2 phase wiring.

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Cherry's DIY says:

    Beautiful design on those transformers!

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars fanplant says:

    I'm having trouble wrapping my head around this. Regardless 2p or 3p the transformer creating the power (prob scott T) has potential from the 2 LEGS in your shop panel to ground at 120V. So as I look at it you are using the conduit system as a current conductor (besides the lack of a seperate ground). So you have 120 in the building but for some reason you dont have the 3rd conductor (call it a neutral here) in your shop panel that was marked 240 only in official sharpie? I'm open here, I understand I've never worked or been to phili but this is a strange one Fran. I'm going to copy and paste this in the 2020 pic you posted so it might get more eyes on it.

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Country Craftsman says:

    The American Electrician Handbook has great info on 2 phase systems.

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Shawn Clifton says:

    It is not "wrong" if you are maintaining the standard already in use.

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Emily Poppino says:

    I just tried to open the page with the history of underground wiring in Center City, and the site gave a simple database error.

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars John Smith says:

    Three phase in the uk 230v

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars cepwin says:

    Interesting….wonder how safe it is.

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars deweys says:

    Can you do a tour of the substation? Really interesting

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Stian Skjelstad says:

    Similar to how most installation (except the newly build housing areas) in Norway are done. We run 3-phases without a center-tap, so we have 2 Live wires + ground in each power outlet, giving 240 Volts.

    New built power substations run at 400 Volts in order to be compatible, with the earlier 240 Volts system, giving 240 Volts between each phase and neutral. ALL THAT POWER!!!

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Hi-Smart Alarms says:

    I hate they are gonna tear down your building with that nice old technology.

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars dennis walsh says:

    Shading coils, capacitors, "start windings" and some "centrifugal switches", don't forget them.

    Your channel is great.

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