North American versus European distribution systems (2011)

Re:North American versus European distribution systems (2011) by unclewaltr on Monday August 26, 2019 @09:43AM (#20799794)

I agree, most appliances in the US run on 240 volts, but this is separate from 3 phase. Most households only wire up single phase electrics. Both can support 120v or 240v appliances, but appliances designed for 3 phase are more efficient in their energy use and less prone to overload your breaker.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:North American versus European distribution systems (2011) by 13of40 on Monday August 26, 2019 @09:58AM (#20799893)

Not trying to be snarky, but it seems like for an oven to be less efficient, it would need to be releasing energy as something other than heat.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:North American versus European distribution systems (2011) by unclewaltr on Monday August 26, 2019 @10:26AM (#20800101)

I was not referring to the efficiency of a specific appliance. I didn't mention an oven in my comment. Three phase distribution is more efficient and mechanical appliances designed for three phase can take advantage of that.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:North American versus European distribution systems (2011) by monocasa on Monday August 26, 2019 @10:14AM (#20800013)

Or it doesn't insulate as well and has to inject more energy to maintain a certain temperature.

[ Parent | on HN ]