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The wiring in most homes consists of three wires Two wires make up an electric circuit What is the purpose of the third wire?
Wiki User
∙ 9y ago
A short answer to this question is: the purpose of the third wire is that it is installed to provide a safety wire that will carry any ground current if a fault condition occurs.
For more complete information please see the answer to the Related Question shown below.
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There are two main types of cables used in home wiring for the secondary branch circuits. One is a two wire cable and the other is a three wire cable . Whenever these cables are referred to, the bare ground wire is not included in the wire count as it is not a current carrying conductor. Most predominant is the two wire cable used for most circuits. The use of the three wire cable is for split kitchen receptacles and wiring of three way switches. In a big sq foot area home, three wire cables are sometimes used to take two circuits to the other end of the house instead of using 2 two wire feeders. These types of circuits use the common white wire for the neutral and the red and black wires for the two hot circuits.
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As always, if you are in doubt about what to do, the best advice anyone should give you is to call a licensed electrician to advise what work is needed.
Before you do any work yourself,
on electrical circuits, equipment or appliances,
always use a test meter to ensure the circuit is, in fact, de-energized.
IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY SURE YOU CAN DO THIS JOB
SAFELY AND COMPETENTLY
REFER THIS WORK TO QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Wiki User
∙ 9y agoA three wire 120/240 volt system is created by centre tapping a 240 volt coil. The two lines of the 240 volt secondary coil of a distribution transformer are designated L1 and L2. The centre tap of the 240 volt coil is designated N which stands for neutral. The neutral centre tap is grounded to zero potential earth. As the 240 volt coil is centre tapped it splits the coil into two equal halves. This creates a condition, by having the two coils in series with each other that the total 240 volts is also split into two dropping 120 volts across each coil. From L1 to N is equal to 120 volts. From L2 to N is equal to 120 volts. From L1 to L2 is equal to 240 volts. In North America this is the voltages that are used in home wiring. By centre tapping this secondary transformer coil it allows appliances of both 120 and 240 volts to be used simultaneously to operate in the home. Larger wattage demand loads are connected to the 240 volt connections while smaller appliance wattages are connected to either of the two 120 volt connections.
As you state only two wires completes a circuit but by this type of connection twice the amount of circuits can be obtained at the 120 volt level. On a distribution panel of 40 circuits you can have 40 - 120 volt circuits or 20 - 240 volt circuits or any combination of the two depending on the specifications of the equipment to be connected.
Wiki User
∙ 9y agoThe standard colour coding for UK electrical wiring is: Live - Brown. Neutral - Blue. Earth - Green and yellow stripe.
Wiki User
∙ 9y agoground current
Ryan Steffans
ground circut
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Can you hook up a 240V circuit in series to a dryer and electric range?
The short answer is no. First off I assume you mean "can you have a dryer and an electric range on the same circuit?" (If they were actually wired in series, then you couldn't use your range if the dryer was off) In theory you could have them on the same circuit you just need to make sure that the wiring and the circuit they are on can handle the number of amps the two of them could draw together. If your breaker isn't big enough, it kill the power to the range while you are cooking dinner. If the wiring can't handle the load, then there is a fire risk. A dryer is usually on a 30amp circuit and a range is usually on a 50amp circuit, so to have them together would require an 80amp circuit, which will be difficult to find a breaker and wiring for.
What does a ring around wires mean in a wiring diagram?
A ring around wires in a wiring diagram most often represents a ring circuit in the wiring. A ring circuit is a wiring technique commonly seen in devices from the United Kingdom.
Type of circuit that is used in house wiring?
Both series and parallel circuits are used What_types_of_circuits_are_used_in_homes. If the circuit is a dedicated circuit which means that there is only one device in the circuit, then it is a series circuit. All the rest will be classed as parallel circuits.
What is a wiring diagram?
A wiring diagram is a detailed diagram of each circuit installation showing all the wiring, connectors terminal boards, and electrical or electrical componets of the circuits.
How electric wiring's done?
smoke and mirrors mainly
Where is a parallel circuit used?
All house wiring consists of parallel circuits.
What are the functions of an electric fuse in a an electric appliance?
To prevent an overload or short from causing the wiring in the circuit supplying power to the appliance from overheating and possibly catching on fire. The fuse is there to protect the wiring and not what is plugged into that circuit.
What is purpose of the Earth wiring?
When there is too much current flowing through a circuit the earth wire will take the current away and prevent someone from getting an electric shock
What has the author William J Meese written?
William J. Meese has written: 'Analysis of current technology on electrical connections in residential branch circuit wiring' -- subject(s): Electric connectors, Interior Electric wiring
What is the purpose of the National Electric Code in America?
The purpose of the National Electric Code (NEC) in America is to have a universal safe way of installing electrical wiring and equipment. It was first published in 1897.
What is the proper ampere rating of circuit breaker for electric arc welder?
The proper ampere rating of a circuit breaker for an electric arc welder depends on the arc welder. Each is different. Look at the nameplate on the arc welder and choose the circuit breaker and wiring accordingly.
How do i find if wiring circuit is broken?
A multimeter will help you find if the wiring circuit is broken.
Wiring diagram for Electric bike?
Yes you can diagram the wiring of an electric nike
Can you hook up a 240V circuit in series to a dryer and electric range?
The short answer is no. First off I assume you mean "can you have a dryer and an electric range on the same circuit?" (If they were actually wired in series, then you couldn't use your range if the dryer was off) In theory you could have them on the same circuit you just need to make sure that the wiring and the circuit they are on can handle the number of amps the two of them could draw together. If your breaker isn't big enough, it kill the power to the range while you are cooking dinner. If the wiring can't handle the load, then there is a fire risk. A dryer is usually on a 30amp circuit and a range is usually on a 50amp circuit, so to have them together would require an 80amp circuit, which will be difficult to find a breaker and wiring for.
Does it make any difference which way you hold the material in the circuit?
Indeed the order and position are vital to the performance of an electric circuit. This is even true for house wiring. (A switch should be before a lamp, not after, and so on.)
What is the purpose of car fuses?
To protect the wiring within a circuit from overheating and possibly causing a fire. When more current flows through the circuit than it is safely able to carry the fuse will blow. Assuming the correct amp fuse is used in the circuit. It will also blow if there is a short in the wiring. It is very important to always use the correct fuse.
What has the author A J Coker written?
A. J. Coker has written: 'Questions and answers on automobile electrical systems' -- subject(s): Automobiles, Electric equipment 'Electric Wiring' 'Electric wiring (domestic)' -- subject(s): Buildings, Dwellings, Electric apparatus and appliances, Electric equipment, Electric wiring, Handbooks, manuals, Installation, Interior Electric wiring 'Questions and answers on electric motors' -- subject(s): Electric motors
