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The loads may be unbalanced.

In North America, the transformer has 3 wires coming from it into the house. The neutral wire is the center tap of the transformer. The other two wires are each 120 volts, 180 degrees out of phase. So if 220 volts is needed, the power is taken from those two 120 volt wires.

If only 120 volts is needed, just one of those wires is used along with the neutral wire. The house wiring should alow the loads to be balanced between the two 120 volt wires, with the neutral as a common. If the loads are not balanced, low voltage on the heavily loaded side could result.

On homes equipped with two cartridge fuses supplying 220 volts to the building, with each fuse connected to one of the two 110 circuits, if one of the cartridge fuses blows while a 220 volt load is running (such as a range or drier), the 110 volt circuit on the side with the blown fuse will draw current through the 220 volt appliance, resulting in reduced voltage to the 110 volt loads on that side because of the voltage drop across the 220 volt appliance. Turning up the heat control on a range top element can cause lights on the affected side to go from dim to full brightness.

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List three uses for a series circuit and three uses for a parallel circuit?

Series circuit uses: Christmas lights, where failure of one light does not affect the others. Flashlights, providing a constant voltage to the bulb. String of diodes, ensuring that current flows in only one direction. Parallel circuit uses: Home electrical wiring, allowing multiple devices to operate independently. Battery-powered devices, ensuring each component receives the full voltage. Wall outlets, enabling multiple appliances to be plugged in simultaneously.


Can you use a 120V in a 110 outlet?

The reading of 133 volts is a little high for home wiring. Check your meter with another one to see if its calibration is correct. Your lights in the house would be brighter that you were used to if the voltage was that high.


Why do some lights go off in your house when you turn on too many appliances?

In a well designed house the lights are not connected to the same circuit as an appliance. If by going out you are saying that a breaker trips, then your appliances and lights combined are exceeding the rating of the breaker. You either need to rewire and balance the loads better or plug high current appliances into different outlets on another breaker. If you are not tripping breakers, but lights are just dimming you have a bigger problem with inadequate current supplying your house.


What causes the lights in your house to be turned on by turning on the washer machine?

This may happen if the washer machine and the light are connected to the same electrical circuit. When the washer machine turns on, it may cause a power surge that triggers a temporary voltage drop in the circuit, which can cause the lights to dim or flicker momentarily.


If a 1950 era house has 10 gauge wiring for lights and outlets can you safely extend wiring with 12-2 for additional lights and outlets?

Mixing different gauge wires in the same circuit is not recommended as it can lead to electrical hazards. It is better to use the same gauge wire throughout the circuit to maintain consistency in the electrical load. If you're adding new lights and outlets, it's best to use the same gauge wire as the existing one.

Related Questions

How can I safely hang Christmas lights on my house?

To safely hang Christmas lights on your house, use outdoor-rated lights and extension cords, secure lights with clips or hooks designed for the purpose, avoid overloading electrical outlets, and turn off lights when not in use or when you're away from home.


List three uses for a series circuit and three uses for a parallel circuit?

Series circuit uses: Christmas lights, where failure of one light does not affect the others. Flashlights, providing a constant voltage to the bulb. String of diodes, ensuring that current flows in only one direction. Parallel circuit uses: Home electrical wiring, allowing multiple devices to operate independently. Battery-powered devices, ensuring each component receives the full voltage. Wall outlets, enabling multiple appliances to be plugged in simultaneously.


Why do house lights flicker?

House lights may flicker due to issues with the electrical system, such as loose connections, voltage fluctuations, or faulty wiring. These problems can disrupt the flow of electricity to the lights, causing them to flicker.


Can you use a 120V in a 110 outlet?

The reading of 133 volts is a little high for home wiring. Check your meter with another one to see if its calibration is correct. Your lights in the house would be brighter that you were used to if the voltage was that high.


Why are the outlets in my house not working?

There could be several reasons why the outlets in your house are not working. It could be due to a tripped circuit breaker, a blown fuse, a faulty outlet, or a wiring issue. It is recommended to check the circuit breaker panel, replace any blown fuses, and test the outlets with a voltage tester. If the issue persists, it may be best to contact a licensed electrician for further inspection and repairs.


Why do some lights go off in your house when you turn on too many appliances?

In a well designed house the lights are not connected to the same circuit as an appliance. If by going out you are saying that a breaker trips, then your appliances and lights combined are exceeding the rating of the breaker. You either need to rewire and balance the loads better or plug high current appliances into different outlets on another breaker. If you are not tripping breakers, but lights are just dimming you have a bigger problem with inadequate current supplying your house.


What is the peak to peak voltage for the AC line voltage in normal outlets of your house?

Peak - neutral for 120 volts RMS is 169 volts, or 120 * sqrt(2) Peak to peak will be 2 x this value, or 339 volts.


Why do my lights flicker in my house?

Lights in a house may flicker due to various reasons, such as loose connections, faulty wiring, or voltage fluctuations. It is important to have an electrician inspect the issue to ensure safety and proper functioning of the electrical system.


Why do my house lights flicker and how can I fix this issue?

House lights may flicker due to loose connections, faulty wiring, or voltage fluctuations. To fix this issue, you can check and tighten any loose connections, replace faulty light bulbs or fixtures, and consider consulting an electrician to address any wiring or voltage problems.


How can I safely and effectively decorate my house roof with Christmas lights?

To safely and effectively decorate your house roof with Christmas lights, follow these steps: Use outdoor lights rated for exterior use. Check all lights for damage before hanging them. Use a sturdy ladder and have someone spot you. Avoid overloading electrical outlets. Secure lights with clips or hooks, not nails or staples. Turn off lights when not at home or asleep.


What are the best ways to safely hang white wire Christmas lights on the exterior of a house?

The best ways to safely hang white wire Christmas lights on the exterior of a house are to use outdoor-rated extension cords, secure the lights with clips or hooks designed for outdoor use, avoid overloading electrical outlets, and ensure the lights are not in contact with any flammable materials.


What causes the lights in your house to be turned on by turning on the washer machine?

This may happen if the washer machine and the light are connected to the same electrical circuit. When the washer machine turns on, it may cause a power surge that triggers a temporary voltage drop in the circuit, which can cause the lights to dim or flicker momentarily.