Why is there 208 volts?

Answer 1

208 volts is what is measured when looking at three phases of 120 volt electricity. In three phase electricity, rather than just providing one push of voltage, it provide three rapid pushes of electricity. This allows additional power without the danger of a higher voltage. Unfortunately because it is phased, while some currents are moving in one direction others are moving in the opposite direction. As a result you can not measure the full force the electricity at any one moment in time. The full force would normally be 360 volts [3 phases x 120 volts]. But because of the cancelling out of currents you can only measure the root mean square of the voltage at any moment in time. That would be the square root of the number of phases multiplied by the voltage [squareroot (3) x 120 volts] which equal 208 volts.

Answer 2

The voltage in an electrical system can vary depending on the country's standards and regulations. In some regions, like North America, the standard voltage for residential homes is 120 volts. However, in other regions, like Europe, the standard voltage can be 230 volts. In commercial and industrial settings, a higher voltage of 208 volts is sometimes used to power equipment and machinery.

Answer 3

A typical three-phase system in North America, between the phases will have 208 volts. It is basically the distribution of alternating current electric power.