Single phase, split phase, and 3-phase are the standard terms. The neutral is a reference point to the sine wave on the single phase. The wave goes above and below the neutral by 120v in a standard system. With split phase the 2 phases are 180 deg. from each other so the voltage is double the single phase. There is no neutral required since the phases are relative to each other. Sometimes an appliance will have a neutral because there is some single phase in use by the appliance as well. For 3 phase the phases are 120 deg. apart and again generally no neutral. The purpose of the ground is to be a better path than you for AC current to travel back to the source in the case of a short. The confusion over neutral/ground in AC is because both are always at the same potential at the source or panel but the neutral is expected to regularly carry some voltage where the ground is not. Also of note - in a DC circuit the voltage flow is from NEG -> POS not from POS -> NEG. This was controversial for some time but has long been settled. There is no unused voltage. The resistance in the DC circuit limits the draw.
Thanks a bunch. Your videos are GREAT!
Single phase, split phase, and 3-phase are the standard terms. The neutral is a reference point to the sine wave on the single phase. The wave goes above and below the neutral by 120v in a standard system. With split phase the 2 phases are 180 deg. from each other so the voltage is double the single phase. There is no neutral required since the phases are relative to each other. Sometimes an appliance will have a neutral because there is some single phase in use by the appliance as well. For 3 phase the phases are 120 deg. apart and again generally no neutral. The purpose of the ground is to be a better path than you for AC current to travel back to the source in the case of a short. The confusion over neutral/ground in AC is because both are always at the same potential at the source or panel but the neutral is expected to regularly carry some voltage where the ground is not. Also of note - in a DC circuit the voltage flow is from NEG -> POS not from POS -> NEG. This was controversial for some time but has long been settled. There is no unused voltage. The resistance in the DC circuit limits the draw.
Thanks for your apport. I appreciate it.