What voltage and phase is typically found in most residential breaker panels?

In most residential breaker panels, the typical voltage and phase configuration is 120/240VAC, 1 phase, 60Hz. This system allows for both 120 volts and 240 volts to be accessed from a single phase supply.

The 120 volts is primarily used for standard household circuits that power lights, outlets, and small appliances, while the 240 volts is typically utilized for larger appliances such as dryers and electric stoves. The ability to have both voltages available increases the flexibility and efficiency of residential electrical systems.

The configuration also reflects how electrical utilities distribute power, providing a split-phase system originating from a center-tapped transformer. This arrangement enables the residential electrical system to effectively serve various load requirements throughout the home.

In contrast, other voltage configurations like 240VAC, 1 phase would only provide one voltage level and would not adequately supply the diverse needs of a typical household, while 120VAC, 1 phase is limited to just the lower voltage. Additionally, 120/240VAC, 3 phase is not common in residential settings; it's generally utilized in commercial or industrial applications due to its complexity and the requirements of three-phase power systems.