3.1M views · Jun 22, 2020 · 24:26 · 4 HN recommenders · 8 mentions · discussed 2021–2026
Technology Connections explains that US household power is split-phase, with two 120V legs that combine to 240V for large appliances. It covers the breaker panel and how the system works.
Why Hacker News points people here: HN commenters point to it to correct misconceptions about US voltage and to explain 240V availability in American homes.
“There's a lot of misconceptions about US electricity. This video does a nice job at pointing out the good and the bad.”HN comment, 2022
“Relevant video: Technology Connections”
Explains the breaker panel and how US homes get 240V.
Relevant video: Technology Connections, "The US electrical system is not 120V", where there is a (long) discussion of how the breaker panel works and how you get 240V. this video
“There's a lot of misconceptions about US electricity. This video does a nice job at pointing out the good and the bad.”
Corrects misconceptions about US electricity, good and bad.
There's a lot of misconceptions about US electricity. This video does a nice job at pointing out the good and the bad. this video
“Technology Connections (YouTube) explains this fairly well”
Explains US 240V split-phase for large appliances.
Single family homes in America are 240v rails for large appliances, like stoves/ovens, furnaces, and dryers (two-phase). Technology Connections (YouTube) explains this fairly well: > this video
“Reminds me of this great Technology Connections video”
Great video on US voltage.
Huh, what?! Mega TIL moment for me as an Australian with an electric kettle and dryer plugged into whatever power socket I wish! Reminds me of this great Technology Connections video: this video
“There's probably a large overlap between software people and people who subscribe to Technology Connections”
There's probably a large overlap between software people and people who subscribe to Technology Connections: this video
“The US (and CA) runs on 240V as well”
US runs on split 240V.
The US (and CA) runs on 240V as well, it's just split in half for smaller appliances. See requisite Technology Connections video: * this video My stove and clothes dryer are certainly not 120V.
“a 2020 video about different voltages in the US electrical systems”
Covers different voltages in the US electrical system.
A 2022 Technology Connections video explores various ways to boil water: link And a 2020 video about different voltages in the US electrical systems: this video
“Plenty of US home appliances are already 240 volt; this is a solved problem.”
Shows US homes already have 240V.
> Also our infra not being 240v is hurting us. The rest of the world can just plug in overnight to any regular outlet and it is good enough for almost any commute. US homes don't need any significant accommodations for 240 volt infra. Plenty of US home appliances are already 240 volt; this is a solved problem. this video
