| In a message dated 2003-01-24 15:15:31 Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Anecdotally, I have been told that the reason each home in the US has its own transformer is due to the problems of distribution. If the 120 volts was carried distances over power lines voltage drop would be an issue. By transforming the high voltage at each home this problem is minimised. My understanding why Australia adopted the 240/415 volt system on the south/east coast, and a 250/440 volt on the west coast, so we can use a single transformer to service a whole street of homes. While three phases pass each home, typically only one of these is brought into the home for a 240 volt 80 amp single phase service. Actually, the USA and Canada provide a transformer for every 4-8 homes. Only those way out in rural areas have their own individual transformers, due to the distance between houses or farms. Carleton |
