Are 120 V circuits in a facility required to be balanced across the three hot lines?

Are 120 V circuits in a facility required to be balanced across the three hot lines?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Depends on the load
• D. Only in commercial settings

Answer: (A)

In a three-phase system, it is generally required to balance the load across the three hot lines to ensure optimal performance and efficiency. A balanced load helps to minimize neutral currents and reduce the risk of overheating in the conductors, which can lead to equipment damage and increased energy losses. Balancing the loads also maximizes the system's efficiency and reliability by ensuring that each phase carries roughly the same current. This practice is especially important in commercial and industrial settings where three-phase power is commonly utilized. When loads are not balanced, one or more phases can become overloaded, leading to adverse effects on the entire electrical system. Therefore, the requirement to maintain balance across the hot lines is critical for safe and effective operation of 120 V circuits in a facility, making this assertion true.

In a three-phase system, it is generally required to balance the load across the three hot lines to ensure optimal performance and efficiency. A balanced load helps to minimize neutral currents and reduce the risk of overheating in the conductors, which can lead to equipment damage and increased energy losses.

Balancing the loads also maximizes the system's efficiency and reliability by ensuring that each phase carries roughly the same current. This practice is especially important in commercial and industrial settings where three-phase power is commonly utilized.

When loads are not balanced, one or more phases can become overloaded, leading to adverse effects on the entire electrical system. Therefore, the requirement to maintain balance across the hot lines is critical for safe and effective operation of 120 V circuits in a facility, making this assertion true.