ECN Forum Forums Photo Discussion Forums Photo Gallery 240/208 to a house

This is a house in my town, Oradell NJ, with 3 phase power, 240VAC (center tap to ground) with a wild leg at 208V. Delta open leg, I think it's called. I understand the code no longer permits this, as it says the highest voltage in a new house is not higher than 120V to ground. I think the 3 phase power is for the house central air. House I think dates back to the early 1960's, and maybe the only central air system you could get was a 3 phase (the sort intended for commercial sites and offices?)

Phoenix, AZ had quite a few residences with 3Ø power, some used the now prohibited "delta breaker", or 2 discos, 1Ø, for the home & the other 3Ø, for the A/C unit. it's 120/240V, not 240/208V.

For a view of what a delta breaker looks like & how it works, see here. https://www.electrical-contractor.net/forums/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/152376/page/16

I had one that could have been a "twin" to what I see in the pics. It was a real collection of 'lectric work' done over a lot of years. The HVAC was 3 phase once upon a time.

House had a bad few years; owner put a 2 story addition on left side, & added a 200 amp, 1 phase service. Ha!! POCO said, no way, and 'see the Twp. Insp. red sticker' About a year and half later, house was sold, and finally brought to code.