Where is a 240-volt power supply for a residential electrical circuit taken from?

A 240-volt power supply in a residential electrical circuit is typically obtained by connecting to the line side of two separate single-pole branch circuit breakers that are connected to a dual-pole breaker setup. This configuration allows the circuit to draw power from two different phases (or legs) of the electrical service, effectively combining the voltage of both phases to achieve 240 volts.

The reasoning behind this is that most residential electrical systems operate on a split-phase configuration. In this setup, a standard residential electrical service includes two 120-volt lines that are 180 degrees out of phase, which allows for the generation of 240 volts when connected properly. By tapping into the line side of two separate breakers, the circuit utilizes these two 120-volt sources to create a 240-volt supply, which is necessary for certain appliances and equipment that require higher voltage, such as electric dryers, ovens, and water heaters.

Other options do not correctly reflect the proper configuration for obtaining a 240-volt supply. Connecting from the load side of breakers implies that it would be drawing power after the breaker’s current limiting, which could prevent proper operation or even create a safety hazard.