Three phase?

[GearBeer]

I had a 200 amp service installed at my house in conjunction with my garage project and everything I know indicates that it is three phase. If it is I would like to get a three phase air compressor instead of the single phase.

You probably can't see it in that picture but there are four wires (three large and one "small") in the bundle.

 

[RPH]

Highly unlokely. Get a meter and check the voltage!

 

[malodin]

what i see is 2 hots, a ground, and a neutral by the way you talk, RPH is right get a meter and check voltage(though likely the way it sits now its not live, maybe it is)

 

[GearBeer]

Alright, I'll check into that.

That particular lead is not live, it's actually going to the back garage. The house and attached garage are live, and powered by a similar lead.

 

[malodin]

i suppose the easiest way to find out is call the power company and ask. more than likely unless 3 of the wires are the exact same size its probably single phase. also you didnt say where you were located or i dont see it(not unheard of on this computer) but there are places that do set down 3 phase right off the bat but if they do you are so so very lucky

 

[35mastr]

Unless you paid extra for three phase in a residential neigborhood which is almost un heard of. You did not get it.

Hook up a meter then post a reply.

 

[btmatt]

Check the pole; there will be 2 transformers for your service.

 

[mrb]

does the meter/main go on that pole?

 

[malibu101]

Check the pole; there will be 2 transformers for your service.

That's true for 3Ø delta.
3Ø wye would have 3 trannys.
In most common applications.

EDIT- Either case, there WILL be more than one for 3Ø service.
One ****** equals single phase service.

 

[ArthurPE]

3 wires w/ground, L1, L2, H & G

could have 2 or 3 xfmrs

2 delta (derived) with a wild leg to get the 120-N/G
3 delta or wye

 

[GearBeer]

Ahhh ha! That's even easier, thanks btmatt and malibu101.

The setup is kinda wierd. The meter is mounted to the side of my workshop.

Then the wire doubles back through the same trench to the pole and will, soon, follow a second trench out to my back garage.

As an aside, what do you more knowledgable folks think of the meter/drop box/breaker box installation shown above and below? I think it's kinda "janky", but so far I understand it's acceptable.

The left most cable goes to the detached garage, the middle cable goes to the meter, and the right most cable subfeeds the "original" box inside the house.