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What is the standard voltage per branch in a home in the United States?

A) 120 volts
B) 240 volts
C) 460 volts
D) 680 volts

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The standard voltage per branch in a U.S. home is 120 volts. While 240 volts may be used for high-power appliances and 480 volts in industrial settings, 120 volts is the common voltage for typical household outlets.

Step-by-step explanation:

The standard voltage per branch in a home in the United States is 120 volts (Option A). In a typical U.S. home, the potential difference between the sides of an electrical outlet is sinusoidal, alternating at a frequency of 60 Hz with a peak amplitude of 170 V.

However, the equivalent DC voltage, which we commonly use for outlets, is a steady 120 V. While specialized circuits in homes may be rated for 240 volts, for powering heavy-duty appliances like ovens and dryers, standard outlets deliver 120 volts. Furthermore, in some industrial settings, there might be three-phase power systems that provide 460 or 480 V, but this is not the standard for home branches.

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