Quote:
Originally Posted by Metalman
Greg - Remember you are limited to less than 1/3 the normal available power in this mode... '50amp' service on properly wired pedestal provides a full 50 amps to EACH leg - for 100amp total.
So in that case wouldn't the neutral be carrying 100 amps?
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Metalman
Wedman,
Since we are dealing with a single phase power source, please explain how they can be out of phase from one another.
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When connected at campground with 50-Amp shore line, Line1 can flow up to 50 Amps, and Line2 can also flow up to 50 Amps. But the Neutral does not add, it actually subtracts.
Remember that in alternating current, voltage and current goes from positive to negative, then back to positive and so on. In this case when L1 is at peak positive then L2 is at peak negative. So when L1 is near peak voltage and current, then L2 is flowing in opposite direction. The neutral would actually be close to "0" Amps, not 100 Amps.
I oversimplified above for clarity because it can get more complicated. For the most part, this is the way it typically works. That's why 50-Amp power cord only has one neutral -- it should never see more than 50 Amps on neutral conductor. And that happens when one leg is at 50 Amps and the other at 0 Amps.
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