What is a "wild" leg?

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Originally Posted By: Ed Griffin
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What is a “wild” leg and what should I know about voltage to ground? I have encountered the term a couple times now, but have not found any particular definintion anyplace?


Thanks

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Originally Posted By: Joe Tedesco
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Quote:

215.8 Means of Identifying Conductor with the Higher Voltage to Ground. On a 4-wire, delta-connected secondary where the midpoint of one phase winding is grounded to supply lighting and similar loads, the phase conductor having the higher voltage to ground shall be identified by an outer finish that is orange in color or by tagging or other effective means. Such identification shall be placed at each point where a connection is made if the grounded conductor is also present. Where the midpoint of one phase winding is grounded in order to supply 120-volt lighting and similar loads from a delta-connected, 3-phase secondary, one phase conductor will have a higher voltage to ground. An orange finish, orange tape, or other effective means identifies this phase conductor at any point, such as junction or pull boxes or panelboards, where connections may be made and the grounded conductor is also present. The orange high leg of a 3-phase, 4-wire 240/120-volt delta system is 208 volts to ground (120 volts multiplied by 1.73 equals 208 volts) and should obviously not be used for 120-volt circuits. See 110.15, 230.56, and 408.3(E) for details on high-leg marking and phase arrangement. The conductor with the higher voltage to ground is identified in Exhibit 215.2 as having an orange finish. The identification must be visible at every point where a connection is made if the grounded conductor (neutral) is present.

courtesy: www.nfpa.org

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Joe Tedesco

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Originally Posted By: jonofrey
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I knew a Gal with a “wild leg” once. Every time I’d say “Hey Honey”, she’d kick me in the @ss!

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Inspection Nirvana!

We're NACHI. Get over it.

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Originally Posted By: gbeaumont
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Hi Joe,


not only did I not understand the question, I am relieved to find that I did not understand the answer either.     

I am glad you proved my consistency  

regards
Gerry

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Gerry Beaumont
NACHI Education Committee
e-mail : education@nachi.org
NACHI phone 484-429-5466

Inspection Depot Education
gbeaumont@inspectiondepot.com

"Education is a journey, not a destination"

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Originally Posted By: jfarsetta
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Gerry,


Joes reference pertained to commercial power wiring and distribution. Next time you inspect a house with 3 or 4 phase power, call me. I'll buy you a beer, while we stand back and look at the panel board like cows staring at a passing train 

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Joe Farsetta

Illigitimi Non Carborundum
"Dont let the bastards grind you down..."

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Originally Posted By: jmyers
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Joe F.


I'll take that beer now. I inspected a house in the city with a three phase panel. No, it was not hooked up to three phase but the panel was capable of it!

Now that I have your attention, I found three phase in the city on a store front, with apartments above it.

Pass me a budweiser please.

Joe Myers

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Originally Posted By: rpalac
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Joe,


I don't know where down in the city but along Delaware Avenue as far as 6 th &Chestnut they still have 2 phase 5 wire. That's an unusual animal that most people have no clew about. It was run at the turn of the century and they still haven't phased it all out.

Delta and Wye 3 phase services are common in my industry back ground. But like Joe said it is industrial or larger multi-family.

Delta transformation is used for heavy industrial manufacturing......something we sent to Japan Unfortunately. I still service it and it is still needed in some applications but most have been changed to wye connected transformers.

Bob P.

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