I recently added a 240 volt dryer circuit. I'm not an electrician or electrical engineer. I read a do it your self book and had no problems what so ever. However, it sparked my curiosity(no pun intended) and I'd like to get a better understanding of the two phases used in US household electric systems. I understand that each hot bus in the panel is 120 volts and they are out of phase with each other, so together there is a potential difference which equals 240 volts. Do all 240 volt appliances require two separate 120 volt out of phase power sources? Do they ever connect each 120 volt wire together making one 240 volt wire? If not, what would happen if this was done? Would the two phases cancel each other out and result in zero volts? Or, would you have a major problem with your electrical system? I'm not thinking about doing this. I just want to get a better understanding of how the system works. I'm also wondering if it's common practice to split your circuits between the two hot buses. Any enlightenment would be appreciated.
Thank you, Steve Smith