What danger does the wild leg present?

The wild leg presents a high voltage that can damage 120V components in the circuit. In electrical systems, particularly in three-phase configurations, a "wild leg" refers to one of the conductors that carries a different voltage than the others. Often, this occurs in delta configurations where one leg is ungrounded and can reach a significantly higher voltage.

When a device or component designed to operate at 120V is connected to a wild leg that may be at a higher voltage, it can lead to the overvoltage condition that can cause severe damage. This damage may manifest as overheating, component failure, or even complete destruction of the sensitive 120V components within the circuit. Understanding the presence of the wild leg and its potential for harming devices is crucial for safe handling and installation in electrical systems. Recognizing this risk is essential for ensuring the longevity and safety of the equipment involved.