What is the voltage between a hot line and a neutral in a 208-volt single phase supply?

In a 208-volt single-phase supply, the voltage between a hot line and a neutral is indeed 120 volts. This is important to understand in the context of how electrical systems are configured.

In a single-phase system, the voltage measurements are based on the relationship between the hot conductor and the neutral conductor. In many commercial food equipment installations that use a 208-volt supply system, the nominal voltage seen on the hot line (L1) to neutral (N) is 120 volts. This is primarily because the 208-volt system can come from a three-phase supply, where the phase-to-phase (hot-hot) voltage is higher compared to phase-to-neutral.

In this scenario, the voltage measurement reflects the practical voltages that equipment will typically operate on. For example, many appliances run on a requirement of 120V, which is why this figure is commonly referenced and can often be a standard expectation for devices designed to operate in this context. Understanding this relationship helps in troubleshooting and ensuring that equipment operates safely and efficiently while adhering to electrical codes.