Oh I completely agree that the terminology is split phase and or center
tapped.. Just after reading all of this I am trying to rationalize why there
is so much debate.. I mean they are different phases 180deg apart. That is
measurable. *I just cant understand why some refuse the fact that they are 2
different phases, i.e. "split-phase" as the name implies. This fits the
definiton of a different phase of power. Im not trying to change any
terminology in the process here.


MIke et al

The problem seems to be that after all this dialogue, that so many of
the responders simply don't stick to the basic premise that different
phases by definition have timing differences. Simply reversing the way
of using a phase does not make it a different phase. The timing stays
the same.

If one uses an oscillioscope to view the phase it can be readily
reversed to appear as another when it is not. We connect windings in
the power transformer that feeds our residence to get the desired
result, 120 or 240 and connect the common point to accomplish another
desired result. Safety. Also the ungrounded winding would be floating
about a possible potential of several thousand volts and be a real
hazard should there be a problem in any of the many devises connected
to the secondary. Including the two seconday windings. And yes there
are two identical secondary windings. If there were not our electric
bills would at least double. Lots of folks would die and lots of
devises would be hazardous to all. Thus the emphasis on proper
grounding in the interests of public welfare. But this is another
subject.

Bob AZ