In a typical split-phase AC circuit, one leg is grounded. I understand why it is. What I don't understand is why grounding one leg of an AC circuit doesn't short circuit the entire circuit. In other words, why don't all available electrons in the circuit, including from the hot leg, rush to the nearest ground electrode? Why would they continue to flow through the circuit, through the house and back to the ground tap on the distribution transformer? There are other grounding opportunities in the house for electrons to travel to. These grounding opportunities offer a low impedance to the flow of electrons.
Second, what would happen in your basic household AC circuit if both legs were grounded instead of just one? How would that affect the operation of appliances? Since we ground one for safety, why not ground both?
Thanks!
Rick
Second, what would happen in your basic household AC circuit if both legs were grounded instead of just one? How would that affect the operation of appliances? Since we ground one for safety, why not ground both?
Thanks!
Rick