Unveiling the Voltage Mystery: Why Your Stove Takes Longer to Heat in a Highrise

Moving from a freehold house to a townhouse or highrise can come with some unexpected quirks, like noticing your stove or oven takes longer to heat up. That's because while regular wall outlets run at 120 volts, electric ranges and ovens operate at 240 volts.

However, in highrises and some townhomes, the 240-volt outlets can't exceed 208 volts. Why the discrepancy? It all comes down to power phases. Single-family homes typically operate on single-phase power, while highrises and some townhomes use 3-phase power for efficiency.

Think of it like paddling a canoe: single-phase power is like one person paddling, with pauses between strokes, while 3-phase power is like three people paddling in sync, resulting in smoother propulsion. This 3-phase setup is great for large motors, like those in elevators or HVAC systems.

But here's the catch: due to phase alignment, two 120-volt lines in 3-phase power can't exceed 208 volts. So, your electric range or dryer in these settings will never reach the full 240 volts, operating at around 86% power compared to a single-phase system.

Why not just use both single-phase and 3-phase power to ensure full voltage for appliances? The cost would be astronomical, so it's not practical.

And what about those voltage variations? Factors like distance from the generator or transformer can affect power levels. Toronto Hydro allows for a range, so outlets might show slightly different voltages. While higher voltage means faster heating, it also wears out heating elements faster.

So, while someone with 261 volts might enjoy quicker heating, they'll be replacing their appliances more often. It's a balancing act between speed and longevity in the world of electrical power.