What type of electrical service is typically provided by utility companies to residential homes?

Utility companies typically provide residential homes with a 240V, single-phase, three-wire electrical service. This configuration is commonly used because it effectively supplies both 120V and 240V, which is necessary for various household appliances.

In a standard residential setup, the three-wire system consists of two hot wires carrying 120V each, which are out of phase with one another, and a neutral wire. This setup allows for the use of 120V circuits for standard outlets and appliances, as well as 240V circuits for larger equipment like dryers and ovens. The versatility of this service helps to meet the diverse electrical needs of residential customers, providing the necessary voltage levels for different types of devices.

Higher voltages, such as the 480V three-phase option, are typically reserved for commercial and industrial applications, as they are not needed in a home setting.