Let's say that a 120 volt line (load) is drawing 10 amps. Since it is a single ended design, the draw will be carried by the hot conductor.
By the same token, using the same example of a 10 amp draw, a 220 volt line will still draw (or I should say the load will draw) 10 amps total, BUT since it is a Balanced design, each conductor would be drawing 5 amps. The total is the same. The word efficiency, may be applied to the fact that a smaller gauge wire can then be used.
I have heard however that there is an increase in efficiency of electric motors because the power is coming at opposite phases (times).
By the same token, using the same example of a 10 amp draw, a 220 volt line will still draw (or I should say the load will draw) 10 amps total, BUT since it is a Balanced design, each conductor would be drawing 5 amps. The total is the same. The word efficiency, may be applied to the fact that a smaller gauge wire can then be used.
I have heard however that there is an increase in efficiency of electric motors because the power is coming at opposite phases (times).