What is the standard voltage for a typical residential service in North America?

The standard voltage for a typical residential service in North America is 120/240 volts. This voltage configuration means that residential systems can provide both 120 volts and 240 volts for different applications. The 120 volts is commonly used for lighting and standard household appliances, while 240 volts is used for larger appliances, such as dryers and ovens, that require more power.

In residential settings, the electrical system is typically supplied by a transformer that provides the necessary voltage levels. The 120-volt supply is split from a single-phase source, allowing homes to efficiently use electrical appliances that have varying voltage requirements.

The other voltage levels provided in the choices reflect systems more commonly used in commercial and industrial settings. For example, 208/240 volts may be encountered in specific multi-phase applications, while 277/480 volts is used for commercial lighting and heavy machinery. Therefore, while understanding various voltage standards is important, the 120/240 volts configuration is what primarily serves residential consumers in North America.