Dedicated Circuits - Subpanel importance?

  I believe what I believe, BUT it doesn't change the truth. It almost depends on which expert you ask about one phase or two going to a residential home. My understanding is this, 1) that if in fact that two separate conductors were run to a panel, but were of the same phase, you would still have 120 volts, but with more possible current capacity.  2) OTOH, if each of these two conductors (at 120 volts each) were Out of phase with each other, Then the DIFFERENCE between them will equal 240 volts. 

 I have heard this discussed more than once, especially at the PS Audio site, which would be damned near a reference for me. 

@lowrider57 Said:

Understood. We discussed this when you advised me about replacing my meter box and outside line due to corrosion. If you remember, distortion and DC was entering my service panel.

I remember the thread. Harmonic distortion caused by a corroded connection in the meter socket was causing a problem with a piece of audio equipment. Wasn’t it a noisy buzzing, vibrating, power transformer?

I think where I’m confused is from comments in threads about using an "independent" ground rod (or 2) from a subpanel or main panel. My take is that these ground rods are not bonded to the main panel. This doesn’t sound kosher. Is there any reason to use multiple ground rods spread out in the backyard? Yes, I know earth doesn’t possess any magical powers.

Independent, dedicated, isolated, ground rods are dangerous. They violate all electrical safety codes.

NEC 250.54 Auxiliary Grounding Electrodes is one of the dumbest code editions ever. All the additional grounding electrodes do is to provide lightning a direct path into a building’s electrical wiring damaging electronic equipment as it goes on its merry way to the electrical service’s main grounding electrode system back to earth. Lightning loves Auxiliary Grounding Electrodes..

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I have never seen phase used for anything other than the distinction between single and three phase in the NEC. Which is what we are talking about in reference to someone claiming that there are 2 phases in single phase service.

2 phase power is not used anymore.

For something to be out of phase, there must be at least two identical wave forms that don’t line up. In 3 phase power, 3 wave forms are 120 degrees out of phase. In single phase power, one wave form is split in two, but not out of phase.

That's right, @jea48 , it was a large toroidal transformer humming. You answered my query and we discussed what might be causing it before I called the electrician. I'm always appreciative of the help you and others provide. 

Your explanation regarding isolated ground rods confirms what I thought. There have been many electrical threads where the OP has believed that isolating grounds either in the house or in the ground will reduce noise. I know there must be only one common ground but was looking for the final word on ground rods. Many thanks.

Leg is not synonymous or the same thing as electrical phase.

From an electronics standpoint, residential panel legs are 180° out of phase.

Three phase power is 3x 240 volt 120° apart. Apples & oranges.

I believe what I believe, BUT it doesn’t change the truth. It almost depends on which expert you ask about one phase or two going to a residential home. My understanding is this, 1) that if in fact that two separate conductors were run to a panel, but were of the same phase, you would still have 120 volts, but with more possible current capacity. 2) OTOH, if each of these two conductors (at 120 volts each) were Out of phase with each other, Then the DIFFERENCE between them will equal 240 volts.

I have heard this discussed more than once, especially at the PS Audio site, which would be damned near a reference for me.

Believe in the tooth fairy if you like, but ONE phase of the three 240 volt lines is run to residential property. 120 volts is derived from the Neutral Center tap and each leg of the transformer. A lot of PS Audio is bunk!