Chapter 2, Problem 2.75P

The circuit shown in Figure P2.75 is the dc equivalent of a simple residential power distribution system. Each of the resistances labeled R1 and R2 represents various parallel-connected loads, such as lights or devices plugged into outlets that nominally operate at 120 V, while R3 represents a load, such as the heating element in an oven that nominally operates at 240 V. The resistances labeledRwrepresent the resistances of wires Rn represents the “neutral” wire.

1. Use mesh-current analysis to determine the voltage magnitude for each load.

Now suppose that due to a fault in the wiring at the distribution panel, the neutral wire becomes an open circuit Again compute the voltages across the loads and comment on the probable outcome for a sensitive device such as a computer or plasma television that is part of the 15- $\Omega$ load

Figure P2.75