What voltage do utility companies usually provide for residential homes?

Utility companies typically provide residential homes with a voltage of 120V, single phase, two wire and 240V, single phase, three wire. The correct choice emphasizes the standard methods used for distributing electricity to residential areas.

In most residential setups, the utility delivers a split-phase system where the two hot wires provide both 120V and 240V. This allows homes to power standard appliances that require 120V, such as lights and outlets, as well as larger appliances that require 240V, like dryers and ovens. The inclusion of three wires in the 240V, single phase configuration accommodates this dual-voltage system efficiently, ensuring a reliable and versatile power supply tailored for typical household use.

Alternatively, higher voltages like 480V and three-phase setups are primarily utilized in industrial or commercial applications where larger machinery and higher power demands are involved, which is not applicable to standard residential needs.