L1 & L2 nomenclature

[johnny watt]

In a split phase residential panel I am accustomed to seeing the legs named L1 and L2.
I had always assumed that the L stood for leg.

Occasionally I see 220V devices that label power connections as L1, L2 and N.

Occasionally I see 120V devices that label the neutral terminal as L2.
Is this proper?
In what situations is it proper to use L1 and L2 as labels?
Would it be proper to use it on the secondary of a low voltage transformer?

 

[LarryFine]

L = Line

 

[Dennis Alwon]

In a split phase residential panel I am accustomed to seeing the legs named L1 and L2.
I had always assumed that the L stood for leg.

L usually stands for Line. Thus L1 and L2

Occasionally I see 220V devices that label power connections as L1, L2 and N.

This is a 220 device with a neutral connection

Occasionally I see 120V devices that label the neutral terminal as L2.
Is this proper?

I have seen it and I don't like it but I am not sure if it is proper. Neutral should be called N for Neutral

 

[petersonra]

Occasionally I see 120V devices that label the neutral terminal as L2.
Is this proper?

Yes, and quite common. Most 2 wire devices do not care which leg is connected to neutral.

In what situations is it proper to use L1 and L2 as labels?

Any time you have 2 wires supplying power. Unless one of them comes off the third leg of a 3-phase system.

Would it be proper to use it on the secondary of a low voltage transformer?

I don't think I have seen that.

 

[roger]

Occasionally I see 120V devices that label the neutral terminal as L2.
Is this proper?

Actually it is, both conductors connected to the device are current carrying conductors whether the L2 conductor is grounded or ungrounded.

Roger