[rugby1]

I have two black wires and the metal cable coming down from the power pole to my meter. The metal is connected to the neutral in my main shutoff box. Do I have 240 service (2 120's)?
I thought the metal cable that the two black wires are wrapped around was just for support from the power pole to the meter (service head).

Thanks!

 

[InPhase277]

I have two black wires and the metal cable coming down from the power pole to my meter. The metal is connected to the neutral in my main shutoff box. Do I have 240 service (2 120's)?
I thought the metal cable that the two black wires are wrapped around was just for support from the power pole to the meter (service head).

Thanks!

You have a 120/240 V service, as electricians call it. There is 240 V between the two black wires, and 120 V between either black wire and the bare neutral. Yes the neutral provides mechanical support to the line, but it is also a circuit conductor.