...difference between 3 phase and single phase...

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Answer by College Student
Submitted on 8/1/2005
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AC Power 101 120 Volt single-phase AC power is just that - you have one 'hot' leg and one neutral. Power is transmitted on the hot leg in a sinusoidal wave alternating (AC = alternating current) between positive and negative voltage 60 times / second (60 Hertz). The neutral provides the return path to complete the circuit back to the power generating point. (Don't do it, but you can disconnect the neutral lead from the plug, connect it to any good ground, and the device will work.) Now, 220 Volt 'single phase' really isn't single phase - it's two phase. You have two 'hot' legs and a neutral leg. The two hot legs each have the same sinusoidal wave form, but 180 degrees out of phase with each other. When one leg is at the peak of the wave, the other is at the bottom. If you measure between the two hot legs, you will have 220 VAC; between the hot and the neutral you will have 110 volts. Three-phase power has three legs carrying power, each with the same sinusoidal wave form, but 120 degrees out of phase with each other. When one leg is at the peak of the wave, another is 2/3 the way towards the bottom on its way down, and the third is 1/3 the way up from the bottom on its way up. In a generated 230 or 460 VAC 3 phase system, you should always measure about the same 230 or 460 volts between any two legs, (unless your supply power factor is way off).

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<< Back to: Electrical Wiring FAQ (Part 1 of 2)

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Question by sameer
Submitted on 4/27/2004
Related FAQ: Electrical Wiring FAQ (Part 1 of 2)
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What is the difference between 3 phase and single phase connection.

Answer by benbyit
Submitted on 6/14/2004
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I have purchased some three phase electric ovens. can they be run on single phase, and if so what are requirements? rewiring etc.?

Answer by tisman
Submitted on 8/24/2006
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what are the different between synchronous motor and induction motor..?

Answer by david
Submitted on 12/4/2006
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I dont know

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