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Three-phase electric power

For a greater focus on the mathematics of this subject, see Mathematics of three-phase electric power.
Not to be confused with Split-phase electric power.
Three-phase transformer with four-wire output for 208Y/120 volt service: one wire for neutral, others for A, B and C phases

Three-phase electric power (abbreviated 3ϕ[1]) is a common type of alternating current (AC) used in electricity generation, transmission, and distribution.[2] It is a type of polyphase system employing three wires (or four including an optional neutral return wire) and is the most common method used by electrical grids worldwide to transfer power.

Three-phase electrical power was developed in the 1880s by several people. In three-phase power, the voltage on each wire is 120 degrees phase shifted relative to each of the other wires. Because it is an AC system, it allows the voltages to be easily stepped up using transformers to high voltage for transmission and back down for distribution, giving high efficiency.

A three-wire three-phase circuit is usually more economical than an equivalent two-wire single-phase circuit at the same line-to-ground voltage because it uses less conductor material to transmit a given amount of electrical power.[3] Three-phase power is mainly used directly to power large induction motors, other electric motors and other heavy loads. Small loads often use only a two-wire single-phase circuit, which may be derived from a three-phase system.

  1. ^ Saleh, S. A.; Rahman, M. A. (25 March 2013). "The analysis and development of controlled 3φ wavelet modulated AC-DC converter". 2012 IEEE International Conference on Power Electronics, Drives and Energy Systems (PEDES). pp. 1–6. doi:10.1109/PEDES.2012.6484282. ISBN 978-1-4673-4508-8. S2CID 32935308.
  2. ^ William D. Stevenson, Jr. Elements of Power System Analysis Third Edition, McGraw-Hill, New York (1975). ISBN 0-07-061285-4, p. 2
  3. ^ Terrell Croft, Wilford Summers (ed), American Electricians' Handbook, 11th ed., McGraw Hill, 1987 ISBN 0-07-013932-6 page 3-10 figure 3-23.

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