A Guide to Three-Phase Voltage Power

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When discussing electricity, “Phase” refers to a power load’s distribution. A circuit with two-wire alternating current (AC) uses single-phase power; one wire is the phase or power wire, while the other is the neutral wire. Three-phase power refers to a three-wire AC circuit that uses phases separated by 120 degrees. Electrical grids most commonly use three-phase power.

Salient brings expertise in high-quality three-phase power solutions. From custom control panels to transfer switches, enclosed motor starters, and generator tap boxes, we have everything your business needs to fully take advantage of three-phase power.

The Difference Between Three-Phase Power & Single-Phase Power

As single-phase power is produced, there may be periodic variations in the resulting voltage. Three-phase power mitigates this inconsistency, supplying power at a more constant, steady rate. With only one more wire used than in single-phase power, three-phase power supplies handle three times more electricity. In this sense, three-phase supplies send electrical power with fewer needed conductor materials than single-phase supplies.

Three-phase supply systems require less current to deliver the same power with higher voltages. As a result, smaller wiring and less material are used to transmit the same power. Compared to single-phase systems, three-phase power is more efficient since less energy is lost during transmission.

Types of Three-Phase Power Configurations

There are two primary types of three-phase power supply configurations.

Delta configurations for three-phase power use three wires. The voltages used are 240V, 208V, and 120V, making them ideal for more powerful applications like industrial and commercial properties — the lack of a neutral wire limits Delta configurations to transmission systems with shorter distances.

Wye configurations use four wires. Also known as start configurations, they include a neutral wire, making them better suited for long-distance transmission. Wye connections are growing in popularity worldwide and can power 460V three-phase devices.

Three-Phase Voltage Ratings in the United States

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) uses “utilization voltage” when describing 460V three-phase voltage. NEMA refers to 480V three-phase voltage as “distribution voltage.” These terms come from how power sources supply 480V, but line losses afterward during transmission mean equipment and components receive 460V.

Rely on Salient For Three-Phase Power Control Products

Salient is the leader in commercial and industrial enclosed power and control products and solutions, including three-phase power equipment. We design and manufacture a wide variety of essential electrical components, including:

We ship all over the U.S. and serve a wide array of markets and sectors, including:

We’re dedicated to engineering excellence, unparalleled quality, and solution-driven approaches. With industry-leading programming and engineering skills and capabilities, our advanced teams constantly innovate to exceed customer expectations.

To learn more about three-phase power, contact the experts at Salient today.