What is the difference between single phase & 3 phase connections?
Posted on: 12/Jun/2017 6:18:45 PM
People are generally aware of the terms, single-phase and 3-phase while talking about electrical equipment. It is advisable to have some awareness about the distinction features of these 2 types of connections.
Most of the houses have only single-phase electricity connection.
A single-phase system is sufficient to operate various consumer durable equipment such as bulbs, fans, tube lights, motors (for pumping water), fridge, washing machine, TV, and micro ovens.
3-phase supply is used whenever there is a requirement of higher electrical energy to operate certain equipment. Factories, commercial complexes, etc., are provided with 3-phase connections. The 3-phase connection is highly recommended for operating air-conditioners.
In a single phase connection, the voltage between the energy containing phase and the common point called neutral which is generally linked to earth pit is 230 Volts. The frequency is 50 cycles per second. In the USA, it is generally 100 or 120 Volts.
However, in 3-phase connection, there would be 3 leads, carrying electrical energy. The voltage between any of the 3 phase energy carrying leads will be 440 volts. The voltage between any of the 3 leads and the common point is 230 Volts. The frequency remains at 50 cycles per second.
Generally, there are very fewer possibilities of power failure in 3-phase connection. The 3-phase system is capable of handling 3 times the load as compared to the single-phase system.
Generally, in the houses where 3-phase connections are available, the various single-phase equipment in the house are connected to any one of the 3-phase connections wired across the entire house. Even if one phase fails, power will be available in the other 2 phases. In case the customer wants to change the equipment to the phase where power is available, he/she can do so by using a switch in the power distribution board in the house.
Another wrong impression is that 3-phase connection may be costlier. It is not so. There is no difference as far as the billing of power consumption is concerned.
