3-PHASE POWER

   

Most power is distributed in the form of 3-phase AC. Basically, instead of just one coil turning in agenerator, there are three coils, spaced 120 degrees apart.

As the coils turn through the magnetic field, power is sent out on three lines. Three current and voltage sine waves are generated, 120 degrees out of phase with each other. Each sine wave represents the current or voltage on one of the phases.

Three-phase electricity powers large industrial loads more efficiently than single phase electricity. When single-phase electricity is needed, it is available between any two phases, or, in some systems, between one of the phases and ground.