Three Phase A.C Supply: Explained

AI Thread Summary
The discussion clarifies the relationship between line and phase voltages in a three-phase AC supply, specifically addressing the confusion around the 400 volts line voltage versus the 230 volts phase voltage. It explains that the line voltage is derived from the RMS phase voltage multiplied by the square root of three, resulting in approximately 400 volts. The calculation involves using the cosine of the phase angle (30 degrees) due to the 120-degree phase shift between the phases. Visual aids are recommended for better understanding of these concepts. This explanation helps demystify the voltage relationships in three-phase systems.
FizixFreak
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i was reading three phase ac supply and this statement is quite confusing ''because of the 120 degrees phase shift the voltage across any two lines is 400 volts (the voltage across each of the lines connected to the terminals is 230 volts)
can anybody please explain it??
 
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FizixFreak said:
i was reading three phase ac supply and this statement is quite confusing ''because of the 120 degrees phase shift the voltage across any two lines is 400 volts (the voltage across each of the lines connected to the terminals is 230 volts)
can anybody please explain it??


What do you find confusing about it? How they came up with the 400 volts?

CS
 
Assuming you mean european 230v/415V - 3phase (the answer is slightly different for US 120v 3phase but by coincidence some of the numbers are close enough to be confusing.)

A single phase measured relative to the ground varies between 0 and about 325V - with an RMS value of 230V =peak voltage divided by root(2).
The maximum voltage difference between any two phases is about 400V = RMS voltage * root(3)
 
the line voltage is the voltage "difference" of two phase voltages... that means one phase voltage should be reversed and added to another phase.. than u'll have 2x230xcos(30) as the line voltage (\approx400)... (check for the attachment, then u'll get a better idea)
 

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Asok said:
the line voltage is the voltage "difference" of two phase voltages... that means one phase voltage should be reversed and added to another phase.. than u'll have 2x230xcos(30) as the line voltage (\approx400)... (check for the attachment, then u'll get a better idea)

rookie question
how do you came up with 2(230)cos(30) and why 30?
 
Asok drew a picture showing very nicely exactly where the 30º came from. Please look at the picture and if you don't understand that then ask a specific question about it.
 
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