What Does Phase Mean in Three Phase Supply?

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the concept of three-phase supply, emphasizing that it consists of three wires carrying current, each with a phase angle of 120 degrees apart. This phase angle represents the angular difference between the sinusoidal voltages on each wire. The three-phase system is more efficient than three independent single-phase systems, requiring only four wires (three phases and one neutral) instead of six. This efficiency in power transmission is a key advantage of three-phase systems.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrical engineering concepts
  • Familiarity with sinusoidal waveforms
  • Knowledge of power transmission systems
  • Basic grasp of electrical wiring and circuits
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "Three-phase power systems" for in-depth knowledge
  • Study "Sinusoidal voltage waveforms" to understand phase angles
  • Learn about "Power transmission efficiency" in electrical systems
  • Explore "Electrical wiring standards" for three-phase systems
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, students in electrical engineering, and professionals involved in power transmission and distribution will benefit from this discussion.

ranju
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we talk about three phase supply .. I want to know that what actually is three phase..?? Its obvious there are three wires carrying current but what is "phase" ?
Is there something like, transmission line is further divided into three wires ..?? Please explain..its quite basic.. and I am confused..!
 
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ranju said:
we talk about three phase supply .. I want to know that what actually is three phase..?? Its obvious there are three wires carrying current but what is "phase" ?
Is there something like, transmission line is further divided into three wires ..?? Please explain..its quite basic.. and I am confused..!
You are right that it is quite basic and a simple Google search should turn up a good explanation with diagrams. Basically, it means exactly what it says ... there are three phases of voltages supplied, 120 degrees from each other.
 
ranju said:
we talk about three phase supply .. I want to know that what actually is three phase..?? Its obvious there are three wires carrying current but what is "phase" ?
Is there something like, transmission line is further divided into three wires ..?? Please explain..its quite basic.. and I am confused..!
the article above should help.
 
ranju said:
we talk about three phase supply .. I want to know that what actually is three phase..?? Its obvious there are three wires carrying current but what is "phase" ?
Is there something like, transmission line is further divided into three wires ..?? Please explain..its quite basic.. and I am confused..!

The phase means the angular difference between the sinusoidal voltage on one wire to another. For three phase, the angular difference would be 360/3 = 120 deg. Instead of having three independent single phase transmission system which require (phase + neutral wire for each phase) 2*3 = 6 wires, if we go for three phase system with angular displacement of 120 deg we need only (1 wire for each phase and 1 common neutral) 3+1 = 4 wires for the same power transmission.
 

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