x phase wiring?

[Programmer]

Could someone give a laymans explanation of the types/phases (whatever) in wiring. For example;

a) Do most houses have 'single' phase wiring? What does this mean?
b) Why, or when, would you use the extra 'phases'.
c) Why is x phase better than y phase? (OK, prob not that simple, but some general info would be good).

Oh, PS, should have done a search first.

[Markw]

Try this that I posted in another thread

http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com...ad.php?t=32872

Don't know how they identify their phases in mexico (sth of border) but in NSW we call them A, B or C. No phase is any better than any other phase but the system must be balanced so that what comes out of the transformer is essentially equal to each other.

[Greg Q]

Everything you ever wanted to know about electricity*

*but were afraid to ask:

http://www.howstuffworks.com/power.htm

Have fun...

Greg

[Markw]

Everything you ever wanted to know about electricity*

*but were afraid to ask:

http://www.howstuffworks.com/power.htm

Have fun...

Greg

It a good explanation for the layperson but remember it's Yank so the numbers and system architecture doesn't correspond with Australian systems.

[Greg Q]

It a good explanation for the layperson but remember it's Yank so the numbers and system architecture doesn't correspond with Australian systems.

Well yeah. Try and find an Australian site like that though.

[thatirwinfella]

If you have electricity, you'll have at least single phase - it's the 230 volts for your lights and powerpoints. 415 volts is your 2 and 3 phase system. Single phase means that there is a single active supply coming from the power pole out the front to the point of attachment of your house. 3 phase has 3 actives.

Each phase is of 230 volts potential to earth. Between phases [actives] there is 415 volts potential due to the differences in the peaks of the sine waves of each phase. eg, when red phase peaks, blue and white phases are at 415 volts difference.

In victoria, they're marked as red white and blue phases, and in three phase systems that's the color of the insulation. they're also numbered 1 to 3, called line 1 to line 3 etc.

Generally, 2 and 3 phase supplies are used for large installations - office complexes, shopping centers- to balance the load on the distribution system- and for industrial type equipment -large welders, motors, air conditioning.

In general, 3 phase is better than single phase as it allows a choice of voltage in the installation [230v and 415v], motors operate more efficiantly from 3 phase, opffering less vibration, more torque and a smaller size for equal power when compared to a single phase motor. 3 phase motors are also direct online starting, so you don't need capacitors, etc.

I hope this helps, if you have any more questions, pm me.