Most residential home’s only need a single phase power system, which provides enough power for the average homeowner. On the other hand, manufacturers and large commercial entities often use a three phase power system. Why is the three phase system important and how is it monitored? Advanced Electric Solutions Corp would like to explain the difference between single phase and three phase power systems.
How to Identify Single & 3 Phase Power
Throughout America homes have standardized single phased power that is from 120 to 240 volts. You will see in a typical residential breaker box four wires coming out and into the home. Of the four there are two hot wires, a neutral wire and a ground wire. The two hot wires provide high voltage which is used for demanding appliances, while the neutral and the single hot wire provides small voltage for lighting and other electrical uses. Three phase power system are used by power plants. The three phase system provides more power or higher voltage and ranges from 230kv to 500kv. The residential home peaks to 240 VAC for demanding appliances and only 120 VAC being used for the rest of a home’s electrical needs. You can look at the power lines that run through a city or town. The lines have three separate conductors that twist together. Three phase power systems are the most affordable means to provide enough power since a three gauge system doesn’t require a heavy gauged copper line like a single phase system uses. However, three phase systems are not only used to create efficient power. Many large industrial or large manufacturing companies often require a three phase power system as well.
Who Uses Three Phase Power Consumption?
There are many companies that use demanding electrical equipment. Often the power demand rises far above a standard single phase power need and many look for more reliable power. When companies find they need more power, a three phase power system is introduced. Since a three phase power system can provide more power economically, they are often designed and installed in large commercial or manufacturing settings. Machinery that was built on a single phase system can often be converted to a three phase system. However, independent three phase power requires supply, transformers, and proper monitoring.
Monitoring and Managing a Three Phase Power System
Designing and installing a three phase power system is an easy decision to make. However three phase systems should be carefully monitored and managed to ensure that you have the proper system installed. Three phase generators can vary on the amount of power supply they provide. Some range from 200A and a max voltage of 277, which is a small system, to a much larger power system of 800A to 1200A three phase systems. Monitors are of course based on the current three phase system power supply. Also by monitoring the power system one can provide better management to help reduce power waste.
Power Monitoring, Management & More in Arvada, Aurora, Boulder, Broomfield, Centennial, Commerce City, Englewood, Golden, Greenwood Village, Highlands Ranch, Lakewood, Lafayette, Littleton, Parker, Thornton, Westminster, Wheat Ridge & Greater Denver, CO | Jefferson & Gilpin County, Colorado
Advanced Electric Solutions Corp specializes in power monitoring and management and can help provide three phase meters. For electrical design, management, and more, contact Advanced Electric Solutions Corp today.
