How Do Three-Phase Transformers Work?
Three-Phase Power A three-phase transformer is an electrical device that works with three-phase power. The power that is supplied to every home is single-phase power, because the voltage swings from high to low 60 times a second, or 60 Hertz. There are two or three metal prongs on a typical American electrical cord. The flat tabs are for hot (where the voltage is) and neutral, where the optional round plug is for the ground. The three-phase power plug will have three or four metal prongs. In the case of three, each prong will represent a live voltage line. The fourth may be a neutral line. The real benefit to three phases is that the power along all three live voltage lines will be constant. Plus, the swinging of each line will result in a perfect balance, which is more efficient and easier on the electronics. Transformer As is the case in any power transmission scheme, a transformer is needed to convert from high voltages to low voltages. The higher voltage has a lower current, and le
