3 Phase Motors

The most common type of 3 phase electrical load is the 3 phase electric motor.  A 3
phase motor is more compact and less costly than a 1-phase motor of the same voltage
class and rating; also 1-phase AC motors above 10 HP (7.5 kW) are not as efficient and
thus not usually manufactured.    A 3 phase induction motor has a simple design, inherently
high starting torque, and high efficiency. Such motors are applied in industry for 3 phase
pumps, fans, blowers, compressors, conveyor drives, and many other types of 3 phase
motor-driven equipment. There are a lot of benefits to using a 3 phase electric motor over a
single phase electric motor.  Large air conditioning equipment (for example, most air
conditioning units above 2.5 tons (8.8 kW) cooling capacity) use 3 phase motors for reasons
of economy and efficiency.  Read more about other 3 phase power loads.  Read more about
3 phase motors below.

Most electric power is distributed in the form of 3-phase AC. Therefore, before proceeding
any further you should understand what is meant by 3 phase power. Basically, the power
company generators produce electricity by rotating (3) coils or windings through a magnetic
field within the generator . These coils or windings are spaced 120 degrees apart. As they
rotate through the magnetic field they generate power which is then sent out on three (3)
lines as in three-phase power. 3 phase transformers must have (3) coils or windings
connected in the proper sequence in order to match the incoming power and therefore
transform the power company voltage to the level of voltage we need and maintain the
proper phasing or polarity.

3 Phase Power Is More Efficient Than Single Phase

Three phase electricity powers large industrial loads more efficiently than single-phase
electricity. When single-phase electricity is needed, It is available between any two phases
of a three-phase system, or in some systems , between one of the phases and ground. By
the use of three conductors a 3 phase system can provide 173% more power than the two
conductors of a single-phase system. Three-phase power allows heavy duty industrial
equipment to operate more smoothly and efficiently. 3 phase power can be transmitted over
long distances with smaller conductor size.