Fri Jan 12, 2007 2:20 am
Three phase is more efficient. If you tried running a 10HP motor on 120 volts, you would be pulling a lot of amps. With 3 phase you are lowering the amps by raising the voltage. Like a hose and a power washer. If you wash something with a garden hose, you are in theory going to need more water then if you used a pressure washer. Not the best analogy in the world but the first one that comes to mind. In the building I work in, every piece of major equipment is 480V 3 phase. Pumps, air handling units, exhaust fans, the compressor. Everything except the boilers, which use 120. Even some of our lighting is 277, not much, but some. You have to watch for that, trust me, you dont want to accidentally put a 120V ballast into a 277V fixture.hahaha