Three-Phase Power

Three waves that add to zero

An interactive lesson with 7 steps, about 6 minutes: you predict, drag and solve, with instant feedback on every answer. It runs in your browser and needs JavaScript.

What you’ll learn

• Three-phase AC uses three waves 120° apart, which add to zero at every instant.
• Balanced loads leave the neutral empty; line-to-line voltage is √3 × 230 ≈ 400 V.
• Three phases deliver steady power and create rotating fields for induction motors.

Steps

1. Three wires
2. Three waves
3. Balance the loads
4. Between two phases
5. Three-phase power
6. The rotating field
7. Three coils, one turning field