3 phase

[itsme]

Hi there,

I've always been aware of 3 phase motors, but I've never really known what that means exactly. I have a Micro Mill which is just runs off the mains at home, which I believe is single phase.

Can anyone briefly explain the differences between single and three phase? What advantages does 3 phase have over single phase and how does it work???

Thanks
Warren

[Al_The_Man]

If you want detailed information it would be quicker just to do a search like this courtesy of Nikolai Tesla. http://my.execpc.com/~rhoadley/magacmot.htm
The basic difference is that a 3ph motor is more efficient, it has a built in rotating field for the rotor to follow, a single phase motor would not rotate on its own, it requires an artificial method to start rotation by means of a phase displaced winding, called a start winding in conjunction with a start capacitor to provide the phase shift.
Al.