Difference between revisions of "3 Phase Power"
imported>Ilumos (Created page with "Some venues will have 3 phase power available, which typically means an increase in power capacity versus single phase power, so you can connect more equipment.File:Two 3P+N...") |
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| − | Some venues will have 3 phase power available, which typically means an increase in power capacity versus single phase power, so you can connect more equipment.[[File:Two 3P+N+PE CEE IEC60309 Sockets.jpg|alt=Two 3P+N+PE CEE IEC60309 Sockets|thumb|Two 3P+N+PE CEE IEC60309 sockets|link= | + | Some venues will have 3 phase power available, which typically means an increase in power capacity versus single phase power, so you can connect more equipment.[[File:Two 3P+N+PE CEE IEC60309 Sockets.jpg|alt=Two 3P+N+PE CEE IEC60309 Sockets|thumb|Two 3P+N+PE CEE IEC60309 sockets|link=http://64.227.45.71/wiki/File:Two_3P+N+PE_CEE_IEC60309_Sockets.jpg]] |
==Connectors== | ==Connectors== | ||
In Europe, red [[wikipedia:IEC_60309|IEC60309 connectors]] are commonly used for delivering 3 phase power. They are typically rated for 16, 32, 63 and 125 Amps. Single phase connectors of this type are blue. The connectors are also coloquially known as CEEForm or Commando sockets. | In Europe, red [[wikipedia:IEC_60309|IEC60309 connectors]] are commonly used for delivering 3 phase power. They are typically rated for 16, 32, 63 and 125 Amps. Single phase connectors of this type are blue. The connectors are also coloquially known as CEEForm or Commando sockets. | ||
Latest revision as of 20:55, 21 February 2020
Some venues will have 3 phase power available, which typically means an increase in power capacity versus single phase power, so you can connect more equipment.
Contents
Connectors
In Europe, red IEC60309 connectors are commonly used for delivering 3 phase power. They are typically rated for 16, 32, 63 and 125 Amps. Single phase connectors of this type are blue. The connectors are also coloquially known as CEEForm or Commando sockets.
Calculations
The total rating of a 3 phase supply is the named rating multiplied by 3, for example a supply rated for 63 Amps 3 phase would be able to deliver 189 Amps total, if the load was spread evenly between all three phases. For a 230 Volt supply, this means a total of 43,470 Watts is available, about enough for 100 computers.
Distribution
To safely distribute 3 phase power, you will need to purchase or hire power distribution equipment which can break the high current supply down into smaller circuits. For example, a 3 phase 63 Amp socket could be connected to a "distro" with its own set of circuit breakers which split up the 189 Amps of available current capacity into 6x 32 Amp single phase (blue) sockets. Each of these 32 Amp sockets could be connected to a cable which would feed a bank of sockets for 14 computers, giving each computer approximately 2.28 Amps on average (32 Amps ÷ 14 computers).
Planning distribution of 3 phase power follows the same principles as distributing single phase power - always make sure no ratings are exceeded.
Dangers
Increased Voltage
3 phase supplies come with an additional danger not present in single phase power - the voltage between phases is 415 Volts - nearly double the voltage of a single phase supply. This means that you should take special care to have all power distribution equipment safety tested, and ensure that no equipment or cabling is damaged, as if two of the phase carrying conductors are exposed and someone comes into contact with both, they will get a very serious electric shock, and may be electrocuted.
Balancing Load Evenly Between Phases
It is very important to balance the load between phases evenly, or current will begin to flow in the neutral conductor, causing its voltage to rise above earth / ground from zero volts (safest) to higher, potentially dangerous voltages. To balance the load, make sure that the same amount of equipment is placed on each of the three phases, and if possible, employ monitoring as described below.
