3 phase machinery

[magnet]

At the risk of sounding stupid are 3phase voltages the same throughout the world in particular Canada any help greatly appreciated..........Magnet

 

[piman]

Hello Magnet,

although I don't know about Canada, voltages do vary throughout the world as does frequency.

Alec

 

[wheresmejumper]

im not 100%,but i think canada is closer to the european voltages,a good bit different to USA

 

[shenion]

Voltages differ in most countries:

http://www.sensorcentral.com/worldsupport/standards12.php

Looks like Canada is the same as the US for lower voltages, 208 and 240 and laso list 600.

I notice the table in the link is wrong for the US. 3-phase can be 208, 240, 380, 415, 480.

208 is the most common for small businesses. Here voltages may be referred to as 110, 115, 220, 230 and 440 when they are now actually 120,240 and 480.

Canada and US have 120/240V split-phase. 208 is common as you can run 120V single-phase loads from any leg to neutral.

 

[madkayaker]

It would all make to much seance if it was all the same! It's also worth noting that as earthing systems are differed around world the way voltages are measured is different e.g in UK 230v to N is the same as 230v to earth as there one of the same where as in us n and earth are different potentials

 

[shenion]

In the US, neutral and earth are tied together at the panel or meter. There is no difference in potential.

 

[madkayaker]

Aw I thought they were different. I withdraw my statement and update my brain! So do you have pme earthing?

 

[shenion]

You might be confused by 240V split phase. Each leg has 120V from either line to neutral or ground.

Most 240V equipment does not use a neutral though, if it does it is because it has some 120V parts (and uses 4 wires). Both power leads are hot.

 

[madkayaker]

That's what I was thinking of.

 

[magnet]

Thanks everyone so glad I have all of you to ask. I don't know where I would ever get information like that without this forum. Thanks again.... Magnet