In a Y-connected circuit, how do the phase currents relate to the line currents?

In a Y-connected circuit, how do the phase currents relate to the line currents?

• A. Phase current is twice the line current
• B. Phase current is equal to line current
• C. Phase current is one-third of the line current
• D. Phase current is equal to the line current divided by three

Answer: (B)

In a Y-connected (or star-connected) circuit, the relationship between phase currents and line currents is defined by the configuration of the connection. In this type of connection, each phase winding connects to a common node (the neutral), and the line currents directly flow to each of these phase windings. In a Y-connection, each phase current is the same as the line current because each line is directly connected to one phase. Therefore, if you have a certain amount of current flowing through a line, that same current is flowing through the corresponding phase. This fundamental characteristic of Y-connections distinguishes them from other configurations, such as delta connections, where the relationships are different. This direct correspondence explains why the phase current is equal to the line current in Y-connected systems. Understanding this relationship is crucial for analyzing three-phase systems, as it allows for accurate calculations in power distribution and system balancing.

In a Y-connected (or star-connected) circuit, the relationship between phase currents and line currents is defined by the configuration of the connection. In this type of connection, each phase winding connects to a common node (the neutral), and the line currents directly flow to each of these phase windings.

In a Y-connection, each phase current is the same as the line current because each line is directly connected to one phase. Therefore, if you have a certain amount of current flowing through a line, that same current is flowing through the corresponding phase. This fundamental characteristic of Y-connections distinguishes them from other configurations, such as delta connections, where the relationships are different.

This direct correspondence explains why the phase current is equal to the line current in Y-connected systems. Understanding this relationship is crucial for analyzing three-phase systems, as it allows for accurate calculations in power distribution and system balancing.