What type of three-phase connection exists if the line current equals the phase current?

What type of three-phase connection exists if the line current equals the phase current?

• A. Wye connection
• B. Delta connection
• C. Series connection
• D. Parallel connection

Answer: (A)

In a wye connection (also known as a star connection), the line current is equal to the phase current. This is a fundamental characteristic of the wye configuration, where each phase is connected to a common neutral point. In this setup, each of the three phases can be seen as separate branches, and the current that flows through each phase is the same as the current that leaves the supply lines, resulting in line current and phase current being equal. In contrast, in a delta connection, the phase current is different from the line current. Specifically, the line current is √3 times greater than the phase current in a balanced system. This occurs because each phase is connected in a loop, and the line currents contribute differently to the total current flowing in the phases. The series and parallel connections are not applicable to three-phase systems in the same context. Series connections would involve components where the same current flows through all elements, leading to a different configuration of the circuit. In parallel connections, the current divides among multiple paths, and again, this does not represent the equal relationship between line and phase currents found in a wye configuration. Thus, a wye connection accurately describes the scenario where the line current is equal to the phase current.

In a wye connection (also known as a star connection), the line current is equal to the phase current. This is a fundamental characteristic of the wye configuration, where each phase is connected to a common neutral point. In this setup, each of the three phases can be seen as separate branches, and the current that flows through each phase is the same as the current that leaves the supply lines, resulting in line current and phase current being equal.

In contrast, in a delta connection, the phase current is different from the line current. Specifically, the line current is √3 times greater than the phase current in a balanced system. This occurs because each phase is connected in a loop, and the line currents contribute differently to the total current flowing in the phases.

The series and parallel connections are not applicable to three-phase systems in the same context. Series connections would involve components where the same current flows through all elements, leading to a different configuration of the circuit. In parallel connections, the current divides among multiple paths, and again, this does not represent the equal relationship between line and phase currents found in a wye configuration.

Thus, a wye connection accurately describes the scenario where the line current is equal to the phase current.