In a 3-phase delta system, the line current is how many times the phase current?

In a 3-phase delta system, the relationship between line current and phase current is governed by the configuration of the windings. In a delta connection, each phase is connected between two lines, which means that the line current is the current flowing in each of the three lines that supply the system.

The line current is not equal to the phase current; instead, it is related by a factor of the square root of 3 (approximately 1.73). More precisely, the line current equals the phase current multiplied by the square root of 3. This relationship arises because in a delta system, each phase current contributes to the line current based on the phase differences between the currents of the three phases.

Thus, the formula for the relationship can be summarized as:

Line Current (I_L) = Phase Current (I_Ph) × √3

The factor of √3 illustrates that the line currents are effectively the combined influence of the phase currents, which are phase-shifted by 120 degrees from each other in a 3-phase system.

This understanding is fundamental when analyzing load currents in three-phase systems, as it helps in designing and calculating the necessary specifications for electrical components and systems.