AN110 Dataforth Corporation Page 1 of 6

DID YOU KNOW ?

Nikola Tesla (1856-1943) came to the United States in 1884 from Yugosiavia. He arrived during the battle of the currents
between Thomas Edison, who promoted DC, and George Westinghouse, who advocated AC. Teslas involvement with
inventions such as the polyphase (3-phase) AC power system, the induction motor, the Tesla coil, the transformer, and the
fluorescent light was instrumental in resolving the AC vs DC argument in favor of AC transmission. During his lifetime, he
held over 700 patents and was influential in the selection of 60 Hz as the standard frequency for AC power systems. After his
departure, the unit of magnetic flux was given the name Tesla in his honor.

3-Phase AC Calculations Revisited

Preamble Figure 1 illustrates real-time cosine functionality and
associated phasor notation for a 3-phase line-to-line
This application note is a continuation of Dataforths voltage system with line voltage V12 as reference.
Application Note AN109, which contains AC system
definitions and basic rules for calculations with examples. Review of Three-Phase Voltage System Properties
The reader is encouraged to review AN109, References 3,
4, and 5 as background for this Application Note. Three-phase supply voltages and load systems have two
basic configurations; the 4-wire wye and the 3-wire
The Three-Phase Voltage System delta. Figure 2 illustrates a basic 3-phase 4-wire wye
configured voltage system with V1N as reference and
Three-phase voltage systems are composed of three Figure 3 shows a 3-wire delta configured voltage system
sinusoidal voltages of equal magnitude, equal frequency with V12 as reference respectively.
and separated by 120 degrees.
1.5 3
V12 V23 V31 V3N
1.0 120
V31 V12
150 30
0.5

0.0
0 45 90 135 180 225 270 315 360 1
N
-0.5 V1N
0
-1.0

V2N
2f
-1.5 -120
V31 radians/sec
2 {1- 2- 3}
{1- 2- 3}
R o tatio n
360 /sec
V23
-90
V12

V23
Figure 2
Three-Phase 4-Wire Wye System Voltage Phasors
Sequence {1-2-3}
Figure 1
Three-Phase Voltage System
Sequence {1-2-3} V12 Reference
AN110 Dataforth Corporation Page 2 of 6

sequences are determined by how the 3-phase transformer

supply lines (L1, L2, L3) are connected and labeled.
Figure 4 illustrates the {3-2-1} sequence relative to the
{1-2-3} sequence. Note: The phase sequence can be
V31
changed by simply reversing the connections of any two
120 {1- 2- 3} of the three (L1, L2, L3) supply lines; however, this
should only be done in accordance with all the proper
codes, regulations, and approval of the plant engineering
staff.

Subscripts:
V12
0 Maintaining the proper subscript order for all phasor
quantities is one of the most important keys to successful
3-phase calculations. Figure 4 shows the proper subscript
order for each of the two different phase sequences. For
sequence {1-2-3}, the proper order of subscripts is [12],
V23 [23], and [31]; whereas, the proper subscript order for
sequence {3-2-1} is [32], [21], and [13].
-120
Figure 3
Three-Phase 3-Wire Delta System Voltage Phasors
Sequence {1-2-3} V 31 {1- 2- 3}

Important definitions, conventions, and calculation rules {3-2-1}

for both the 3-phase 4-wire wye and the 3-wire delta V 32
configured voltage systems are itemized in the following
list with the messy vector math omitted.
V 21
Phasor Orientation:
V 12
By definition, all sinusoidal phasors rotate in the
counterclockwise direction with a {1-2-3} or {3-2-1}
sequence and angles are measured as positive in the
counterclockwise direction. A 4-wire 3-phase wye system
is shown in Figure 2 with V1N chosen as reference. The
line-to-line voltages are V12, V23, and V32 with the line- V 23
to-neutral voltages shown as V1N, V2N, and V3N. Figure
3 shows the proper line-to-line phasor voltages for a 3- V 13
phase 3-wire delta configuration with V12 phasor chosen
as reference. Note: Any phasor can be chosen as
reference, the choice is completely arbitrary. Figure 4
Three-Phase Voltage Phasor Sequence
Phase Sequence: Sequence {1-2-3} and Sequence {3-2-1}

A phase sequence defines the sequential timing by which Subscript Notation:

each line voltage phasor lags each other line voltage
phasor in the counterclockwise direction. Figures 1, 2 and Once the phase sequence is determined and the proper
3 show a {1-2-3} phase sequence. A {1-2-3} sequence subscripts are identified, calculations using these
means that V12 leads V23 by 120 degrees and V23 leads subscripts together with the conventions adopted for the
V31 by 120 degrees. In addition, V1N leads V2N by 120 AC version of Ohms Law will prevent angle errors.
degrees and V2N leads V3N by 120 degrees. It is
necessary to establish the phase sequence before making By convention, V12 is the phasor voltage drop plus (1) to
any calculations in order that calculated vector phasor minus (2) in the direction of current flowing from point
angles can becorrectly located relative to each other. (1) toward point (2) and is equal to this current multiplied
by the AC impedance between points (1) and (2). For
There are only two valid phase sequences; the {1-2-3} example in phasor notation;
sequence and the {3-2-1} sequence. Both these phase
AN110 Dataforth Corporation Page 3 of 6

V12 = I12 Z12 I12 = V12 Z12 5. Use Ohms Law for AC to calculate magnitudes
Z12 = Z21 (Impedances are bidirectional, and not phasors) and angles of each individual single-phase load
current. Review Dataforths AN109, Reference 1.
I12 = -I21; 6. Important concepts: Line currents for both wye and
I 34 = -V34 Z34 delta balanced 3-phase loads are calculated using the
following relationships;
Phasor Addition/Subtraction: a) AC input power = 3 x (Vline) x (Iline) x PF
b) PF is the cosine of the angle by which line
Proper subscript notation establishes the correct method currents lead or lag the line-to-neutral voltage.
for vector addition/subtraction of phasors. In Figure 2 the Three-phase line-to-neutral voltages actually
line-to-line voltage phasors in this 3-phase {1-2-3} exist in wye configurations; whereas, they are
sequence 4-wire wye system are composed of line-to- theoretical in delta configurations. For example,
neutral phasor voltages as follows; assume any balance 3-phase load with 10 amps
of line current and a PF of 0.866 (30) lagging. If
V12 = V1N + VN2 (note the subscript order) system sequence is {1-2-3} and V12 is reference,
V12 = [(V1N0) + (V2N60) ] , (VN2 = -V2N) then I1=10-60; I2=10180; I3=1060 .
V23 = V2N+VN3 (note the subscript order) 7. Determine the power triangle quantities; watts P
and VARs Q for each load. Review Reference 1.
V23 = [(V2N-120) + (V3N-60) ], (VN3= -V3N)
8. Sum the previously calculated individual load
V31 = V3N+VN1 (note the subscript order) currents using proper subscript notation to determine
V31 = [(V3N120) + (VN1180) ], (VN1= -V1N) each individual line current
9. Finally, sum all the individual load power triangle
If the RMS line-to-neutral voltages are all equal (standard quantities (Watts P and VARs Q) to establish the
balanced system), then the above equations show that all system power triangle quantities; P, Q, and PF. It
line-to-line phasor supply voltages are line-to-neutral this final step that establishes how a systems load
population behaves.
voltages multiplied by 3 and lead the line-to-neutral
voltage phasors by 30 degrees. For example, a standard Calculation Examples
4-wire 3-phase wye system with line-to-neutral voltages
of 120 volts and V1N chosen as the reference phasor at The following examples assume a typical 208-120 volt
zero degrees has line-to-line voltages of; three-phase 4- wye configuration with a phase sequence
of {1 2 3}, and V12 chosen as reference. This is a wye
V12 = 20830; V23 = 208-90; V31 = 208150 . system; however, loads connected between each of the
Important concept: A 3-phase 3-wire delta configured three individual supply lines (L1, L2, L3) constitute a
system of balanced voltages does not actually have line- 208-volt 3-wire delta configuration. Three categories of
to-neutral voltages like the wye system. However, the single-phase loads are assumed for the following
delta line-to-line voltages as shown in Figure 3 can still be calculations. These categories are identical to those
constructed from a theoretical set of balanced 3-phase defined in Application Note AN109 (Reference 1) and
line-to-neutral voltages as illustrated above. The listed below with the required nameplate data.
relationships with these theoretical voltages are extremely
useful in locating delta phasor angles. Output Kilowatts; KW, Efficiency (optional), PF= 1
Output Horsepower; HP, Efficiency, PF
Calculation Procedures, Guidelines, and Formulae Input KVA; KVA, PF, Efficiency is 100%.

The following list of procedures, guidelines and formulae Table 1 shows calculated values for an assumed
illustrate an outline of how to calculate 3-phase phasor population of these loads. Readers should verify these
quantities using typical nameplate data taken from calculations. Dataforth offers an interactive Excel
individual load units. workbook similar to Table 1, which automatically
calculates all the 3-phase system quantities. See
Calculations proceed as follows; Reference 2 to download down load this Excel file.

1. Identity the phase sequence; {1-2-3} or {3-2-1} Example Calculations for Line-to-Neutral Loads
2. Identify subscripts; [12], [23], [31] or [32], [21], [13]
3. Assume L1, L2, L3 line currents flow toward loads Three-phase wye systems with neutrals can have equal or
and neutral (return) current flows toward supply. unequal individual single-phase loads connected between
4. Load current flows and voltage drops must follow the any of the supply lines (L1, L2, L3) and neutral. Systems
subscript notations as previously defined. are balanced if all line-to-neutral loads are identical.
AN110 Dataforth Corporation Page 4 of 6

Figure 5 shows three groups of single-phase line-to- Table 1 is a composite set of calculated results for the
neutral loads connected on a three-phase wye system. configurations shown in Figures 5, 6, and 7. These
This configuration of single-phase loads can be calculations assume an arbitrary population of the type
considered as a composite unbalanced wye load loads previously defined and employ all the rules,
procedures, and definitions as illustrated above. The
system results from Table 1 calculations are shown below
L1, I1 in Tables 2 and 3.

L2, I2 Table 2
L3, I3 System Currents from Table 1 Calculation

N, IN Item I1 I2 I3 In
Units A rms A rms A rms A rms
L1-N L2-N L3-N Value 320.6 324.9 389.1 89.6
Angle -43.2 -167.2 70.1 56.3
Figure 5
Single Phase Line-Neutral Loads on Three-Phase Wye Line voltage V12 (208 at zero degrees) is reference for
the above current angles.
Figure 6 shows three groups of single-phase line-to-line
loads connected on a three-phase wye system. This Table 3
configuration of single-phase loads can be considered as a System Power Triangle from Table 1 Calculations
composite unbalanced delta load
. Item P Q VA PF
Units KW KVAR KVA none
L1, I1 Value 118.7 36.3 124.1 0.956
Angle 0.0 90.0 17.0 LAG
L2, I2
L3, I3 Readers are encouraged to verify these calculations.
N, IN
As mentioned above, Dataforth provides an interactive
L3-L1 L2-L3 L1-L2
Excel file designed to assist the enthusiastic investigator
in calculating system currents and associated power
levels. This file allows an investigator to enter nameplate
Figure 6 data for all the system loads; whereupon, all line current
Single Phase Line-Line Loads on Three-Phase Wye phasors and power quantities are automatically calculated.
Dataforths Excel Interactive Work Book for Three-
Figure7 shows a group of balanced wye loads and a group Phase AC Calculations can be downloaded from
of balanced delta loads both of which are (can be) Dataforths web site, see Reference 2 .
connected on a three-phase wye system.

L1, I1
L2, I2
L3, I3
N, IN
Wye Delta

Figure 7
Balanced Wye and Delta Loads on Three-Phase Wye
Volume 1 Page 5 of 6

Table 1
System Calculation Results
3-Phase System Volts
Line to Line 208 Line to Neutral 120

3-Phase Wye Output Input EFF PF I1 phasor I2 phasor I3 phasor

Load # Type HP KW KVA % 0 to 1 I or C RMS Angle RMS Angle RMS Angle
1 kw 7 95 20.5 -30.0 20.5 -150.0 20.5 90.0
2 kva 6 0.800 L 16.7 -66.9 16.7 -186.9 16.7 53.1
3 motor 5 87 0.900 L 13.2 -55.8 13.2 -175.8 13.2 64.2
Totals 48.3 -49.03 48.3 -169.03 48.3 70.97

3-Phase Delta Output Input EFF PF I1 phasor I2 phasor I3 phasor

Load # Type HP KW KVA % 0 to 1 I or C RMS Angle RMS Angle RMS Angle
1 kw 3.5 100 9.7 -30.0 9.7 -150.0 9.7 90.0
2 kva 10 0.960 C 27.8 -13.7 27.8 -133.7 27.8 106.3
3 motor 7.5 91 0.920 L 18.6 -53.1 18.6 -173.1 18.6 66.9
Totals 53.4 -29.46 53.4 -149.46 53.4 90.54

L1-N Loads Output Input EFF PF I1 phasor I2 phasor I3 phasor

Load # Type HP KW KVA % 0 to 1 I or C RMS Angle RMS Angle RMS Angle
1 kw 5 95 43.8 -30.0
2 kva 3 0.950 L 25.0 -48.2
3 motor 4 87 0.900 L 31.7 -55.8
Totals 98.5 -42.68

L2-N Loads Output Input EFF PF I1 phasor I2 phasor I3 phasor

Load # Type HP KW KVA % 0 to 1 I or C RMS Angle RMS Angle RMS Angle
1 kw 3 90 27.8 -150.0
2 kva 6 0.800 L 50.0 -186.9
3 motor 2 87 0.900 L 15.9 -175.8
Totals 89.9 -174.22

L3-N Loads Output Input EFF PF I1 phasor I2 phasor I3 phasor

Load # Type HP KW KVA % 0 to 1 I or C RMS Angle RMS Angle RMS Angle
1 kw 6 95 52.6 90.0
2 kva 7 0.800 L 58.3 53.1
3 motor 7 85 0.850 L 60.2 58.2
Totals 164.5 66.09

L1-L2 Loads Output Input EFF PF I1 phasor I2 phasor I3 phasor

Load # Type HP KW KVA % 0 to 1 I or C RMS Angle RMS Angle RMS Angle
1 kw 5 80 30.0 0.0 30.0 180.0
2 kva 6 0.800 L 28.8 -36.9 28.8 143.1
3 motor 4 87 0.900 L 18.3 -25.8 18.3 154.2
Totals 74.1 -19.97 74.1 160.0

L2-L3 Loads Output Input EFF PF I1 phasor I2 phasor I3 phasor

Load # Type HP KW KVA % 0 to 1 I or C RMS Angle RMS Angle RMS Angle
1 kw 5 80 30.0 -120.0 30.0 60.0
2 kva 7 0.800 L 33.7 -156.9 33.7 23.1
3 motor 5 90 0.900 L 22.1 -145.8 22.1 34.2
Totals 82.5 -141.21 82.5 38.8

L3-L1 Loads Output Input EFF PF I1 phasor I2 phasor I3 phasor

Load # Type HP KW KVA % 0 to 1 I or C RMS Angle RMS Angle RMS Angle
1 kw 5 80 30.0 300.0 30.0 120.0
2 kva 3 0.800 L 14.4 263.1 14.4 83.1
3 motor 5 85 0.870 L 24.2 270.5 24.2 90.5
Totals 66.0 281.8 66.0 101.80
AN110 Dataforth Corporation Page 6 of 6

Figure 8
SCM5B33 Isolated True RMS Input Module

Figure 8 is an illustration of Dataforths Isolated True 5. National Electric Code controlled by National Fire
RMS Input Module, SCM5B33. This function is also Protection Agency, NFPA
available in a DIN rail package; the DSCA33. Dataforth http://www.nfpa.org/Home/Search/search_site.asp?q
has a collection of signal conditioning modules designed uery=NEC
specifically for measuring AC RMS high-voltage
parameters using built-in attenuation. The reader is 6. Dataforth Corp., SCMVAS Voltage Attenuator
encouraged to visit References 1, 6, 7, and 8. System,
http://www.dataforth.com/catalog/doc_generator.asp?
Dataforth References doc_id=434

The reader is encouraged to visit Dataforths web site and 7. Dataforth Corp., SCM5B33 Series of Modular True
explore their complete line of isolated signal conditioning RMS Signal Conditioners:
modules and related application notes, see references http://www.dataforth.com/catalog/doc_generator.asp?
shown below. doc_id=64

1. Dataforth Corp., http://www.dataforth.com 8. DSCA33 Series of DIN Mount True RMS Signal
Conditioners:
2. Dataforth Corp., AN110 Excel Interactive Work http://www.dataforth.com/catalog/doc_generator.asp?
Book for Three Phase AC Calculations doc_id=20
http://www.dataforth.com/catalog/pdf/an110.xls

3. Dataforth Corp., Application Note AN109

http://www.dataforth.com/catalog/sign.in.asp?route_t
o=app_notes

4. Dataforth Corp., AN109 Excel Interactive Work

Book for Single Phase AC Calculations
http://www.dataforth.com/catalog/pdf/an109.xls