All the above assumes that all loads are pure resistors, like incandescent light bulbs. If we talk about a computer server farm fed by 3 phase 120V, things get more complicated. Computer power supplies draw large spikes of current at the very peak of voltage of the phase they are connected to. When the voltage on phase A peaks, computers on phase A draw their spikes of current and return them to the neutral. Later, 120 degrees of the 60Hz cycle, phase B peaks, and computers on phase B draw their current spikes, and return them to the neutral. Likewise, 120 degrees later for phase C. No overlap of these current spikes (in terms of time). Spikes last about 5% of the cycle time. Note that the neutral will see 3 times as much spike current than any one phase (assuming equal phase loading). Thus you'd need a thicker wire for the neutral.
[This message has been edited by wa2ise (edited 07-30-2006).]
