ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area Residential 3 Phase, Why / Why Not?

Bob,

1HP mechanical output = 746W mechanical output.

You need to account for the effciency when converting from mechanical output to electrical input watts.

Many people mis-interpret the smaller ampacity requirements of a 3-phase motors as meaning they consume less power. The real cost savings of 3-phase is in the reduced "size" of the distribution system components.