In a Wye system, how does the line current compare to the phase current?

In a Wye system, how does the line current compare to the phase current?

• A. Increases
• B. Decreases
• C. Stays the same
• D. Varies with load

Answer: (C)

In a Wye-connected system, each line is connected to a single phase winding and to the neutral. The current flowing in a line is the same as the current through that phase winding, so the line current has the same magnitude as the phase current. In a balanced Wye, all three line currents are equal in magnitude (though phase-shifted by 120 degrees). This is different from a Delta connection, where the line current is sqrt(3) times the phase current.

In a Wye-connected system, each line is connected to a single phase winding and to the neutral. The current flowing in a line is the same as the current through that phase winding, so the line current has the same magnitude as the phase current. In a balanced Wye, all three line currents are equal in magnitude (though phase-shifted by 120 degrees). This is different from a Delta connection, where the line current is sqrt(3) times the phase current.