Wye Versus Delta

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Carie Penabad

July 15, 2020 19:02

Dear ARE community,

 

Does anyone have a concise explanation for Wye versus Delta for electrical systems?

Many thanks,

Carie

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  Alexander Gault July 16, 2020 11:56

  Wye & Delta are both forms of 3 phase electricity. Most residential houses use single phase; 2 hot wires / 1 neutral 240V for larger appliances (dishwasher, oven etc.) and 1 hot wire 1 neutral 120V for everything else (lamps, electronics etc.).

  Large commercial buildings can save money and energy running 3 phase. The current here is 208 V because its always on (1/3 sin of 360). Delta runs as a triangle (greek symbol D) and has 4 wires, Wye runs like a star (or the letter Y).

  Delta has 4 wires so it is slightly cheaper (less copper, and less material makes simpler installation). Delta has 3 hots and a ground wire. It is less common and used just for motors (the constant on/off consumes less energy without a neutral switching back & forth) and Delta is also used for running electricity long spans (cost savings, & more efficient).

  Wye has 5 wires total (3 hot, a ground & a neutral) and seems to be safer and more common. 

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  Carie Penabad July 17, 2020 15:34

  Many thanks Alexander.

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