Single- and 3-phase systems
for heavy duty applications
 

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The museum has a limited collection of plugs and sockets meant for single and three-phase heavy duty applications. In residences three-phase usually ends at the door step, but occasionally it is used for powering electrical stoves, dryers or fans. More often you will find it at farms, recreational areas as campings and marinas, and in hospitals and workshops.
The single phase devices are rated up to 250V-32A, or 125V-50A. Three-phase devices are restricted to models that are sold in hardware stores for do-it-yourself applications. Typical ratings are: 380-400V-10 to 32A and, in North America and Japan, 250V-15 to 50A, or 480V-15 to 30A.
Devices for industrial applications, which usually exceed 400/480V, and power plants are beyond the scope of the museum.

The classification of heavy duty and three-phase items is based on their origin. Click the categories below for images and details.

 

IEC60309_plug IEC 60309 Belgian 3-phase plug Belgium
NEMA14-30P North America French 20A 3phase plug France
Japanese 250V 20A TwistLock plug Japan and China Swiss 16A 3phase plug Switzerland
Australian 32A plug Australia and New Zealand Danish 16A 3phase plug Denmark
Italian 10A trifase plug, type Magic
Italy Obsolete German 3-phase plug
Dated, German,
pre-IEC 60309 types



 

Three-phase alternating current.

A separate page on 3-phase generators explains the principle of three-phase alternating current.



110-125V,  208V,  220-250V,  277V,  380-400V  and  480V.

Worldwide, various voltages are used in mains power systems. 380, 400 and 480 Volt are typical for three-phase systems.
A short introduction to the origin of these voltages is given on a separate page.

 


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