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AC voltage can either be single- or three-phase. While single-
phase power is needed for many applications, such as lighting,
utility companies generate and transmit three-phase power.
Three-phase power is used extensively in industrial applications
to supply power to three-phase motors. In a three-phase system
the generator produces three voltages. Each voltage phase
rises and falls at the same frequency (60 Hz in the U.S., 50 Hz in
many other countries); however, the phases are offset from
each other by 120°.
Measuring AC Values Measuring AC is more complex than DC. Depending on the
situation, it may be necessary to know the peak value, peak-to-
peak value, instantaneous value, average value, or the RMS
(root-mean-square) value of AC.
Peak Value The peak value of a sine wave occurs twice each cycle, once
at the positive maximum value and once at the negative
maximum value. The peak voltage of a distribution system
might be 650 volts, for example.
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