ine-to-line voltage (also known as phase-to-phase voltage) is the voltage measured between two conductors of a three-phase system, while line-to-neutral voltage (also known as phase-to-neutral voltage) is the voltage measured between one conductor of a three-phase system and the neutral point.
Line-to-line voltage is typically used for three-phase motors, which require a higher voltage for operation. It is also used for certain types of transformers and power distribution systems. Line-to-neutral voltage is typically used in single-phase systems and for residential and commercial electrical distribution.
It’s important to note that the line-to-line voltage is approximately √3 times greater than the line-to-neutral voltage in a balanced three-phase system.
The difference between line-to-line voltage and line-to-neutral voltage relates to how voltage is measured in a three-phase electrical system:
1. Line-to-Line Voltage (V_L-L):
- It is the voltage measured between any two phases (or lines) in a three-phase system.
- Typically higher than the line-to-neutral voltage.
- It represents the potential difference between two phase conductors.
- Common in industrial and heavy electrical equipment.For a balanced three-phase system, the relationship between line-to-line voltage and line-to-neutral voltage is:VL−L=3×VL−NV_{L-L} = \sqrt{3} \times V_{L-N}VL−L=3×VL−Nwhere VL−NV_{L-N}VL−N is the line-to-neutral voltage.
2. Line-to-Neutral Voltage (V_L-N):
- It is the voltage measured between any one phase (or line) and the neutral point in a three-phase system.
- Commonly referred to as the phase voltage.
- It is typically used in household or low-power electrical systems.
Example in a 400V three-phase system:
- Line-to-Line voltage: 400V (between any two lines)
- Line-to-Neutral voltage: 4003≈230V\frac{400}{\sqrt{3}} \approx 230V3400≈230V (between any line and neutral)
Key Differences:
- Magnitude: Line-to-line voltage is √3 (approximately 1.732) times higher than line-to-neutral voltage.
- Measurement: Line-to-line is measured between phases; line-to-neutral is measured between one phase and neutral.
- Applications: Line-to-neutral is used for lower voltage applications, while line-to-line is common in high-power equipment.
