Single-phase electricity is used for lighting, cooling, and heating in residential areas, while businesses with heavy machinery use three-phase power. Rural areas with lower energy demand often use single-phase power, and standards in different countries determine its use. Safety features are included in the system.
Single-phase electric power is a type of power supply that is used in distributing power to various recipients when each of the voltages transferred to the recipients is different, even though the transfer to all points occurs at the same time. Used in situations where the primary power functions include supplying power for lighting, cooling or heating, this approach is often ideal for residential customers. Businesses that operate heavy machinery that includes the use of motors will normally use a different type of power known as three-phase electrical power.
The use of single-phase electricity is not unusual in rural areas, where the energy demand is slightly lower and the possibility of larger production floors or other facilities in communities is minimized. Since an area composed primarily of residences is highly unlikely to require loads that are best powered by multiphase electrical solutions, utility companies can better manage operating costs, which in turn helps the provider keep residential rates in the community a little lower. Even though there are small businesses located within the area, there is a good chance that single phase electricity will suffice, as smaller offices, retail stores and similar businesses do not require any type of high voltage power solutions.
Standards established in different countries help define whether or not a single-phase electricity approach is used within a given community. Almost all countries will use this type of distribution approach for residential areas and even smaller cities that do not host a large amount of industrial and manufacturing facilities. Communities with larger shopping malls, business districts that include multiple office buildings with a certain number of floors, and similar areas with higher energy consumption are more likely to be structured for multiphase power loads. There are also some countries that use single-phase electricity for public transportation systems that use electric current, such as subway or public transit systems.
As with any type of electrical power system, a single-phase electrical power distribution system will include safety features that allow the flow of energy to be shut off in an emergency situation. In many cases, a system will include a combination of manual overrides and automated features that detect anomalies and trigger specific responses as a means of protecting the system. Typically, standards for the implementation of these security measures are determined by regulations established by government agencies that oversee the function of utility providers within a jurisdiction.
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