CSLB C-10 Electrical ContractorElectrical Theory and CalculationsMedium

A 480V, 3-phase, 60 Hz transformer is connected Delta on the primary side and Wye on the secondary side. If the line-to-line voltage on the secondary side is 208V, what is the approximate line-to-neutral voltage on the secondary side?

  1. A208V
  2. B240V
  3. C160V
  4. D120V
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D. 120V

In a Wye (star) connected system, the line-to-neutral voltage (Vln) is equal to the line-to-line voltage (Vll) divided by the square root of 3 (√3).

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. This option mistakes line-to-line for line-to-neutral voltage.
  • B. This is a calculation error, possibly confusing it with a different voltage system.
  • C. This is a calculation error, possibly using an incorrect divisor.

Wye Connection Voltages

In a Wye (star) three-phase connection, the line-to-line voltage is √3 times the line-to-neutral voltage, and phases share a common neutral point.

  • Vll = √3 * Vln.
  • Vln = Vll / √3.
  • Provides a neutral point for single-phase loads.

Memory trick: Wye is 'Y' for 'Why' the Lines are Longer than Neutral!

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