What describes the voltage measured across any one component of a balanced three-phase system?

In a balanced three-phase system, the voltage measured across any one component is referred to as the phase voltage. This represents the voltage across a single phase of the system and is critical for understanding how the system operates.

In a three-phase system, there are three distinct conductors, each carrying an alternating current that is out of phase with the others by 120 degrees. The phase voltage is the voltage from each component, such as a motor or transformer, to the neutral point (ground) in a wye configuration, or between one phase and the neutral in a delta configuration.

The significance of phase voltage lies in its application for calculating the line voltage and understanding the phase relationships within a balanced system. Line voltage, on the other hand, refers to the voltage measured between two of the three conductors. Ground voltage does not apply directly to this context, as it pertains to the voltage between a conductor and the ground. Component voltage is not a standard term used in this context and lacks the specific definition associated with measurements taken in a balanced system.

Understanding these definitions helps clarify why phase voltage is the correct term for the voltage across any one component in a balanced three-phase system.