What is the minimum number of wires required for a three-phase power system?

In a three-phase power system, the minimum number of wires required is three. Each wire carries one phase of the power supply (commonly referred to as phase A, phase B, and phase C). The three wires allow for the distribution of electrical power in a balanced manner across the three phases, which is essential for efficient operation in industrial and commercial applications.

Using three wires in a three-phase system provides a continuous power flow and enables motors and other equipment to operate smoothly. While additional wires can be added for purposes like grounding or neutral connections, the foundational requirement for a basic three-phase power setup is three separate conductors to carry the distinct phases.