In a three-phase system, what is the phase relationship between the current and voltage?

Prepare for the NCCER Industrial Maintenance Electrical and Instrumentation Test. Study with practice questions and explanations. Boost your readiness for the exam!

In a three-phase system, the phase relationship between current and voltage can indeed vary depending on the type of load connected to the system. When dealing with different types of loads—resistive, inductive, or capacitive—the current and voltage do not always maintain a constant relationship.

For resistive loads, the current and voltage are in phase, meaning they reach their peak values simultaneously. However, for inductive loads, the current lags behind the voltage, often by an angle that can vary based on the inductive reactance of the circuit. Conversely, for capacitive loads, the current leads the voltage, also by a phase angle that can vary depending on the capacitive reactance.

Given these variations based on the load type, the phase angle can change, leading to the conclusion that it can indeed vary, supporting the idea that the phase relationship is not fixed and can differ depending on the circuit conditions.

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