Eli5: What’s the difference between a single phase electric current versus a 3 phased one?
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The electric grid uses alternating current power (AC). It is generated with 3 phases because the generators have 3 windings. For industrial, commercial, and large apartment buildings, all 3 phases are brought in to spread the load around. For single family houses, only one phase is typically needed and connected to the house. In the US, that phase is split in half so you have a choice between 120v and 240v.
Another benefit to having 3 phase power has to do with how the phases relate to each other. With AC the biggest push to motors happens when the voltage peaks. Since the 3 phases’ peaks are evenly spread out and the tails overlap you have a more constant push. This consistency is also why the generators are built that way, since generators are motors that are pushed by something (usually steam) to generate power.
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