[cole5969]

I'm still a rookie and was looking in the lincoln electric catalog. I saw some welders said input power of 1phase and others said input of 3 phase and some even said 1&3 phase. Call me stupid but what are these phases that they speak of?

[WerkSpace]

How much do you really want to know? Most 3 phase distribution is for industrial purposes.
3 phase is more efficient in electrical motors as it allows 3 magnetic pushes per revolution.
3 phase motors are easier to reverse, simply by changing the phase rotation sequence.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-wire ... ctric.html

While single phase is for the average home owner. It enters your home at 240 volts AC.
The transformer going to your home has a center tap, that allows 120 volts AC per side referenced to the center tap.
If you ignore the center tap and go to either side of the transformer, you get 240 volts AC.
It's all single phase in your home whether it be 120 volts or 240 volts AC.

You can still run 3 phase equipment in your home from a single phase power source by using a VFD.
Variable Frequency Drives are becoming more popular, especially for fan motor efficiency and machinery motor speed control.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Variable-frequency_drive

I'm still a rookie and was looking in the lincoln electric catalog. I saw some welders said input power of 1phase and others said input of 3 phase and some even said 1&3 phase. Call me stupid but what are these phases that they speak of?

[cole5969]

Thanks. Thats been bugging me for a while. By the way cool profile picture.