In a three-phase power system, how many hot legs are needed along with a neutral?

In a three-phase power system, there are three hot legs, one for each phase. Each hot leg carries an alternating current that is 120 degrees out of phase with the others, ensuring a balanced power distribution and continuous power delivery. The presence of a neutral conductor allows for the return path of current in unbalanced loads and provides a reference point for the phase voltages.

While you may have selected two hot legs, a correctly configured three-phase system operates efficiently with the three hot legs—allowing for maximum load distribution and improved energy efficiency. The neutral wire complements these hot legs, particularly in scenarios where single-phase loads are connected or when balancing the system for various requirements. Relying on only two hot legs would not effectively utilize the advantages that a three-phase system offers.