ênfase

Éénfase is a term used in Dutch to describe a single-phase electrical power supply, in which a single alternating voltage waveform is used to deliver electric power. It contrasts with driefase (three-phase) systems, which use three simultaneous waveforms that can carry more power and provide smoother operation for motors.

In Europe, the standard residential supply is typically 230 volts at 50 hertz for single-phase connections (between live and neutral). A three-phase installation provides three live conductors plus a neutral, with a line-to-line voltage of about 400 volts and a line-to-neutral voltage of 230 volts. Most homes are fed with a single phase, while larger properties or industrial facilities may use three phases to distribute higher loads more efficiently.

Single-phase systems are simple and inexpensive to wire, making them well suited for lighting, outlets, and small household appliances. Their main drawback is a lower power capacity for a given conductor size, which can lead to higher currents and voltage drops for larger loads. For this reason, heavy equipment, air conditioning, and many industrial motors are typically supplied by three-phase power, which offers higher power, lower current per phase, and better starting torque when balanced across phases.

Safety considerations include the use of protective earth and residual-current devices, as well as proper fusing or circuit breakers sized to the expected single-phase loads. In Dutch electrical practice, ééndefinieert meestal de standaardlevering in woningen, terwijl drie-fase leveringen beschikbaar zijn voor zwaardere toepassingen.