enkelvågigt

Enkelvågigt is a Swedish term that translates to "single-phase" in English, commonly used in the context of electrical power systems. It refers to an alternating current (AC) electrical system that uses a single voltage waveform to transmit and distribute power. This is in contrast to three-phase systems, which utilize three separate voltage waveforms that are offset in time.

In a typical single-phase system, power is supplied through two conductors: a "hot" wire and a neutral wire. The voltage difference between these two wires is what drives the current through electrical devices. This type of system is widely used for residential and small commercial applications due to its simplicity and lower cost of installation compared to three-phase systems. Common household appliances, lighting, and smaller motors are designed to operate on single-phase power.

The waveform of single-phase AC power goes through cycles of positive and negative voltage, resulting in a fluctuating power delivery. While sufficient for most domestic needs, this fluctuation can lead to vibrations in certain types of machinery and may not be efficient for powering large industrial loads. The voltage in single-phase systems is typically lower than that found in three-phase systems, often around 120 or 240 volts in North America, and 230 volts in Europe.