Difference between Phase and Line

[electronicsLearner77]

When I am reading 3 phase systems, i very frequently listen the terms phase and line. Both of them almost look similar but yes there are differences. What is the exact definition and are there any shortcuts which can help me to easily remember a phase and a line?

 

[Minder]

Depends on the context they are used in, you would need to quote an example.
Line often refers to one phase against the neutral, as in 'Line (live) and Neutral'.
M..

 

[Harald Kapp]

In a 3 phase system the three phases are often labeled L1, L2, L3, or R, S, T or Ph1, PH2, PH3 ...

 

[electronicsLearner77]

Ok, in the Y windings, the line to line voltage is sqrt(3)*Phase voltage. And for Delta connections the
line current is sqrt(3) times the Phase current. So, basically when understanding the conversion formulae of voltage and currents in Y and Delta connections.

 

[electronicsLearner77]

Line often refers to one phase against the neutral, as in 'Line (live) and Neutral'.
M..

When you say line is live i assume a voltage is available in that line, why phase is not live, here also voltage will be available?

 

[Minder]

I suspect it is mainly a matter of semantics.
Phase to Neutral/Line to Neutral, used interchangeably!
M.

 

[Kabelsalat]

Assuming you refers to voltages: I don't know if the term is more vague in other places of the world, but here (Norway) there is a very distinctive difference between the terms:
Phase voltage : Voltage between neutral/ground to phase.
Line voltage : Voltage between phases.

 

[Bluejets]

Line can also refer to the input to a circuit breaker or piece of equipment whereas load is the output.
Just another comparison.
Line and phase, same thing.

When you say line is live i assume a voltage is available in that line, why phase is not live

Both phase and line are live with respect to neutral and ground.