bi-phase

[derekleffew]

Electrical power distribution. Same as split-phase, but also covers cases where two out of three phases are used and are 120 degrees apart rather than the 180 degrees of split-phase. Thus while the hot-neutral voltage is 120V, the hot-hot voltage will be 208V. This is usually not a problem, but when some motors and power supplies require a true 220V-240V, a buck/boost transformer is often used.

...ETC has decided to start calling things bi-phase (same as split-phase) for a very good reason. In the UK, for example, when you talk about a single-phase service, it is only one phase of power. In the US, single-phase usually means two phases of power at 180 degrees apart, but not always.

In order to reduce confusion and get product documentation and orders straight, while still being technically correct, we have gone to bi-phase. ...