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By Ahmad Youssef Hassan

Supervisor Dr. Elham

Star and Delta Connections

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Table of Contents
Star and Delta Connections in Three-Phase Power Systems 1
Star Connection 2
Delta Connection 3
How to Convert Between them 4
Delta to Star conversion 5
Star to Delta conversion 6
Difference between Star and Delta Connections 7
Example’s ………….…………..………………………………………..…...8
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Star and Delta Connections in Three-Phase

Power Systems:

Three-phase power systems are commonly

used in industrial and commercial applications
because they provide a more efficient way of
delivering power compared to single-phase
systems. In a three-phase system, there are
three separate conductors carrying alternating
current (AC) at the same frequency and
voltage. These conductors are typically
labeled as phase A, phase B, and phase C.
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Star Connection:

A star connection, also known as a wye

connection, is a type of three-phase connection
where the three phases are connected together
at a common point, forming a star shape. The
other ends of each phase are connected to the
loads. The neutral point of the star connection
can be grounded or left ungrounded depending
on the application.

One advantage of a star connection is that it

allows for the use of a neutral wire, which can
be useful for providing a return path for
single-phase loads. Another advantage is that
the line-to-neutral voltage is lower than the
line-to-line voltage, which can be useful for
certain types of loads.
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Delta Connection:

A delta connection, also known as a mesh

connection, is a type of three-phase connection
where the three phases form a closed loop,
resembling a delta shape. Each phase is
connected to the loads at two points, with no
neutral connection.

One advantage of a delta connection is that it

provides a higher line-to-line voltage, which
can be useful for certain types of loads.
Another advantage is that it does not require a
neutral wire, which can simplify the wiring.

How to Convert Between them

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In reality

Star and

Delta

connections look

like
this

Now you might ask how can we convert a

Star connection to a Delta connection or
vice versa.
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Delta to Star Connection

Simply imagine that there is a Star

connection inside the Delta connection
Connected to each in-between point
between we can find the values of

Ra Rb Rc
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Using these formulas

Ra = R 1∗R 2
R 1+ R 2+ R 3

Rb = R 1∗R 3
R 1+ R 2+ R 3

Rc = R 2∗R 3
R 1+ R 2+ R 3

You can imagine that Ra is in parallel

with R1 and R2 and we can in a sense
memorize all the equations by only
understanding a simple concept

Star to
Delta
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connection

How to find the values of R1 R2 R3?

R1 = Ra∗Rb+ Ra∗Rc+ Rb∗Rc

Rc

R2 = Ra∗Rb+ Ra∗Rc+ Rb∗Rc

Rb

R3 = Ra∗Rb+ Ra∗Rc+ Rb∗Rc

Ra

Difference between Star and Delta Connection

In a star connection, the three-phase windings of
the transformer or motor are connected together
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to form a central point or neutral. The three phases

are connected to the three remaining ends of the
windings. This creates a four-wire system with a
neutral wire, and each phase is 120 degrees apart.
In a delta connection, the three-phase windings of
the transformer or motor are connected together
in a triangle or delta shape, with each end
connected to a phase of the three-phase supply.
This creates a three-wire system with no neutral
wire, and each phase is 120 degrees apart.
The main differences between star and delta
connections are:
1. Voltage: In a star connection, the voltage
between any phase and neutral is lower than
the voltage between any two phases. In a delta
connection, the voltage between any two
phases is higher than the voltage between any
phase and neutral.
2. Current: In a star connection, the current in
each phase is lower than the current in the
corresponding phase of a delta connection.
This is because the neutral wire carries some of
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the current in a star connection, reducing the

load on each phase.
3. Application: Star connections are often used
for low-power three-phase systems, while
delta connections are used for higher power
applications.
4. Fault tolerance: Delta connections are more
fault-tolerant than star connections. This is
because in a delta connection, if one phase is
lost, the remaining two phases can still provide
power. In a star connection, if the neutral wire
is lost, the entire system may fail.
5. Cost: Delta connections require less wiring
than star connections, making them less
expensive to install. However, star connections
are often more practical for low-power
systems, which are more common, and so may
be the more economical choice in many cases.
Example’s
1. Find the equivalent delta circuit
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Ra

Rc Rb

Answer:
Using the star to delta conversion:
( 4.53∗6.66 ) + ( 4.53∗1.23 ) +( 6.66∗1.23)
R1 = 4.53 = 9.69 Ω
( 4.53∗6.66 ) + ( 4.53∗1.23 ) +( 6.66∗1.23)
R2 = 6.66 = 6.59 Ω
( 4.53∗6.66 ) + ( 4.53∗1.23 ) +( 6.66∗1.23)
R3 = 1.23 = 35.71 Ω

35.71 Ω 9.69 Ω

6.59 Ω
2. The value of the 3 resistances when connected
in star connection is…
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Answer:
10∗5
Ra= (10+5+3) = 2.78 Ω
10∗3
Rb= (10+5+3) = 1.67 Ω
5∗3
Rc= (10+5+3) = 0.83 Ω

Conclusion:

In conclusion, star and delta connections are two

common types of three-phase electrical circuits
used in power systems. Each type of connection
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has its own unique advantages and disadvantages,

and the choice of connection depends on the
specific requirements of the application.
Understanding these connections is important for
electrical engineers and technicians working in the
field of power systems.