In a transformer, what does the equation 'IL = IP x 1.732' apply to?

The equation 'IL = IP x 1.732' applies specifically to the three-phase Delta transformer. This equation describes the relationship between the line current (IL) and the phase current (IP) in a three-phase Delta connection. In a Delta configuration, the phase current is equal to the line current divided by the square root of 3 (approximately 1.732). Therefore, when you invert this relationship, it results in the equation you provided.

The value "1.732" represents the square root of 3, which arises from the geometry of the vector representation of three-phase systems. In a Delta connection, the line currents are equal to the phase currents multiplied by the square root of 3, which is crucial for calculations involving power and current in three-phase systems.

In contrast, WYE (or star) configurations exhibit a different relationship between line and phase currents, where the line current is equal to the phase current without that adjustment factor. Single-phase transformers utilize only one set of current calculations that don't involve this square root factor, and the same goes for both WYE and DELTA transformers when it comes to their individual phase and line current relationships.

Therefore, the equation correctly characterizes the relationship in a three-phase