An electric motor rated at 3 horsepower will use which type of power system?

The correct choice is three-phase power systems for an electric motor rated at 3 horsepower due to several technical advantages that three-phase systems provide, especially in industrial and commercial settings.

Three-phase power delivers consistent voltage and power, which allows motors to operate more efficiently and with greater torque. This is particularly important for motors that are expected to handle loads continuously or in applications where high starting torque is required. The balance in load across the three phases also results in smoother operation, reduced vibration, and generally longer lifespan of the motor compared to single-phase systems.

While single-phase systems might be suitable for smaller, lower power applications, a 3 horsepower motor typically demands the higher efficiency and performance offered by three-phase systems. Direct current systems are generally used in specific applications, but they do not typically provide the efficiency advantages of AC systems for high power motors. Alternating current is a broader term that includes both single-phase and three-phase, but it does not specify the ideal type needed for a 3 horsepower motor, reinforcing why three-phase is the best answer in this context.