Certified Facility Manager (CFM) Practice Exam

In an electrical system, "phase" refers to:

1. the capacity of electrical equipment

2. the number of committed circuits

3. the number of energized or "hot" wires in the electrical supply

4. the total power output

The correct answer is: the number of energized or "hot" wires in the electrical supply

In an electrical system, "phase" specifically refers to the number of energized or "hot" wires in the electrical supply. This concept is crucial in understanding how electrical power is generated and distributed. In most common electrical systems, phases are used to describe the configuration of alternating current (AC) power. For instance, a single-phase system uses one hot wire and a neutral wire, while a three-phase system uses three hot wires, allowing for a more efficient and balanced load distribution between the phases. This setup provides a steadier flow of electricity and can support larger and more diverse power demands than a single-phase connection, making it particularly advantageous in commercial and industrial settings. Understanding phases and their significance is vital for facility managers, as they must be aware of electrical systems to ensure proper operation and maintenance while also optimizing the energy efficiency of the facility.