Three phase is more efficient than single phase. You may save on electric bills but I am not sure. Also, I think if you take a short power hit on a single phase unit (without battery backup), you have a higher chance of the box going down than if you were to take a hit on a 3 phase powered unit.
Here is a link that talks about efficiency http://www.windstuffnow.com/main/3_phase_basics.htm > -----Original Message----- > From: The IBM z/VM Operating System [mailto:[email protected]] On > Behalf Of Brian Nielsen > Sent: Friday, May 01, 2009 11:42 AM > To: [email protected] > Subject: z890 power: 3 phase vs 1 phase? > > We're looking at power options for a z890 in a backup datacenter. The > Installation and Planning manual says that the z890 can run off either > single phase or three phase power. The site cost for a three phase > supply > is more than the cost for a single phase supply. I understand what > single > and three phase power are (thanks Google), I just don't understand, and > havn't been able to find, what the trade-offs/compromises are other > than > the cost. This leaves me unable to evaluate the cost benefit of 3 > phase > vs 1 phase, and hence make a recommendation. Any help would be > appreciated. Reference to source material would be great. > > Brian Nielsen
