How many conductors are typically used in a three-phase system?

In a three-phase system, three conductors are typically used to carry the three separate phases of alternating current (AC). Each conductor corresponds to one phase, which allows for balanced power distribution and increased efficiency. The three conductors deliver alternating currents that are out of phase with each other by 120 degrees, which enables continuous power flow and supports various applications, from industrial to commercial power systems.

While four conductors may sometimes be seen in specific configurations like a three-phase system with a neutral, or five conductors may be present in more complex systems with multiple phases or additional functionalities, the standard three-phase setup fundamentally requires only three conductors. Therefore, the option indicating three conductors is the most accurate representation of a typical three-phase system.