Difference between single phase and 3-phase motors

The voltage, maybe.

Here's a good illustration of the 3 phases in a 3-phase motor.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...x240-180fc.gif

Also see this thread: https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/electr...ase-49262.html

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tickle

The voltage, maybe.

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It is the construction, not the voltage. 240 volt motors are fairly common in the USA in both single phase and 3 phase. Always and never are dangerous words. I will say other than an induction motor in 3 phase, 120 volt 3 phase, and 480 single phase are rare. If somebody else insists on unknown, I won't argue.

Only and only voltage cause.