DATACENTER: quick question

[Shawn Blosser <shawn@isp.net>]

Just a quick power question from a layperson :)

We are getting sopme new power in our equipment room. I am not directly
involved with the decisions but I want to understand.

I understand the basic relationship betweek Power, Volts and Amps (from
college physics), but when it gets into larger power I hear terms I am
not familiar with.

For example: 3000 amps @ 480 volts 3-phase.

I undertand 480 volts and the amps, but what does 3-phase do to the
relationship between Watts, Volts and Amps? I.e. what the heck does
3-phase mean? :)

Thanks!

- Shawn