portable generator question (wattage)

[Richard J Kinch]

No, there is only one definition of "phase" in the context of electric power. The various mathematical notions of "phase" are not relevant. You commit the fallacy of "definitional retreat".

[Richard J Kinch]

In the context of "phase" in electric power, you are in error. That mathematics has a different sense of "phase" is irrelevant.

"A polyphase system must provide a defined direction of phase rotation, so mirror image voltages do not count towards the phase order. A 3-wire system with two phase conductors 180 degrees apart is still only single phase."

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[Mark Lloyd]

Unlikely. The word "phase" has meaning, which applies to a lot of things, including mathematics and electric power. What seems to be happening here, is a specialized redefinition that I wasn't using. Sort of the opposite of "definitional retreat".

BTW, how would you respond to the question "True of false: the currents in each leg of a three-phase motor (wye connected) are equal". That question was actually on a test I had once in a NEC class. Some would say TRUE, others know it's FALSE.

[Richard J Kinch]

Most of us would consider the context of a thread titled, "portable generator question (wattage)" to involve the latter.