Which phase current in a wye-connected transformer is typically lower than the others?

In a wye-connected transformer, the center core leg current is typically lower than the other phase currents. This is due to the configuration of the wye connection, where each phase is connected to a common neutral point. The neutral leg carries the unbalanced load current, which can sometimes be lower than the individual phase currents when loads are balanced. However, the term "center core leg current" refers to the current in the core of the transformer, which is concerned with the magnetic flux and does not carry the same amount of load current as the effective phase currents.

In a balanced three-phase system, the phase currents are equal and can be higher due to the load distribution. Therefore, the center core leg current being lower relates to how the transformer operates efficiently, relying on its magnetic design while dividing the load across the three phases. The other terms like neutral leg current, phase shift current, and return path current do not accurately represent a core current characteristic in standard operation for this scenario.