thanks Flux!
the only thing i guess i don't actually understand is why you multiply by the square root of the number of phases (1.73). so if you get 1v from one phase, you only get 1.73 when all 3 phases are connected in star? seems like you should get 3v...but then again, i don't understand the details of 3 phase.
time to do some research to learn about it.