Most homes in Australia have single phase power but if you have larger home, you might be connected to the grid by 3 phase power. Electricity is generated and distributed in 3 phases which is why you see multiple overhead cables on the poles in the street. Having 3 phases allows us to have both 240V and 415V power from the same electricity supply.
Here are tips from Kenner Electrics, your reliable Eastern Melbourne Electrician!
What is the difference between Single Phase and 3 Phase power?
Single phase systems rely on two wires: an active wire and a neutral wire. They deliver single phase AC power at approximately 240 volts, making them suitable for powering most household and business appliances, including lighting.
Solar panels often integrate effectively with single phase systems to supply renewable energy. In contrast, three phase power, with its three active wires and one neutral, provides both 240V and 415V power and can support larger energy demands.
For homes with extensive power needs, such as numerous power points or heavy-duty appliances, three phase power ensures the load is balanced, preventing single phase circuits from being overloaded.
So why would I need 3 Phase power at home?
3 phase power is able to cope with the electricity demands of larger and more powerful appliances. This is why it is more commonly used in commercial and industrial settings for driving big pieces of equipment that need a lot of power. But you may need it for your home if you have a big air-conditioning system, large electric cooktop, powerful instantaneous electric hot water system or a home workshop with machinery. Upgrading to 3 phase power will mean you can safely run all your appliances simultaneously without worrying about them tripping the circuits.
Most small homes and apartments don’t need 3 phase power as all their appliances and power needs will run perfectly well on single phase supply. But if you’re renovating or adding high-energy appliances, talk to your electrician to get advice on whether you need three phase power connection.
Follow this link to our website for more information about supply upgrades including how much it costs.
How do I know which type of power I have at my house?
Have a look at your main switch in your switchboard. If it is 1 pole wide (about 1 finger width), then your electricity supply is a single phase power supply. If the main switch is 3-pole wide (about 3 finger widths), then you’ve likely got a 3-phase electrical power supply.
Another way to tell is that it’s usually written on your electricity meter. But if the jargon on your meter is too hard to figure out, you can just give your electricity distributor (such as United Energy) a call, and they’ll be able to let you know whether your home’s power can support appliances like a solar power system or even electric vehicles.
What do I do if I need to upgrade to 3 phase power?
If you need to upgrade to 3 phase power, or if you’re building a new home with large power needs, get in contact with Kenner Electrics. Our qualified electricians will be able to help you through the entire process, and will submit all the paperwork to the electricity distributor on your behalf.
Related Posts :
- Why You Need Security Lighting and CCTV Installation?
- Why an Electrical Safety Inspection is Important?
- How To Solve the Problem of Tripping Circuits?
