What Is 3 Phase Power?

The main difference between single and three phase power is how much power they bring to a building. Single phase power contains two wires and uses ac power methods where one is neutral and one is active. With this, single phase supplies power up to 240V and will mainly be used in residential and small commercial buildings. 

Three phase power has four overall wires, three being active and one being neutral. It is able to draw out and supply 240V and 415V to a building, triple to a single phase system. Larger commercial and industrial buildings use this power system but residential buildings might also need it. With larger appliances, multiple power points and a greater need for power, three phase systems will prevent systems overloading.

Installing 3 phase power into a building is often needed when there is a greater need for electrical power. This is why commercial and industrial buildings will utlise this as there are more appliances and more power is needed. Homes can still install 3 phase power to ensure that their systems do not overload or not have enough power. Ducted air conditioning, cooktops using electricity, electric hot water systems and a large number of power points will be properly supported by the three phase power system. 

Most homes and apartments will safely run and handle single phase power. When renovating or installing appliances that use a lot of energy then 3 phase power should be considered.

There are two simple ways to find whether three or single phase power is connected to the home. The first is to look at the main switchboard and see how many fuses there are. If it is one pole wide then a single phase is connected and 3 pole wide means three phase power is supplied. The electricity meter will also indicate what type of phase power the home has with specific numbers.

The first step to install a three phase power system is to install the correct meter box. There are eight wires where four connect to a circuit breaker and four connect to the fuse box or switchboard. The single phase system is upgraded by two live conductors being connected to link the one phase to the three phase. Connecting wires to the private power pole, underground or overhead service lines and other forms of electrical work are all completed by the level 2 electrician.

It will not cost more to run a three phase power system over a single phase power system. This is because the energy costs are determined by how much power is consumed or used rather than the phase system. Installing and upgrading to a three phase system will cost more but to run it will not be influenced.