Do Your Property Need A Single-Phase Or 3-Phase Power Supply?

Homes and properties connected to the power grid will run using a single-phase or three-phase power supply. When you use the right power supply for your property, you can comfortably use all your electrical appliances and devices, and they will continually provide the best-desired performance. Besides, they will help you to save on your electricity bills. However, when you use an incorrect power supply for your property, then it can run into electrical problems. That’s why it is crucial to know if you are using the right power supply for your property, categorised as:

Single Phase Power Supply
Three-Phase Power Supply

We will help you understand what a single-phase, and three-phase power supply is and look at the advantages of each one, and finally, help you to identify the correct power supply that your property requires.

Single-Phase Power Supply

The single-phase power type commonly seen in small homes and apartments, as well as small stores. Using single-phase power in your home or business, you can operate small appliances like fans, lights, computer, television, as well as a heater or air conditioner up to 1000 Watts.

Single Phase Power Supply

Single-phase power transmitted through two wires viz. neutral and active.
When you use electrical power, the power coming from the grid runs through the active wire.
At the switchboard, the neutral wire is attached to the earth and offers a route back to the switchboard in case a fault or overload occurs.
When a fault occurs, a fuse will blow off, or the breaker will trip, which will cut down your electrical supply and maintain your safety.
Single-phase power makes a single sine wave as two-wire conductors dispense the electrical power.

Advantages of Single Phase Power Supply

Compared to the three-phase, a single-phase power supply is cheaper.
Ideal for a small family’s electrical requirements that need running only standard electrical appliances.
Flexible and can be transferred long distances through two wires.

Three-Phase Power Supply

The three-phase power is usually seen in large homes, business establishments and commercial sites. Three-phase power offers you the capability to transfer three times as much power using fewer wires.

3 phase power supply

Three-phase power comprises of one neutral and three active wires.
At the switchboard, the neutral wire attached to the earth. In case a fault occurs, then this neutral wire circuit back to the switchboard, safeguarding your premises.
Three-phase power depends on three coils, placed on a rotor at 120-degree intervals, and this configuration creates three sine wave voltages.

Advantages of Three-Phase Power Supply

Compared to a single-phase, a three-phase power supply offers coherent load and enhanced performance.
The three-phase power supply provides improved performance for a home that use more electrical appliances consistently, as well as for a smart home.
You’ll not encounter any power dips or flickering in case, you power ON a large motor.

How to Find Out What Power Type Your Property Has Currently?

Check your home’s fuse box. If you can see three fuses there with black rectangular cartridges, then you have a three-phase power supply.
In case you can see only one fuse there, you have a single-phase power supply.
And if you are not able to access your fuse box or not sure, then an electrician can help you to determine the type of power supply your property has.

Which Power Type Do Your Property Need for Comfortably Running Electrical Appliances & Devices?

Well, depending on the amount of power you are using in your home, accordingly, you will need to use the power type (i.e. single or three-phase), which can meet your property’s electrical consumption.

Where power intake and performance is crucial and needs to use multiple electrical appliances or devices at the same time, then you will need a three-phase power supply.
Small homes and apartments, as well as, small shops will need only a single-phase power supply. That is because small properties will have less electrical appliances to operate, so less wattage is required.

Nonetheless, taking the assistance of a qualified electrician is recommended when you are unsure about the type of power your property needs.

Do You Need to Make the Switch from Single to Three-Phase Power Supply?

Do you want to install extra air conditioners or heaters in your new room that you have recently constructed to make enough space for your growing family, or planning to add a swimming pool? Well, in all such cases where you will need more electrical power to meet your growing requirements, you will need upgrading to a three-phase power supply.
A three-phase power supply is a prudent investment to fulfil all your future energy requirements. When you are upgrading your home, you should look at upgrading your property’s single-phase power supply into three-phase.

Final Words

If you have any doubts or want to find out whether you should switch to a three-phase power supply or not, then get in touch with Eris Electrical, Level 2 ASP Electrician in Sydney today! We will evaluate your property’s electrical intake and accordingly, can offer you the best advice.