If you’re considering hiring an electrician, you may have concerns about understanding the terminology used.
Although all our recommended electricians are happy to take the time to explain what is involved in a project, many people find themselves feeling a little embarrassed to ask.
Single and Phase 3 electrics is one of the most commonly misunderstood areas of electrical installation, so here we’ll explore this topic further so you can develop a basic understanding.
Simply put, single phase electric uses only one Live wire which is mainly found with domestic electrics, while as the name suggests, 3 phase uses three live wires and this is most commonly found with commercial electrics. However, both of these options use a neutral wire and in almost every situation an earth wire.
The main reason why 3 phase is used is that it offers a more reliable, constant current.
For this reason, it is often used on powerful commercial appliances, such as catering equipment, but it can be necessary for more power hungry kitchen appliances and other applications around the home.
In most cases, single phase machines that are up to 13 amp rating will be fitted with a three pin plug. Single phase appliances and devices over the 13 amp rating are usually not supplied with a plug and need to be hard wired to a suitable power supply by a professional.
3 phase machinery is usually hardwired, but some commercial properties, such as commercial kitchens may be equipped with 3 phase commando plug outlets. These are industrial graded sockets and plugs that are designed to transfer larger amounts of power safely.
While you may see an Amp rating on many devices throughout your home or business, you may not appreciate what this actually signifies.
All electric appliances display an ampere rating. This is often shortened to just amps or even an “A.”
In simple terms, amps are a measure of the electrical current the machine uses when it is run at full power.
For example, a four slot toaster may have a rating of 10A. This type of machine is usually single phase and fitted with a standard three pin plug. For safety reasons, the plug will be fitted with a fuse that protects against any electrical surges.
Although it may appear just a larger version of this appliance, a commercial eight slot toaster could be rated at 20A. This has double the output and requires more power than is provided using a standard plug. So, while this type of toaster may still be single phase, it will need to be hardwired to the power supply.
In commercial settings, a highly powerful combination oven may have a rating of 3x49A. This is a three phase piece of equipment with each “phase” needing 49 amps. This adds up to a total load of 147 amps. This would obviously be one of the most demanding appliances in the kitchen.
Therefore, in this situation, the maximum load of the electric circuit in the kitchen would need to be calculated to ensure that it is not being overloaded.
Fortunately, for this or any other electrical installation, all our recommended electricians can perform any calculations and ensure that any new appliances can be accommodated by the electrical circuit in the room.
If you have an appliance that needs connecting to the main but not sure what is required, contact our recommended electrician in your area and they’ll be happy to assist you. You can find them here.
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Dr Christine Behan
Excellent service so good we are booked in for more work to be done
Jenny watson
Used once in the past with no problems. Just want to say have a phoned for advice on a couple more occasions, and each time have been very impressed, by the advice and time given to me. They will be my first port of call for any future electric problems.
J Mckinney
Came out on a bank holiday at very short notice - not even an emergency. Very helpful, professional and courteous.
Naobh
A very good experience. Gareth came to look at the job when he said he would. Two electricians arrived to undertake the work on time, they were efficient, tidy and polite. The job was completed on time and all rubbish was taken away. Would recommend and use again.
Mark G
Great and friendly service, would highly recommend.
Jane McKay
From initial quotation to job follow-up, the service was faultless. Electrician was knowledgeable, courteous and clearly walked me through various ideas and options available. Work was carried out on time/date agreed, and on budget. Would highly recommend.
Crawley
Excellent workmanship. Really pleased with the finished result, can now use freezer and electrics in garage, old lights removed and replaced with new ones. System also separated from house circuit which is ideal. In addition I originally booked Steve last week but due to poor weather conditions I was unable to empty the garage and until he arrived I didn't realise he wouldn't be able to complete the work. Steve was extremely accommodating and agreed to return a week later with no fuss. I will be using him again for sure!!
Horley
Steve was really friendly, helpful and provided an excellent service. He was around the same day we called to provide a quote and completed the job quickly and efficiently. We will certainly be using him again.
Crawley
Very tidy work, all sockets were flush and tidy matching well with the existing electrical fittings. Be quite happy to use him again.
Redhill
Can't fault it. A good job and would definitely recommend Steve to others.
Haywards Heath
Very approachable and knowledgeable and did a really good job.
Crawley
Steve has been brilliant since he got in touch last week. He came out to me the same day, and had to send off for a part and fitted it today. He even came back again last week after I thought the initial issue had got worse. He was very professional, friendly and efficient and I would happily use his services again.
Nancy
Steve was very helpful and friendly. He came out the same day and repaired wiring which had been drilled through, triping out the Sockets. Very professional. Would highly recommend him. Will definitely use his services again.
Gary
Steve came out .what a great job he done .id had another electrician out who totally messed my electrics up .but Steve sorted it out so it’s all safe .and done it quickly so was only charged for an hours work .will always phone on Steve now .very happy customer.
Sue Light
Our experience with Steve was exceptional. He responded to our cry for help very quickly and fitted us in to his busy schedule the following day. He arrived when he said he would and quickly sorted things out for us. As it happened, he did not have to carry out any work as such and, as a result, he did not charge us a penny. For his speed of service alone we give him 5 stars and he is at the top of our list to call on, should we ever require any "real" electrical work to be carried out in the future. We will also recommend him to anyone we know who needs an electrician.
David Miller
Steve has now completed the work, first class service.
Rick
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Dave
We had several small electrical replacement fittings to do around the house.Steve was excellent at communicating, gave a great quote, turned up on time and completed the work quickly and cleanly. Will always use from now on and would thoroughly recommend.
Colin Attwater
Steve was fantastic from initial call to installing a new shower fan he was both courteous and professional and knew his stuff complete expert! I would highly recommend him and will definitely use him again it was a pleasure to do business with him.
Michael Parker
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