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.
What we thought to be a simple fault turned out to be a big investigation to find the fault, then fix it. It wasnt easy as the house is a nightmare, as we previously discovered! However, Alfie was great. Very diligent and hard working. He solved the issue and I would definitely highly recommend him. We would certainly use his services again.
Amanda
A warm thank you to GES, especially Alfie who discussed the job and suggested solutions at our pre-meet phone call. Alfie arrived on site within time specified, was very, professional, respectful, polite and helpful. I really appreciated being briefed at the condition of the electrics and shown areas of concern. Due to the water damage in my outbuilding together with poor wiring and a dated circuit board, Alfie came up with a solution that was aesthetically pleasing, affordable, and more importantly, meets with current regulations. Alfie also suggested cosmetic and security solutions to the front facade of my house that I may wish to consider at some point in the future and without the hard sell! If you want that piece of mind at a competitive price, then I highly recommend GES for all electrical works.
Denise
We chose Alfie because of his extensive experience, which met our needs, and his competitive pricing. We found him to be very professional, friendly and approachable. Nothing was to much trouble and he went the extra mile to make things safe in our home. He was easy to contact and solved any problem that we might put his way. He was very reliable. We recommend Alfie to anybody that has electrical needs, he is second to none. Thank you Alfie !
Lynne
Had 3 double sockets installed in my conservatory and an extension to my outdoor lighting. Alfie and his team did an impeccable job, kept everywhere neat and tidy and the finished work was first class Thanks again
Joyce
Very pleased with the service. The job was completed promptly and efficiently and I would have no hesitation in using Greenhithe Electrical Sevices again.
Alison
Excellent service. Friendly, expert knowledge and very polite about by my botched foray into DIY electrics (never to be repeated). Found all the fault issues and dealt with them expertly. Would highly recommend.
Sam Jenny
I had a really great experience with Alfie extremely polite extremely decent and honest gentleman I couldn't have asked for a better electrician to come out really appreciating fantastic bloke and I would recommend it to anyone.
Peter Stanley
Alfie did a lot of work for us from the beginning when we just got our house, he helped us rewire the whole house and put switches and sockets exactly where we wanted them. He also helped us with all the lights and all other small electrical work. We will be calling him again for sure!
Shaun Scott
Fast and amazing service from GES. Alife was really helpful and easy to talk to. Definitely recommend.
Katie George
Excellent professional service would highly recommend. Very helpful and quick responses to all questions. Extremely happy with kitchen LED downlights and LED strips installed.
Jamie Evans
Great service,managed to speak to Sean out of hours,arrived on time,very helpful,would recommend and use in the future
Carol Cookson
Had a Currys delivery of a new cooker, their engineer could not install it as said there was an Earth Problem, Phoned in before 10am and electrician was here at 3pm. Inspected and found no fault with wiring, proceeded to install new cooker for me. No Hassle, Fast, Polite Safe COVID Secure Service, Professional Service. would definitely Recommend and Definitely use them again if need an Electrician Again. Thank You .
Stuart North
I called on behalf of my infirm brother in law, was called back after a little time and asked them to speak directly with my brother in law which they did, and arranged an appointment for he next day, appointment confirmed and work carried out . A very good outcome to the problem and this company are on my brother in laws preferred list. Well done.
Graham Nixon
Great service. Put up new light fittings, changed light sockets, and put light and sockets in cupboard. Very competitive and would definitely recommend. Electrician was very friendly and pleasant. Will be using again for some outside lights
Agnes McQuade
Excellent service, fast response high quality work and reasonable prices Happy to recommend Neil and his team
Peter MacDonald
Great service, very professional and polite.definitely use again.
Manda
Superb service. Professional & friendly. Very impressed and will be using Billy again. Great prices too. Highly recommended. Much appreciated.
Patrick James Stephens
Neil came to look at job. Fitting outside electric junction box. Gave me a great price and said he could do it right away. Half hour later he was gone. Great service. Recommend to anyone
Danny
Peter was brilliant. Efficient, great communicator and very reasonable. Highly recommened!
Andrew McIndoe
I found Safespark Electrical Services through My Trusted Expert. I read previous reviews & they were all 100% & within 5 minutes of chatting online regarding my query Leon called me & an appointment was made. The young guy ( really sorry but I’ve forgotten his name ) turned up at my Mums house at the said time, he was so polite & was very efficient. I would definitely recommend these guys, brilliant service.
Tina Jackson
My Trusted Expert Guarantee
Experts Have Been Vetted & Certified