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.
Efficient, friendly service.Would reccomend to anyone wanting Phil and his NextLevel Install company.
Julie Debnam
Jordan & Luke came to resolve a fault with our downstairs sockets that left us without power. Both were very knowledgeable, polite & efficient. Had my power back on within 30 mins. Would recommend & use again.
Steve Green
We feel really pleased to have found David - a really reliable electrician, able to find his way through electrical problems. He gives one great confidence!
C & A GILL
David and his staff were friendly, efficient and on point with my Ring installation. Fair pricing as well. I would highly recommend his services.
Christopher LoPinto
Chris arrived at the agreed time. He quickly took in the situation and traced the fault in our rambling wiring. I was delighted by his manner, approach, and efficiency. The cost was reasonable and he tidied up afterwards! I think we were very lucky to have found such an unpretentious genuine professional electrician.
John M
Lovely chap, would use Daniel again if needed but no plans to move plugs myself anytime soon!
Sharon
Asa quoted to take over some unfinished electrical work on a major house rebuild. His quotation was clear and covered all our requirements. He arrived on time with a colleague and was very good at problem solving and trying out different things to get to the bottom of issues. At times, this was quite tricky as he hadn't been involved in the initial electrical work. He even returned at 7pm on a Friday to check out why some lights were tripping. Very friendly and expertise combined. Stuck to his quotation and we will now be using him for all our future electrical requirements as well as recommending him to others.
Sarah
I found Martin a very pleasant and friendly young man. Thanks
Craig
Good customer service and reliable. Great and neat electrical work done in my garage. Good price. I will highly recommend David Farrar and his team. Thanks , Kwame.
Eric Kwame G
Okay first review so lets make this thorough: Leon had come over today to assess my flat and run an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) I as a consumer was really happy with: - His ability to quickly identify and flag some minor issues which needed adjusting. - His level of transparency and communication as he ran me through any changes that would occur (power cycling, what task he was moving onto as he progressed through his EICR) - Willingness to see a job through, he had gone to collect some parts to complete the task and had gone the extra mile to get it all resolved quickly. Brilliant level of customer service and overall great expertise in his role. Would highly recommend.
Sami Rashid
Very honest and efficient!
Richard
Turned up at the time we agreed and sorted the fault. Very professional. Thank you.
Eleanor
Very good service when I had a emergency. Gave very good advice. Would use again.
Susan
Fantastic service. Immediate response and arrived within the time given. Excellent knowledge and quickly found the fault.
Larraine
Excellent service, very professional and I can strongly recommend this company. The standard of work carried out was exceptional.
Twigs
Fantastic help and to the point both on the phone and in person. Arrived in the time we were given and explained the problem and solution simply but without being patronising. 10/10 for Paul the gent who came out to us.
Jo
Wow! responded immediately, electrician was here in no time, he explained the faults and fixed them right away, can actually say, "he saved our lives " as one switch was very very old and was heating up, potentially causing a fire. so big a thank you for making us safe, excellent service, excellent work carried out, would definitely recommend. THANK YOU
Rach
I was looking for a company to do an electrical survey of a property I am buying. I have nothing but praise for Paul and the work he has done. His estimation was clear. He was timely. He was very thorough in his survey of the property highlighting a number of things which need addressing which there is no way would have been identified otherwise. There are lots of companies out there on comparison sites but I would thoroughly recommend Paul from Electricians On Call.
Keith
I would recommended this company. Paul came to fit my new oven that needed to have a safety socket and new wires put behind it to make safe , spot on for time very quick and he knew his stuff and very polite, even got a free pen which was a nice touch ! many thanks for all your help
Jenny
Very professional, engineer arrived at time stated. Problem fixed in less than half an hour, therefore charged half hour rate, would have paid hourly rate with most other emergency call outs. Many thanks, would not hesitate to recommend!
Louis
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