3 phase electric

hiluxx · Jul 30, 2024 12:10 pm

Hi guys,

just trying to understand the use of 3 phase electric. I know it is usually for energy intensive appliances like commercial machinery. I heard there are some big pricy items that may require it as well. This include 10kw solar system and sometimes pool pump. Is this correct?

I am thinking of building a 6 by 4 meter pool, is 3 phase electric needed to a pump for such a pool? If my land do not have 3 phase power available, does it mean I have to pull the wiring from the street into my land? I am on a battleAxe lot. Is it costly to do so?

Thanks!
Jamie

ponzutwo · Jul 30, 2024 1:28 pm

hiluxx

Hi guys,

just trying to understand the use of 3 phase electric. I know it is usually for energy intensive appliances like commercial machinery. I heard there are some big pricy items that may require it as well. This include 10kw solar system and sometimes pool pump. Is this correct?

I am thinking of building a 6 by 4 meter pool, is 3 phase electric needed to a pump for such a pool? If my land do not have 3 phase power available, does it mean I have to pull the wiring from the street into my land? I am on a battleAxe lot. Is it costly to do so?

Thanks!
Jamie

its also got to do with total draw. Get 3 phase every time. Usually its a minor cost of upgrade - 1-3k on your build contract. Dont know if battle axe plot and distance to teh street makes a difference, but it might.

hiluxx · Jul 30, 2024 2:02 pm

Thank u ponzutwo . I spoke to a few people and they all say it is worth it long run. Can be pricey thou. I'll update here once my builder got back to me.

KnockItDown · Aug 03, 2024 1:20 pm

I've built twice now and both times I stipuated 3 phase in the build contract. I did so I can run decent sized ducted air systems. Do it you wont regret it.

brokehead · Aug 03, 2024 9:38 pm

10kw solar won't require 3 phase but larger solar systems will.

Pool pump and air con has been mentioned but also if you ever get an EV charger could be useful, or for high power induction cooktops and ovens

Also may be helpful for high total power draw.

WEsW · Aug 10, 2024 7:51 am

Be careful of the quote and make sure they separate the circuits into 3 different phases. I noticed the switchboard of my friend who just needed to pay $500 to upgrade but eventually the electrical company only upgraded the main switch to 3 phase breaker, everything is still same phase all around the house.

Shardul · Oct 23, 2024 3:15 pm

Hi,
You're right, 3-phase power is for energy-intensive appliances like a 10kW solar system or large pool pumps. For a 6x4 meter pool, most standard pumps don’t need 3-phase power unless you're installing a high-demand system. Single-phase is typically fine.
If 3-phase isn't available, you may need to run wiring from the street, which can be costly, especially on a battle-axe lot. I'd suggest getting a quote from an electrician to know for sure.

Saint Mike · Nov 12, 2024 5:14 pm

One thing - and I know it might be silly - but - make sure if you get 3 phase your solar panels are linked to ALL 3. They can link to just one.

I've found 3 phase it better - and in a black out one might still work - I have no idea why.

chippy · Nov 12, 2024 7:48 pm

Saint Mike

One thing - and I know it might be silly - but - make sure if you get 3 phase your solar panels are linked to ALL 3. They can link to just one.

I've found 3 phase it better - and in a black out one might still work - I have no idea why.

I think a blackout is all 3 phases dropped out, where as a brown out is just a dropped phase or 2 meaning anything on the phase that is still operational still works.
We have had brown outs and certain items and lights continued to work. In a true blackout your out of luck.