Should I upgrade to three phase?

With an increase in electrical appliances, our homes today need a larger supply of power compared to the past. While most Melbourne homes have a 63A single phase, some older homes may have smaller 32A or 40A supplies which are usually insufficient to upkeep with the current electrical appliances on the market. By upgrading your property to three phase, you are upgrading your capacity to manage more appliances, an EV charging station and pool heating for example.

The process of a three-phase upgrade and costs (overhead supply)

It is a sophisticated process involving liaison with many parties such as your local electricity retailer, local supply authority and an independent certified electrical inspector. The knowledgeable team at Electrx will take care of the paperwork required, extensive organisation, liaison with the power companies and the booking process to ensure the process is as smooth as possible.

To initiate a three-phase upgrade, we first complete the application and extensive paperwork required. This process can take a few weeks to complete due to the number of parties involved. Once the application is approved, our friendly electricians at Electrx will organise a truck appointment with your local supply authority (e.g. CitiPower, United Energy etc) for the disconnection and reconnection of your electrical supply from the grid.
Two truck appointments are required – one for disconnection and one for reconnection of your power. Generally, a truck appointment costs between $400 to $500 per appointment. When we reach the reconnection stage, our experienced electricians will work alongside the supply authorities linesman and an independent certified electrical inspector to ensure that your property is safely and properly reconnected to the grid.

In the meantime, our skilled electricians will prepare your property by installing new mains cabling between the point of attachment to your property, your electricity meter, and your switchboard. You can expect to receive your Certificate of Electrical Safety provided by our qualified electrician once the upgrade is complete.

How much does an overhead 3 phase upgrade cost?

For overhead supplies, it typically costs between $5,000 to $8,000 to upgrade your property to three phase. If additional work is required, this will influence the installation cost. Factors that may influence cost include:

• A switchboard upgrade (For a safe reconnection, your switchboard must be compliant with current standards. If it is not compliant, the switchboard will need to be upgraded).
• Installation of an earth electrode;
• Replacement or relocation of your meter panel;
• Upgrading your point of attachment;
• Installation of a raiser bracket (used to ensure ground clearance requirement over driveways and roads is met)

These are all factors we will discuss during our consultation to ensure transparency when quoting and getting the work done.

Advantages:

• Increased electrical capacity to connect more electrical appliances.
• Future proof your property

The process of a three-phase upgrade and costs (underground supply)

An underground electrical supply is when your electricity cable from the street connects to your house underground rather than overhead like most homes in Melbourne. In recent years, there has been a push for underground supply in new estates due to the changes in regulations such as the prohibit of overhead cables from significantly crossing over neighbour properties. Thus, making overhead supply increasing difficult and an underground supply the only viable option.

For existing homes and businesses

Alike overhead supply, the power needs to be disconnected and reconnected in order to safely upgrade your power from single phase to three phase.

We know the application process can be daunting. Therefore, with all upgrades Electrx will complete the application and extensive paperwork required. Keeping in mind, this process may take a few weeks to complete due to the external parties involved. Once the application has been approved, our skilled team will organise the truck appointments through your local supply authority. We will always do our best to successfully disconnect, complete the work and then reconnect all within one day. However, if it is not possible due to unforeseen delays or limited truck appointment availabilities, we will organise the works to be completed in two consecutive days to ensure that your home or business is connected back to power as soon as possible.

The process

Once your power has been disconnected, our electricians will safely decommission and remove the old single phase cables. The new three phase cable will be installed. Our friendly team will re wire the existing meter and switchboard. When all the work is completed, the reconnection will take place. Once your upgrade is successfully completed, we will provide you with a Certificate of Electrical Safety.

How much does an underground 3 phase upgrade cost?

Existing home or business

Upgrading your underground supply from single phase to three phase usually costs between $5,000 and $8,000. One of the biggest influencing cost factors is the amount of trenching required. The team at Electrx will go the extra mile by re-laying the lawn and soil as much as possible. However, should you opt for extensive landscaping or concreting, we strongly recommend our clients organise this with their preferred landscaper/concreter as we only offer a basic service as goodwill.

Sometimes, there are unforeseen difficulties which influence cost. Our experienced electricians will always assess the situation prior to commencing any works. However, with an underground supply, it is harder to assess the scope of works and there are situations where unforeseen difficulties arise.

Newly built home or business

When it comes to newly built homes and businesses, one of the biggest influencing factors into the costs is the amount of trenching required. Generally, it is more cost effective to complete three phase upgrade prior to any landscaping and driveways are completed. This helps lower costs as it saves you from extensive landscaping and concreting a second time.

How much does an underground 3 phase upgrade cost for a newly built home or business?

Upgrading your underground supply to three phase in a newly built home or business generally costs between $3,500 and $5,000. As mentioned above, it is largely influenced by the amount of trenching required.

The Upgrade Process

Upgrading to a three-phase power system requires careful planning, expertise, and precision. Below is a guide to navigate the essential steps for a successful upgrade.

Initial Assessment and Planning

Your property will first undergo a thorough assessment to determine the suitability of a three-phase upgrade. This includes:

• Evaluating your current electrical system’s capacity
• Identifying potential upgrade sites
• Reviewing your energy requirements

A detailed plan will then be drafted, including:

• A tailored solution meeting your specific power needs
• Budget estimations
• A project timeline

Three Phase Upgrades Improving Your Power Efficiency

Upgrading to a three-phase electrical system can significantly enhance the power capacity of your Melbourne property, catering to your growing energy demands.
A three-phase power supply divides the electrical load across three alternating currents, ensuring a consistent and more efficient power flow which can be crucial for both residential and commercial settings.

By selecting a reputable and experienced electrician for the job, you can be confident in the safety and reliability of your upgraded electrical system for years to come.

When you opt for a three-phase upgrade, installed by Electrx Electricians, we will assess your current single-phase system and design a bespoke solution that meets both your immediate and future electricity needs. This process involves a detailed examination of your current electrical setup, understanding the power requirements of your appliances, and planning for any forthcoming enhancements or expansions to your property.

Get in touch today so that we can come and see how three phase power can help your home or business.