Three-phase power spreads a property's load across three active conductors instead of one. It suits homes and small businesses with heavy equipment, big electrification plans or a fast EV charger, but it isn't automatically the right answer for every house.
Ring 0421 772 661 to talk through what you want to run. We'll look at your current supply and switchboard and explain the options before you commit.
Most Inner West houses are on a single-phase supply, and that's enough for a typical home, including induction cooking and a split system or two. Three-phase starts to make sense when the planned load is large and sustained: a fully electric house with ducted air conditioning, a heat pump, induction and an EV charger; a workshop with three-phase machinery; a commercial kitchen; or a large solar and battery system where the inverter is three-phase.
Some properties already have three-phase available at the pole or in the street, and some already have it connected to the meter box without anyone using it fully. Others would need network work to get it. We help you figure out which situation you're in. If an EV charger is the main reason, our guide to single-phase vs three-phase EV charging is worth reading first, because the benefit depends on the car.
A three-phase installation has two distinct halves. The first is the supply from the street: the service cable, the service fuses and the meter. Changing that is a network connection matter arranged with Ausgrid, and the work on the service mains and metering may need a Level 2 accredited service provider. Blue Link is not a Level 2 provider. We can help with the planning and the application side, and coordinate with a Level 2 provider where one is needed; our guide on what a Level 2 electrician does explains the split.
The second half is the customer side: the main switchboard, the sub-boards, and the circuits to the equipment. That's our work. A three-phase switchboard needs proper load balancing, so the big appliances are spread across the phases rather than all landing on one. Our three-phase switchboard in Ashfield is an example.
Checking the existing service, the meter box and what's available from the network before anything is ordered.
A new or upgraded board with a three-phase main switch, RCBO protection and room for future circuits.
Allocating circuits so each phase carries a sensible share of the household load.
Dedicated circuits for three-phase EV chargers, ducted air conditioning, inverters or machinery.
Power for compressors, kilns, lathes and commercial kitchen gear in small business premises.
Where the meter panel has to change, see our meter box upgrade page.
The biggest unknown is the network side. If three-phase is already available at the pole and the service cable can be replaced on an existing route, the job is far simpler than one where the network needs more work, or where an underground service has to be dug in. Ausgrid's own requirements and any associated charges are separate from our work.
On the customer side, cost depends on the switchboard (new enclosure, new main switch, number of RCBOs), whether the meter box needs replacing, how many circuits are moved or added, and access between the meter and the equipment. Our switchboard upgrade cost guide covers the board side in more depth.
Older homes often have the meter box on the front wall or verandah, sometimes with asbestos-backed panels, and a service cable that runs overhead from the pole. Upgrading to three-phase can mean a new meter panel, a new service and a full switchboard replacement in one go. Heritage-listed streetscapes may also affect where a new meter enclosure can sit.
Once installed, every circuit is tested to AS/NZS 3000 and we lodge a Certificate of Compliance for Electrical Work for our part of the job. You get a written quote that separates our work from anything arranged with Ausgrid or a Level 2 provider, so you know who is responsible for what.
Look at the main switch in your switchboard: a three-phase main switch is wider and connects three actives. Your electricity bill or a quick look at the meter can also help. We can confirm on site.
Usually not. Most home charging works well on single-phase. Three-phase only helps if the car can charge faster on three-phase AC and you need that speed.
No. Work on the service mains and metering may need a Level 2 accredited service provider. We handle the switchboard and circuits and can coordinate with a Level 2 provider.
Availability depends on the local network. Ausgrid determines what can be supplied to a property, so we check before you plan around it.
Not by itself. It increases the capacity you can draw, which matters for large loads. Running costs depend on what you use and your tariff.
NSW Electrical Contractor Licence 332956C · Fully insured · Since 2016 · Based in Hurlstone Park
Excellent electrician Blue Link Electrical was honest, knowledgeable, and took the time to answer my questions The work was completed quickly without rushing and everything works perfectly Will be using them
Very professional and reliable service. Blue Link Electrical were punctual, friendly, and knew exactly what they were doing. The job was completed to a high standard and the place was left clean. Highly recommend to anyone needing electrical work.
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