Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Determining whether you have a single-phase or 3-phase power supply could be daunting if you don’t work with electricity. Rest assured that, unless advised, 95% of people who shop for a solar energy system are also less likely to know. Considering many homes have different electrical configurations, there will always be various ways of identifying a single-phase or 3-phase electricity supply. Below are six different (simplified) methods to determine whether you have single-phase or 3-phase power supplying your home.
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1: It's Written
Try to locate your electricity supply meter. More often than not, it’s written on the face of the meter. The below image is an example of “SINGLE PHASE” written on the meter face, which tends to get a little lost in the surrounding text; see if you can spot it. Always consider the written format may vary on your meter. Here are some examples of what may appear:
Single-Phase text variations: Single Phase, Mono-phase, 1-Phase.
Three-phase text variations: Tri-Phase, Polyphase. 3-Phase.
2: Phone Call
Without getting over technical, and to save you the effort of looking at your electrical switchboard, there is someone who will know instantly—your electricity supply company. The good news is that they’re only a phone call away and free to ask. For ease of reference, ensure you have a copy of your latest electricity bill containing all the information required to verify your account details.
3: Switchboard Visual Assessment
The electrical switchboard visual assessment is often ideal for identifying a single-phase or 3-phase power supply. What you need to determine is the MAIN SWITCH. In most instances, the main switch will either be what is referred to as 1-pole wide or 3-pole wide. If your Main Switch is 1-pole wide, you have a single-phase power supply. Alternatively, if your Main Switch is 3-poles wide, you have a 3-phase power supply.
Tip: A “pole” is often similar in size to a finger width or approximately 18mm. As a guide, three poles resemble three fingers together or approximately 54mm.
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4: Service Fuse Identification
Service fuse identification is the most straightforward visual assessment, if available. The fact is that many service fuses are not always conveniently located below the electricity meter. Therefore, this method may not be ideal. Below are examples of single-phase or 3-phase service fuse identification in Western Australia.
Image: Single-Phase supply fuse.
Image: Three-Phase supply fuse example.
5: Point, Click, Send
The camera on your smartphone is an excellent tool. Take a photo of either your;
- Electrical switchboard/ fuse box.
- OR electricity meter.
- Even better, both of the above.
Send it to a knowledgeable professional in your region. Electrical characteristics of single-phase or 3-phase power supplies are common in localities. If you’re located in Perth or Bunbury, Western Australia, we can assist. Contact sales support.
Extra assistance: Are you struggling to find someone to ask or send the image to? Try posting your snapshot to your social media feed proposing the single-phase or 3-phase question.
6: Existing Appliance Identity
Identify if you have any existing 3-phase appliances in your house. If your home possesses an extra powerful 3-phase air conditioner or a 3-phase pump, then these fixed appliances will only operate with a 3-phase power supply. Therefore, you have 3-phase power.
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One reply to “How to identify a single phase or 3-phase power supply”
Paul Simon
Hi, can you help me in working out if I have a single or 3 phase supply? My meter says 1 Phase, but it looks as though I have 3 coming into the property & then 2 fuses?!
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