A plain English guide to the work that usually comes up when a property moves to three phase power, from switchboard upgrades and new supply connections to EV chargers, solar and batteries, larger air conditioning and workshop machinery.
See the Upgrade JobsThree phase work covers more than one type of job. Some properties need a new supply brought in, others need an existing board replaced or a single appliance added. The list below covers the most common categories, what each one generally involves, and the questions worth asking a licensed electrician before any work starts.
An older switchboard may not be suited to a three phase supply or to the loads that come with it. A switchboard upgrade generally involves replacing the board itself, fitting safety switches on the circuits, and labelling everything clearly so future work is easier to quote and carry out. Ask the electrician whether the existing board can be kept and added to, or whether a full replacement is the better option.
Bringing three phase power to a property for the first time usually involves a load assessment, an application to the relevant network provider, changes to the meter box and a final connection. The exact steps depend on your distributor and your property, so ask the electrician to explain who lodges what and how long each stage tends to take.
Home EV charging is one of the most common reasons a household looks at three phase power. A charger install involves checking the available supply capacity, deciding where the unit will go, and running the circuit from the board. Ask the electrician to confirm the supply can carry the charger alongside existing loads, and whether the chosen charger suits your vehicle and wiring setup.
Solar systems and home batteries can change how power moves around a property, and three phase supply is often part of the conversation. An install typically involves checking how the solar inverter and battery connect to the board, how the phases are balanced, and what the network provider requires. Ask the electrician how the solar and battery setup will interact with the rest of the supply.
Larger air conditioning systems, particularly ducted systems, may need more from the supply than a single phase board can comfortably provide. This often means the air conditioning decision and the electrical supply decision are best made together. It also helps to get separate advice from an air conditioning in Melbourne specialist if that is where the property is, since sizing and duct design are their own trade. Ask the electrician what the proposed system needs and whether the board can support it.
Three phase machinery in a shed or workshop is another common driver for an upgrade. The work usually involves confirming the machine's requirements, checking the supply can carry the load, and wiring a suitable circuit and outlet. Ask the electrician about the machine's current draw, starting characteristics and whether the existing supply has capacity for it alongside other equipment.
Three phase upgrades are licensed electrical work. Before anyone starts, it is worth confirming their credentials and getting clear answers to a few questions.
Always hire a licensed electrician for three phase work, switchboard changes, EV charger installs, solar and battery connections, and workshop machinery wiring. Before the job begins, ask for their electrical contractor licence number and check it with the electrical regulator in your state or territory. You can also ask whether they hold the right insurance for the work.
Ask for the electrical contractor licence number before any work starts, and verify it with your state or territory regulator.
Ask how the electrician will assess the load before recommending a supply size or a particular job.
Ask for the scope in writing so you know what is included, what is optional and what happens if something changes.
Ask who lodges any certificates and network notifications, and when you will receive a copy.
Most upgrade jobs follow a similar shape. Larger commercial projects may add a design stage, but the general sequence is often the same.
Explain what is tripping, what is being installed, or what the property needs to run. This helps the electrician work out whether a site visit is required.
A licensed electrician checks the existing board, supply and cable routes, then provides a written quote. Anything optional should be listed separately.
Power is isolated where needed and the work is completed. For air conditioning and other equipment, this is also when the system is commissioned and tested.
Compliance paperwork is lodged and you should receive a copy. If something seems off afterwards, contact the electrician who did the work.
If the board trips when several large appliances run at once, if you are adding ducted air conditioning or an EV charger, or if a workshop needs machinery, single phase may not keep up. A licensed electrician can check the current supply and calculate the load before recommending anything.
This depends on the job and your network provider. Ask the electrician to explain which parts of the work need an outage and how they plan to keep it as short as possible.
Often the board needs some work first, and it can make sense to plan both together. A licensed electrician can tell you whether a switchboard upgrade is required or whether the existing board can support the new system.
Yes. Ask for the electrical contractor licence number and verify it with the electrical regulator in your state or territory before any work starts.
Ask who lodges any certificates and network notifications, and when you will receive copies. Keep those documents with your property records.
Describe the problem in a sentence or two to a licensed electrician and ask what they would check first. Always confirm their electrical contractor licence number before any work begins.