3 phase power - when to upgrade?

Just wondering how do you know whether you house would need a 3 phase power?

Upgrade cost is $1400 from my builder, plus another $600 for the surcharge protector

Main consideration - we are going to install at least 3 split system air con, and a pool

 

Do you have a large shed/garage by any chance? It could be a USP further down the track for a car enthusiast who wants a hoist installed.

 

If the house needed 3phase it would be factored in. It's usually if you need it for stuff youll do in the shed etc or a specific reason you want it

 

Normal double garage

Not sure if hubby a mechanic type... he likes waxing and cleaning the car. Never seen him with anything heavy

Is it expensive to upgrade to 3 phase later?

Thanks @wylie might not need 3 phase (I hope)!

 

I wouldn't be without it.

A/C and pool motors can require 3 phase.

I don't believe that there's any great efficiency one way or the other.

You will require heavier breakers and cabling for single phase motors vs smaller 3 ph supply.

 

I don't think you'll need it...I've got a pool pump and 2x those massive ducted compressors (20kw combined?) still using normal 240v mains. If there's no foreseeable need for 3 phase then save that $2k for something else.

 

@mini2 - Those ac units suck a massive 83.3 amps of your 100 amp 240v domestic power supply - OMG.

Turn on a few lights, the 1.8kw kettle & your 20 amp electric oven for Sunday roast and you'll be tripping the service fuse not the piddly ones on the front of your fusebox.

No. I can't see any need to upgrade unless you want to use the ac and have lunch.

 

Is it just certain types of aircon?
We would have ducted heating already, so won't use the AC apart from cooling. The house is 27sq, but we would mainly put AC in theater (16sqm), Master bed (16sqm) and living/kitchen (35sqm approx)

Called air con provider and they said it's unlikely they'd need 3 phase
Called pool company and they said they only need 2x 10Amp GPO. I have also made provisions for pool light junction box and 32 Amp Junction box (if going with Swim Spa instead)

Still confuse

 

Taking the above figures 32 + 3 × 15 amp mixed circuits + 20 amp oven = 97 amps.

In isolation none of these require 3 ph but cumulatively you may go over.

Even if you go 3 ph, you don't need 3 ph appliances but will need the sparky to balance the loads across the phases.

I am not including the hws or the ac load.

 

Huh? So need more work after the upgrade?

 

3 phase = 3 × 1 ph @ 120° offsets.

As I said, you won't need to install 3 ph motors but the equipment will sit on different wires to balance the loads.

 

@EN710

Builder is obviously quoting you with his own margin on a cost.

if it is your PPOR, no harm in having 3 phase for cost of $2K. your aircon, fridge can run on separate line.

 

Do you think it's necessary though? and will it add value if I ever want to sell it

 

Now you've got me thinking...might do some digging around next time I pop around to the rental and see what's the go with its wiring.

 

Totally agree with all of Scott No Mates' posts. Done now is cheaper than retro fit.

 

Should I have it then?

 

If u ever buy a tesla you'll get a full recharge in 4 hours with 3 phase instead of 8 hours, bonus!

 

If I can afford Tesla you mean! and 8 hours is non issue given I work at least 8 hours a day