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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Electrical Questions >> Three Phase Power https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1461687235 Message started by RedRaptor on Apr 26^th, 2016, 5:13pm

Title: Three Phase Power
Post by RedRaptor on Apr 26^th, 2016, 5:13pm

Hi,

I'm considering getting an industrial unit for my workshop.

Currently all my equipment is standard UK single phase and the industrial workshop comes with standard 3 phase power. I'm wondering if I can quite simply wire out single phase electricity from the 3 phase power, just by only using 1 live wire. To my knowledge, this is entirely possible, but can someone please confirm?

Also, what about voltages? Again, to my limited knowledge, 3 phase is 400v while single phase is 230v, so if I only use 1 live wire, does that step down the voltage too or do i have to install something to bring the voltage down?

I plan on hiring an electrician to do this anyway, I'd just like to know for my own curiosity. Thanks

Title: Re: Three Phase Power
Post by thescruff on Apr 26^th, 2016, 8:09pm

Yes standard wiring, your sparky should know what to do, if not get another that does.

Have you got a meter- consumer unit etc, chances are any sockets or lights will be single phase.

Title: Re: Three Phase Power
Post by Lectrician on Apr 26^th, 2016, 9:45pm

Three phase can be used to supply single phase circuits, it is standard practice. You connect your single phase circuits between ANY 1 phase and neutral. Best to spread your single phase circuits over the three phases, but on smaller installs it doesn't matter too much.

Three phase is great for motors, so if you intend on keeping the unit, and are buying new machines, three phase would be the best choice.

Title: Re: Three Phase Power
Post by londonman on Apr 28^th, 2016, 10:33am

Lectrician wrote on Apr 26^th, 2016, 9:45pm:

And often better and cheaper secondhand machines.