As many homes are wired differently, there are always going to be completely different ways of identifying a single or 3-phase electricity supply. Here displayed 4 simplified different ways to identify whether you have single or 3-phase power to your home.

Way 1

Make a 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, 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 on hand which contains all the information required to verify for details.

Way 2

Service fuse identification is potentially the easiest visual assessment, if available. Fact is that many service fuses are not always conveniently located below the electricity meter. Therefore, this method may not be ideal. Below are some examples of a single phase or 3-phase service fuse identification.

Way 3

Existing 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 of some kind, then the only way these fixed appliances will operate is with a 3-phase power supply. Therefore, you have 3-phase power.

Way 4

The electrical switchboard visual assessment. What you need to identify is the MAIN SWITCH. In most instances, the main switch will either be what is referred to as 1-pole wide or 3-poles wide (see below). If your MAIN SWITCH is 1-pole wide, then you have a single phase power supply. Alternatively, if your MAIN SWITCH is 3-poles wide, then you have a 3-phase power supply.