Most Sydney homes are supplied with single-phase power. That was plenty when houses had a stove, a hot water system and a few appliances. Today many homes add ducted air conditioning, induction cooktops, pool heat pumps and EV chargers, and some reach the limit of what a single-phase supply can comfortably deliver.
Signs you might need more supply
- The main switch or supply fuse trips when several large appliances run together
- Lights dim when the air conditioning or oven starts
- You are planning a fast EV charger, ducted air conditioning or a pool heat pump
- You run workshop machinery, a lift or commercial kitchen equipment
- An electrician or appliance installer has said the supply is too small
Three-phase is not always the answer. Sometimes upgrading the consumer mains on single phase, or managing loads, solves the problem for less. A proper load assessment comes first.
How the upgrade works
- Load assessment: we look at your existing supply and planned appliances.
- Application: the connection change is applied for with the network operator.
- Metering: your electricity retailer arranges a suitable three-phase meter through its metering provider. We coordinate timing.
- Installation: we upgrade the service line and consumer mains as a Level 2 ASP and fit a three-phase switchboard if needed.
- Energising and certification: the new supply is tested, energised and certified with a Certificate of Compliance for Electrical Work.
What affects the price
- Whether the existing service line is overhead or underground, and its length
- Whether the street network already has three phases available at your pole or pit
- The condition and location of the meter box and switchboard
- Trenching or boring for underground cabling
- Any asbestos meter panels that must be removed
Every property is different, so we quote after a site check. Call us to talk through your plans, or send photos of your meter box and switchboard for an early indication.