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Virtually every business is interested in being more energy-efficient. You will not only be improving your productivity at less cost but also impacting your bottom line. Upgrading to 3 phase power also has other advantages for your business. This blog post looks at how 3-phase power can improve your local business.
Here, you can read up on business applications of three phase power systems, identifying your type of power supply and power supply needs, and business benefits of three phase power combined with solar. The post concludes with an answer to who should perform 3 phase power upgrades. Let's dive in!
Things to know about single-phase power supply
A single phase power supply has low voltage due to a circuit connection with a single wire. There are only two wires that consist of only one active and one neutral wire. This is why single phase power supplies are more suitable for domestic use. The alternating currents (AC) in single phase power systems continuously alternate in direction and magnitude. They generate a sinusoidal waveform.
Things to know about 3-phase power supply
- A 3-phase power supply uses three distinct alternating current (AC) voltages, with each of the voltages sequentially alternating between positive and negative charges. There are four wires, three active wires and one neutral wire.
- You ultimately triple the available power supply when using three-phase power instead of single phase power systems, as you have three times more active wires.
- Alternating currents in three phase power systems generate three waveforms that are 120 degrees out of phase with each other. The waveforms merge, creating a balanced, consistent, efficient power supply.
- A three-phase power supply is also stable and helps motors and electrical devices operate more effectively.
Applications of three-phase power systems
3-phase power is popularly used in commercial and industrial settings for the following applications:
- Large equipment and equipment
- Large motors and generators
- Commercial kitchens
- Mobile towers
- Data centres
- Factory and manufacturing works
- Construction sites
- Tube motors
- Industrial heating and cooling
How 3-phase power improves your local business
New homes and businesses are now trending towards installing a 3-phase power supply for better dependability and safety.
Here are some ways that using three phase power contributes to the success of your local business:
Improving productivity of three-phase equipment
It is less productive and more inefficient to run appliances that are meant for 3-phase power supply on single phase systems. Some equipment even performs poorly if you power them on the unbalanced voltage of single phase power.
Besides, you will also be maintaining the lifespan of your business equipment. You reduce the amount of work the equipment has to perform as they only draw fewer volt-amperes. Therefore, hiring a level 2 qualified electrical contractor makes sense to upgrade your electrical supply to a 3-phase one.
Reducing energy costs of business equipment
It is more appropriate to upgrade to a three-phase electricity supply if you wish to use your electricity for business purposes. For instance, using three-phase systems for manufacturing equipment extends the equipment's life. It also helps you save on power supply costs.
This is because three-phase power provides low energy loss arising from vibration. This is understandable since the power never drops to zero. Ultimately, it generates more power, and your business can save on energy costs and generate lower energy bills.
Reducing power interruptions and outages
Frequent power outages do not only make your local business less productive. You may also lose your clients or customers. You can reduce power outages and circuit breaker trips if you upgrade your power supply and set up 3-phase circuits. This type of power allows you to use single alternating currents to power several circuits, making you experience fewer power outages.
Giving room for scalability
Three-phase power systems allow businesses and industries to enjoy a steady and robust power supply. It is also easier to scale up your business without much concern. For example, you can add elements that increase electrical load without worrying about circuit breaker trips and outages. You can make more viable business investments if your business has growing energy needs.
Meeting the energy demands of smart devices and appliances
As technology evolves, the energy requirements of smart devices such as cameras and speakers change. Appliances like large ducted air conditioners, electric hot water systems, electric car chargers, and deep freezers need three-phase power. Thus, you must determine whether your new advanced business equipment requires upgrading to a three-phase power supply.
Improving electrical safety
The voltage requirement of your appliances is one factor you should consider when upgrading your power supply to a three-phase system. The wrong type of power can cause problems such as short circuits, circuit overload, and power outages. These can, in turn, lead to electrical fires, electrical shocks, and other electrical safety hazards.
Identifying your type of power supply
There are two significant types of electricity supply: single-phase and 3-phase power. Take the following steps to determine whether you have a single-phase or three-phase power.
- Head over to your fuse box. The presence of three fuses/black rectangular cartridges indicates that you have three-phase power.
- On the other hand, a single fuse suggests that it is a single-phase power.
- Alternatively, you can confirm whether you have a single wire or three wires running from the street's electrical transformer to your house.
- Another way to confirm is to check for the details of your Distributed Network Service Provider on your electricity bill and ask what type of power connection you have.
How to determine what phase your business's needs
- Begin by assessing the energy needs of your business.
- First, calculate the overall power requirements of every device and appliance.
- Factors include the number of workstations and geographical location.
- Consult local electricians with experienced commercial electricians to perform electrical safety inspections and assessments.
Benefits of 3-phase power combined with solar
- Combining 3-phase power with a rooftop solar system may be expensive, but it can benefit your business.
- You can export more solar energy to the grid (3 to 6 times more solar energy than single phase) and earn solar feed-in credits.
- Meanwhile, you can run multiple high-power appliances more confidently without experiencing power trips.
- Even more importantly, you can run your business appliances on free solar electricity in the daytime.
- It is possible to power your entire business on free solar power, 24/7 if you add battery storage.
- The cost-saving benefit is increased if you need to charge electric cars.
Single vs. 3-phase power business considerations
- Knowing the differences between single- and three-phase power is useful when upgrading current electrical systems or installing new ones.
- Single-phase power is more appropriate for homes and small businesses. However, you need three-phase systems for large commercial companies and industrial applications.
- Single-phase power generation is 400 or 415 volts, much higher than single-phase power generation, which is 230 to 240 volts.
- 3-phase power characteristically has greater efficiency with balanced distribution and improved power transfer.
- Three-phase power can better meet the power requirements of heavy-duty appliances, large heating systems, and air conditioning units.
- On the flip side, three-phase power has higher installation costs and needs more equipment and wiring.
Who should perform 3-phase power upgrades?
You must get a professional commercial electrician to handle three-phase power installations or upgrades to three-phase power. You should specifically hire experienced electrical contractors who can provide Level 2 local electricians to help you upgrade from single-phase to three-phase power.
Besides, they can provide general and emergency electrician services for your business. For example, they can help you handle issues with smoke alarms, ceiling fans, and switchboard upgrades for increased power. You can also consult them for an expert guide to 3-phase power.
Contractors provide phased power services
This blog post on how 3 phase power can improve your local business has considered the business applications of three-phase power systems, business benefits of three-phase power combined with solar, and business considerations of single-phase vs. 3-phase power. Hiring electrical contractors with licensed Level 2 electricians to upgrade your electrical supply is best. They can do it more efficiently and safely.
