Australian homes and businesses connected to the grid will mainly run on single phase or three phase power.

Choosing the wrong type of power will negatively impact your solar set up so it is important to understand the difference between single and three phase power and how to determine which one your home runs on.

Your electrical wires could be located overhead, or they may be buried in the ground. Because of this, the easiest way to check which power your home has is not to look at your wires, but to look inside your main switchboard. You will want to find a switch that is labelled “Main Switch”.

Single Phase

Single phase power is common in many new Australian homes and even in new businesses. In a single phase home, you will find your “Main Switch” consists of one switch inside your main switchboard.

Two Phase

Two phase power is rare but can sometimes occur if the single phase power requirements of a home exceed the maximum demand as calculated by an electrician. If you have two phase power you will find your “Main Switch” consists of two switches connected inside your main switchboard.

Three Phase

Three phase power is more common in larger homes with greater energy needs such as large air-conditioning systems, electric car chargers, spas, and pool heaters and more. In a three phase home, you will find your “Main Switch” consists of three switches connected inside your main switchboard.