When you might need three-phase
- Heavy machinery, compressors, lifts or commercial kitchen equipment that needs it
- Several high-power loads at once, such as multiple EV chargers, large heat pumps or kilns
- Your current supply is regularly near its limit
How it works
- An electrician assesses your load and existing installation.
- If you need a new or upgraded supply, you apply to your local network operator (around Banbury, usually SSEN). They quote for and carry out work up to and including the meter position.
- Your electrician installs and tests everything from the meter onwards: distribution board, sub-mains and circuits, to BS 7671.
Network operator timescales and costs vary, so it's worth starting early.
Safety first
Three-phase systems involve higher voltages between phases. All work must be carried out by a competent electrician with safe isolation.
Ask Steve about three-phase work: call Steve or use the quote form to ask whether this is something he can help with and what it would involve.
When to call an electrician
- You're adding equipment that needs three-phase
- You're moving into a unit and unsure what supply it has
- You're planning multiple EV chargers
Sources and further reading
General guidance only, based on the sources above. Last reviewed October 2026. It isn't a substitute for an inspection by a qualified electrician.