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Three-Phase Installation

Professional three-phase electrical system installation for industrial machinery and high-power commercial equipment across East Sussex.

Industry Certified
Fully Accredited
Fully Insured
Professional three-phase installation showing high-quality workmanship

Three-Phase Installation in Eastbourne

Industrial machinery, heavy commercial equipment, and high-power systems require three-phase electrical installation. D J Fox Electrical specializes in three-phase system design and installation for manufacturing facilities, workshops, commercial kitchens, and industrial applications across East Sussex.

With over 15 years of commercial and industrial electrical expertise, we handle complex three-phase installations meeting all safety and regulatory requirements.

What We Provide

  • Complete three-phase system assessment and design
  • DNO (Distribution Network Operator) coordination for three-phase supply
  • Transformer installation (if required)
  • Three-phase consumer unit and distribution board installation
  • Three-phase circuit installation and protection
  • Motor and machinery wiring and protection
  • Variable frequency drive (VFD) installation
  • Power factor correction equipment
  • Circuit testing and balancing
  • Load distribution optimization
  • Compliance certification and documentation
  • 24/7 maintenance and emergency support

Why Choose D J Fox Electrical?

  • NICEIC Approved Contractor with industrial experience
  • 15+ Years Three-Phase Installation Experience
  • Experienced with All Major Machinery Types
  • DNO Application & Coordination Expertise
  • BS 7671:2018 (18th Edition) Compliant
  • Full testing and certification capabilities
  • 24/7 Emergency Service available
  • Competitive rates for commercial projects

Single Phase vs Three Phase Power

Single Phase Supply (Standard residential)

  • Used in homes and small businesses
  • 230V AC voltage
  • Two cables (live and neutral)
  • Suitable for appliances up to about 10kW
  • Simpler wiring and equipment
  • Less efficient for large loads

Three Phase Supply (Industrial/Commercial)

  • Used for high-power applications
  • 400V AC voltage (between phases)
  • Three separate cables (three live phases + neutral)
  • Can efficiently supply power above 10kW
  • Rotational equipment runs more smoothly
  • More cost-effective for large installations
  • Allows load distribution across three phases

Industrial & Commercial Applications

Manufacturing & Engineering:

  • CNC machines and machine tools
  • Heavy-duty presses and hydraulic equipment
  • Conveyors and material handling systems
  • Compressors and pneumatic systems
  • Industrial pumps and motors
  • Welding equipment (large capacity)

Commercial Kitchens:

  • Commercial ovens and ranges
  • Industrial dishwashers
  • Refrigeration units (large capacity)
  • Commercial extraction systems
  • Large commercial cooking equipment

Workshops & Construction:

  • Industrial air compressors
  • Heavy-duty power tools
  • Welding equipment
  • Dust collection and ventilation
  • Lifting and hoist equipment
  • Industrial lighting systems

Other Applications:

  • Data centres and server rooms
  • Hospital and medical facility backup systems
  • Large retail or supermarket installations
  • Building HVAC and climate control systems
  • Electric vehicle charging infrastructure
  • Solar and renewable energy systems

Three-Phase System Components

Three-Phase Consumer Unit/Distribution Board

Central control point for three-phase supply:

  • Main switch rated for three-phase operation
  • RCD protection on each phase
  • Separate circuit breakers for individual circuits
  • Load balancing across phases
  • Capacity from 60A to 200A+ depending on needs
  • Integration with motor starters and VFDs

Motor Starters & Soft Starters

Control devices for industrial motors:

  • Direct-On-Line (DOL) Starters - direct connection to supply (simple)
  • Soft Starters - gradual power-up reducing mechanical stress
  • Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) - precise motor speed control and energy efficiency
  • Protection against overload and phase loss
  • Integration with safety systems

Transformers (If required)

Step-down or step-up voltage transformation:

  • Convert three-phase 400V to lower voltages if needed
  • Isolation transformers for sensitive equipment
  • Boost transformers for long-distance power runs
  • Thermal protection and cooling systems
  • May be required for properties with distance from DNO connection

Cable and Protection:

  • Heavy-gauge three-phase cable (10mm² to 95mm² typical)
  • Armoured cable for exposed installations
  • Proper cable sizing for load requirements
  • Circuit protection (MCBs, RCBOs)
  • Overload protection for motors

Power Factor Correction:

Improve electrical efficiency:

  • Power factor correction capacitors
  • Reduce reactive power charges on bills
  • Improve equipment performance
  • Reduce heat and losses in cables
  • Significant energy savings on large installations

Three-Phase Installation Process

  1. Needs Assessment - Evaluate machinery, power requirements, and site conditions
  2. DNO Application - Apply to Distribution Network Operator for three-phase supply
  3. System Design - Design three-phase distribution and protection scheme
  4. Site Preparation - Prepare cable routes and equipment locations
  5. Supply Installation - Work with DNO to install three-phase supply to building
  6. Consumer Unit Installation - Install three-phase distribution board
  7. Circuit Installation - Install individual circuits for machinery and equipment
  8. Motor Wiring - Wire motors with appropriate starters/VFDs
  9. Power Factor Assessment - Measure and correct power factor if needed
  10. Load Balancing - Distribute load evenly across three phases
  11. Testing & Commissioning - Full system test and verification
  12. Handover - Provide documentation and operator training

Typical Installation Costs

Small Three-Phase Installation (1-2 motors, 30A service):

  • Design and planning: £500-800
  • Supply upgrade (DNO): £1,500-3,000
  • Installation (consumer unit, circuits, motors): £2,000-3,500
  • Testing and certification: £400-600
  • Total: £4,400-7,900

Medium Installation (Multiple motors, 63A service):

  • Design and planning: £800-1,200
  • Supply upgrade: £2,000-4,000
  • Installation: £3,500-5,500
  • Testing: £600-900
  • Total: £6,900-11,600

Large Industrial Installation (Heavy machinery, 125A+ service):

  • Design and planning: £1,500-3,000
  • Supply upgrade: £4,000-10,000+
  • Installation: £5,000-12,000+
  • Testing and commissioning: £1,000-2,000+
  • Total: £11,500-27,000+

DNO supply upgrade costs vary significantly by location and existing infrastructure.

Energy Efficiency Benefits

Three-phase systems offer:

  • Better motor efficiency - three-phase motors are 10-15% more efficient than single-phase
  • Power factor optimization - reduces reactive power charges
  • Voltage stability - more stable voltage across loads
  • Reduced heat losses - lower cable losses for same power delivery
  • Load balancing - distribute power evenly across three phases
  • Variable speed drives - precise control reduces energy waste

ROI on three-phase installation can be achieved through energy savings within 2-5 years for suitable applications.

Service Coverage

Available across Eastbourne, Brighton, Hastings, Lewes, Hailsham, and all surrounding East Sussex locations within a 25-mile radius.

Related Services

Compliance & Standards

All three-phase installations comply with:

  • BS 7671:2018 (18th Edition Wiring Regulations)
  • Building Regulations Part P (electrical safety)
  • Health & Safety at Work Act 1974
  • Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC (for integrated machinery)
  • IEC 60204-1 (machinery electrical safety)

Get a Free Consultation

Contact D J Fox Electrical for a free assessment and three-phase system design quotation.

Phone: Call for machinery consultation Email: Submit equipment specifications Online Form: Request site survey Emergency: 24/7 support available


D J Fox Electrical Ltd NICEIC Approved Contractor Industrial Services Specialist Serving Eastbourne & East Sussex since 2009

Frequently Asked Questions

QHow do I know if I need three-phase supply?

If your machinery or equipment exceeds 10kW continuous, or if efficiency is important, three-phase is beneficial. We assess your requirements and advise.

QHow long does it take to get three-phase supply installed?

DNO coordination typically takes 2-8 weeks. Once approved, installation usually takes 1-2 weeks. Total process is typically 4-12 weeks.

QWhat's the difference between soft starters and VFDs?

Soft starters provide gradual start-up (reduces mechanical shock). VFDs allow precise speed control and significant energy savings. VFDs cost more but offer more control and efficiency.

QCan I install three-phase motors myself?

No, three-phase installation must be performed by qualified electrician. Working voltage (400V) is dangerous and requires professional expertise.

QWhat is power factor correction and do I need it?

Power factor measures efficiency of power use. Correction capacitors improve this, reducing energy waste and electrical bills. Beneficial for installations with many motors.

QHow is three-phase power metered and billed?

Your business meter measures three-phase usage separately. Billing is based on total consumption. Some tariffs offer benefits for balanced three-phase loads.

QWhat happens during power cuts with three-phase supply?

All three phases fail simultaneously. Backup generators (if installed) provide continuity. We can design systems for critical equipment protection.

Still have questions?

Call Us: 01323 123456

Ready for Professional Three-Phase Installation?

Contact D J Fox Electrical today for a free quote. Our expert team is ready to help with your three-phase installation needs.

Industry Certified
Fully Accredited
Fully Insured