Single phase and three phase.

Discussion in 'Electricians' Talk' started by lamello, Mar 21, 2008.

  1. lamello

    lamello New Member

    I rent a council owned industrial unit, I currently have all single phase machines in it (I'm a carpenter/furniture maker). I am pretty clueless when it comes to electrics. I'm looking at a second hand three phase bandsaw. Firstly how do I tell if I have three phase, i'm pretty sure I do, my next door neighbour runs a cnc machine in his. Secondly what would I be looking at appoximately to wire it up?
     
  2. BIG LEROY

    BIG LEROY New Member

    I rent a council owned industrial unit, well there goes ya profit.

    I currently
    have all single phase machines in it (I'm a
    carpenter/furniture maker). I am pretty clueless when
    it comes to electrics. Ya don't say.I'm looking at a second hand
    three phase bandsaw. Firstly how do I tell if I have
    three phase, it won't work with a 13a plug.i'm pretty sure I do, my next door
    neighbour runs a cnc machine in his. Secondly what
    would I be looking at appoximately to wire it up?
     
  3. BIG LEROY

    BIG LEROY New Member

    I rent a council owned industrial unit, well there goes ya profit.

    I currently
    have all single phase machines in it (I'm a
    carpenter/furniture maker). I am pretty clueless when
    it comes to electrics. Ya don't say.I'm looking at a second hand
    three phase bandsaw. Firstly how do I tell if I have
    three phase, it won't work with a 13a plug.i'm pretty sure I do, my next door
    neighbour runs a cnc machine in his. Secondly what
    would I be looking at appoximately to wire it up?
     
  4. Sherlock Ohms

    Sherlock Ohms New Member

    Nice one Leroy.

    Your posting skills are superior to your wit. ;)
     
  5. lamello

    lamello New Member

    Really how do you work that out? I get a 45ft by 15ft workshop, with a 15ft ceiling height, my own washroom and toilet, 2 parking spaces, a full height roller shutter,an office, and a permanent skip for £60 a week. City centre location in a locked compound. I make the annual rent in two weeks, leaves me the other 50 to make a profit.
     
  6. lamello

    lamello New Member

    As I say mate my knowledge on electrics is shaky to say the least. No point in you pointing out my lack of knowledge when I said that from the outset. How does the three phase single phase thing work then.
     
  7. unphased

    unphased Screwfix Select

    Look at your fuseboard. It should have a lbel on it DANGER 400V (or similar). Look at the main switch. If 3-phase it will be very wide (triple pole or triple pole and N). If modern the inside will have coloured sections red/yellow/blue or brown/black/grey adjacent to the breakers.

    UP
     
  8. unphased

    unphased Screwfix Select

    Ignore big leroy he's *. ;)

    [Edited by: admin4]
     
  9. lamello

    lamello New Member

    Nice one unphased. If I do have three phase in there what would I be looking at approx to wire it up. Just a ballpark figure. Much appreciated.
     
  10. lamello

    lamello New Member

    Incidentally Leroy surely if something wont work with a 13a plug surely that would indicate that the machine was three phase rather than whether or not I had three phase in my unit? Sounds like you might be the on whos a bit clueless when it comes to electrics. Ya dont say.
     
  11. PATAFIT

    PATAFIT New Member

    It all depends how much the job entails - could be £100 in one site and £800 on another - how much labour involved and so forth - are you within 30 miles of Plymouth!!
     
  12. cheggers

    cheggers New Member

    The chances are you have a three phase supply to the unit but only a single phase meter. you could check with your electric supplier and see what meter they are charging you for.
     
  13. Lectrician

    Lectrician Screwfix Select

    Photo of the meter position would help up ;)
     
  14. service eng

    service eng New Member

    find where the mains supply comes into your building, three fuses - three phase, 1 fuse - single phase.
    if there are three fuses see whats connected to them. photos of fuses / distribution board / meter would help
     
  15. oliver1234

    oliver1234 New Member

    lamello, have you considered using a phase converter?

    If you are planning to use more 3 phase machinery in the future you would be better off getting the 3 phase sorted properly but if it's only for one machine a phase converter might work out to be a better option.

    Cost of phase converters varies according to the power requirements.

    I think there was a thread discussing these quite recently (for a car lift I think), might be worth looking at.
     
  16. sinewave

    sinewave Screwfix Select

    Lamello

    Go and look at ya Meter and come back and tell us how many individual cables are going directly in to the Meter.


    If it's 4 or 5 then it's single phase.


    If it's 8 or more then it's Three phase.


    Where U based?
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice