Three-Phase vs Single-Phase Installation | Power & Cost Comparison 2026

The decision about connection type is usually made early in construction. Increasingly, three-phase installations are becoming standard. Why? When is three-phase power essential?

Single-Phase Limitations

In a single-phase (120V or 230V depending on region) installation, the entire house load runs through one supply conductor. The maximum power available is typically around 5-7kW. That's definitely not enough if you're planning an induction hob, electric kettle, and washing machine running simultaneously.

Three-Phase Advantages

• Higher power capacity: You can request 12kW, 16kW, or even 25kW or more.
• Load distribution: You can divide circuits across three independent phases (e.g., L1 - kitchen, L2 - ground floor, L3 - first floor). This means turning on the washing machine doesn't dim the lights.
• Three-phase appliances: Induction hobs, heat pumps, workshop tools, and EV chargers work better and more efficiently on three-phase power.

Phase Balancing

The key to an efficient three-phase installation is even loading of all phases. Avoid situations where one phase is overloaded while the other two are "resting."

The Electro Planner app features unique automatic phase balancing. Enter your devices, and the system suggests how to connect them to the distribution board for symmetric loading.