Mr Wasp 187 Posted November 19, 2016 Report Share Posted November 19, 2016 I am looking to have 3 phase in my workshop, but not sure if the overhead cables are indeed 3 phase. There are 3 cables twisted fashion. I was under the impression that for 3 phase, there are 4 cables? One for each phase and a return (negative) Anybody have a clue? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Chid 6,583 Posted November 19, 2016 Report Share Posted November 19, 2016 Buy a single to 3 phase converter .. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mr Wasp 187 Posted November 19, 2016 Author Report Share Posted November 19, 2016 I have looked at converters, inverters, generators etc Trouble is, I need to run a few machines in tandem, 5-6 horsepower each. Easiest option would be direct feed if possible. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
tandors 888 Posted November 19, 2016 Report Share Posted November 19, 2016 Could be abc cables mate 3 phase. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mushroom 13,186 Posted November 19, 2016 Report Share Posted November 19, 2016 as tandor said could be abc. have you got a three phase panel installed? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mr Wasp 187 Posted November 19, 2016 Author Report Share Posted November 19, 2016 No, just standard single phase feed into house. The workshop is 1 meter away from the pole, so was thinking if possible to have a separate feed and meter in the workshop. All the elec company would need to do is run a cable down the pole and straight in. Take half an hour at most. I was just unsure if it is 3 phase on the pole. How does it work with a nutural return with abc? 3 lives, I get and I know the phases are out of phase with each other, but can you return on one of the phases? I am no electrician but this warps my brain a bit. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mushroom 13,186 Posted November 19, 2016 Report Share Posted November 19, 2016 abc aerial bundle cable Google it mate.. can't be added typing the explanation ?? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dogmad riley 1,347 Posted November 19, 2016 Report Share Posted November 19, 2016 3 phase will either be 4 core (3ph and earth) or 5 core (3ph neutral and earth). It's easy to test just get a multimeter set to voltage AC place the meter across 2 phases and you should get 415v (ish). Try this across all 3 phases. Then test between phase and earth you should get 230v. And the same across phase and neutral 230v. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mr Wasp 187 Posted November 19, 2016 Author Report Share Posted November 19, 2016 I think I've found an answer to my question. 3 cables = split phase supply. No 3 phase. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ryaldinhio 4,695 Posted November 19, 2016 Report Share Posted November 19, 2016 You will be able to get a 3phase supply installed but it wont be cheap fella. Nothing is with suppliers. If you are in a residential area there will be 3phase running somewhere near. They split houses and street lights etc across phasing to balance loading. Have you ever had it where some of the street lights work and some dont and some houses are out or lights come on but really dim? Thats when a phase is down at main transformer. If you live more isolated then you will be able to see/find closest 3phase, it will be a big grey box fixed to one of the power line poles. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mushroom 13,186 Posted November 19, 2016 Report Share Posted November 19, 2016 touch that grey box and either ya dead or paying a fine beyond your great grandkids abilities to clear ???? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ryaldinhio 4,695 Posted November 19, 2016 Report Share Posted November 19, 2016 touch that grey box and either ya dead or paying a fine beyond your great grandkids abilities to clear ???? Yeah definitely, I dint mean find it and crack on! Haha! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mr Wasp 187 Posted November 19, 2016 Author Report Share Posted November 19, 2016 Yea, I know where the transformer is, about 6-700 yards away. Out in the sticks here. I've also seen the prices quoted elsewhere for a run of that length. Tens of thousands. Generator it is then. Cheers for the replies. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mushroom 13,186 Posted November 19, 2016 Report Share Posted November 19, 2016 Yea, I know where the transformer is, about 6-700 yards away. Out in the sticks here. I've also seen the prices quoted elsewhere for a run of that length. Tens of thousands. Generator it is then. Cheers for the replies. buy the cabling and the control board etc, then pay a contactor 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ossie n Arch 1,682 Posted November 19, 2016 Report Share Posted November 19, 2016 ABC is either single phase and neutral (2 core) or three phase and neutral (4 core) no 3 core ABC. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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