Do I have 3 phase?

[Markaaregan]

Hi,

Recently moved into a new shop premises and had to get the first meter installed. Spoke to GTC who are the DNO and they said I have single phase so got a single phase meter installed. We are now pushing the boundary for capacity and my electrician has asked why I didn’t get 3 phase as it is available. DNO are saying it’s single phase but they were a bit muddled to be honest but sparkie is adamant it’s 3. Cut out has 3 100 amp fuses which looks like a 3 phase to me but how can I tell one way or the other?

 

[Andy™]

you have single phase being used. the service head is used on 3 phase which would suggest it could be used if a 3 phase meter was installed. only way to know for certin is to remove the covers and check. this should only be done by DNO / meter compaany

 

[Markaaregan]

you have single phase being used. the service head is used on 3 phase which would suggest it could be used if a 3 phase meter was installed. only way to know for certin is to remove the covers and check. this should only be done by DNO / meter compaany

Hi Andy, 

When you say remove the cover do you mean the individual fuse covers? I’m not planning on doing this but suspect I’ll have a fight with DNO, two neighbours have three phase as well, so want to be clear what they need to do. I suspect they have made a mistake as it took them nearly 3 days to find my MPAN and had to revert to engineers drawings to do so.

Thanks

Mark

 

[Andy™]

yes. usually a phone call to supplier and asking for a 3 phase meter to be installed is better than contacting DNO

 

[Markaaregan]

Hi Andy, 

When you say remove the cover do you mean the individual fuse covers? I’m not planning on doing this but suspect I’ll have a fight with DNO, two neighbours have three phase as well, so want to be clear what they need to do. I suspect they have made a mistake as it took them nearly 3 days to find my MPAN and had to revert to engineers drawings to do so.

Thanks

Mark

yes. usually a phone call to supplier and asking for a 3 phase meter to be installed is better than contacting DNO

Yeah they are happy to do it, just didn’t want them appearing and saying this isn’t three phase! Thanks

 

[ProDave]

A look under the bottom cover would tell you if there are 1 or 3 phases connected going in, but you should not really go removing that.

This is probably a rare case where I would suggest using a volt stick.  without opening or touching anything you are not supposed to, it will tell you if there is indeed a feed to all 3 fuses or not.

 

[Evans Electric]

Yep!  Nice one Dave ,   safe method , bottom of all fuses should light up  indicating 3ph .       Cost you about £6      Ignore the Google prices. 

 

[Markaaregan]

A look under the bottom cover would tell you if there are 1 or 3 phases connected going in, but you should not really go removing that.

This is probably a rare case where I would suggest using a volt stick.  without opening or touching anything you are not supposed to, it will tell you if there is indeed a feed to all 3 fuses or not.

Thanks Dave, tested and all 3 lit up like a Christmas tree! Now to fight with GTC to get my meter upgrade cost refunded as would have went 3 phase from the start if they told me the right thing to begin with!