Do I have 3 phase in my 1930s built house?

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Hello folks, was wondering if you could tell me if this a 3phase supply or not. The hobby is machine tools so would very convenient if it is.
20180209_210004.jpg


Cheers
D
 
Well theres not three phases there, you might well have two of the three phases though!

It looks like it could have been a dc supply in the 1930's with +ve, -ve and a grounded 0v. Chances are when things got converted to AC, it became two of the three phases and of course, a neutral
 
Ive had the unconnected fuse cover off (the one to the left of the neutral) and I get indication of power when touched with a neon. Im wondering if there might be anything thats capped off under the triangular cast iron cover or in the neutral connection? Ive only basic experience with wiring, just hoping theres 3 phases in there somewhere lol.
Wow, I never heard of a dc connection before! im guessing thats the square white box on the left.
 
It may at some point been split phase or three phase but you have not got it any more and it would likely cost a lot to have it installed. There are exceptions but in the main domestic properties have a single phase supply of either 60, 80 or 100 amp, consumer units have to be less than 125 amp and in most cases are 100 amp above that requires a distribution unit which should not be under the control of an ordinary person.

In the main although you may have three phase motors, my fridge/freezer and freezer have three phase motors as does my washing machine, they are supplied with single phase and it is converted to three phase inside the appliance with an inverter.

USA had DC supplies right to end of 20 century, I have not seen one in the UK, I have seen 110 volt supplies from private generator in the village, Llwyngwril and I am told Manchester had a hydraulic main but these are all long gone now.
 
It may at some point been split phase or three phase but you have not got it any more and it would likely cost a lot to have it installed. There are exceptions but in the main domestic properties have a single phase supply of either 60, 80 or 100 amp, consumer units have to be less than 125 amp and in most cases are 100 amp above that requires a distribution unit which should not be under the control of an ordinary person.

In the main although you may have three phase motors, my fridge/freezer and freezer have three phase motors as does my washing machine, they are supplied with single phase and it is converted to three phase inside the appliance with an inverter.

USA had DC supplies right to end of 20 century, I have not seen one in the UK, I have seen 110 volt supplies from private generator in the village, Llwyngwril and I am told Manchester had a hydraulic main but these are all long gone now.

What I was hoping for is that theres 3phase running into the house already that just needs wiring up with a modern cutoff. That should save the big bucks digging trenches and running new cables etc. The thought only struck me after I read about some older houses already having a 3phase supply.
I do have a 3phase shaper running on a cheap inverter, but the milling machine I have has 3 motors so no good for an inverter. I also bought a 30hp rotary converter by transwave a while back, which I only intended to use maybe 8-10hp max, but if a real supply is viable price wise Id rather go that route.
Ive not heard of 'split phase' either so ill do some research on that (y)
 
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I also bought a 30hp rotary converter

which is 23 kW running at full load. Much higher currents when the motor is starting from stationary. That size of load requires that you notify the DNO and accept that they may ban the use of equipment with that loading on a domestic supply. If you do not notify the DNO they are likely to discover the load when they investigate complaints from neighbours about voltage fluctuations.
 
which is 23 kW running at full load. Much higher currents when the motor is starting from stationary. That size of load requires that you notify the DNO and accept that they may ban the use of equipment with that loading on a domestic supply. If you do not notify the DNO they are likely to discover the load when they investigate complaints from neighbours about voltage fluctuations.
Cheers for the headsup. The RC is waaay bigger than id ever need so I could get a smaller one if required, just that it came unused at the right money, so with big is good biggers better in mind I grabbed it. The biggest motor will be on the lathe, around 5kW. Am good with my neighbors so if theres a problem I can find another way.
 
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We have three phase to the head, but only a single phase meter. Whew en the guys came to replace the metal head with a new plastic one they said it's actually in reasonable nick for is age, they said some times they find the spare phases just heat shrinked and tucked behind. Maybe yours are all there somewhere.
However in our case the lights dim even switching on the vacuum cleaner, a normal sub 1kw machine so I wouldn't try even a relatively small 3 phase motor.
It looks like if we got 3 phase it would cost a bit more in line rental, and there may be a cost for additional meter.
 
We have three phase to the head, but only a single phase meter. Whew en the guys came to replace the metal head with a new plastic one they said it's actually in reasonable nick for is age, they said some times they find the spare phases just heat shrinked and tucked behind. Maybe yours are all there somewhere.
However in our case the lights dim even switching on the vacuum cleaner, a normal sub 1kw machine so I wouldn't try even a relatively small 3 phase motor.
It looks like if we got 3 phase it would cost a bit more in line rental, and there may be a cost for additional meter.
Now that is encouraging :). With a bit of luck mine will be the same. I think im gona have to get the guys that know to come take a look an see whats there.
 
I get indication of power when touched with a neon.
Ah, but is it a false indication?


Im wondering if there might be anything thats capped off under the triangular cast iron cover
Whatever you do, do not open that.


or in the neutral connection?
No, that's the neutral.


Ive only basic experience with wiring, just hoping theres 3 phases in there somewhere lol.
There isn't.


Wow, I never heard of a dc connection before! im guessing thats the square white box on the left.
I shouldn't think so.
 
Am good with my neighbors so if theres a problem I can find another way.
There is only one way.

Get permission from the DNO for your abnormal loads. It's in the terms & conditions in the contract you signed, you really must not ignore them.
 

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