What Is The Difference Between 10AMP 15AMP AND 3PHASE POWER?

10AMP
– 10 AMP Power Cable (Your standard Australian power cable used for most household appliances.) 10 AMP power cables are used to power low-range power tools.

15AMP
– 15 AMP Power Cable (This cable looks like a 10 AMP power cable but the bottom pin is larger. 15 AMP power cables are used to power mid-range power tools that require power sources over 240v)

3PHASE
– Three-Phase Power Cables (This is a heavy-duty large 4-spike cable used to power heavy duty / large equipment)

Your power cable should be 30 metres long MAX. Otherwise, it may potentially trip out your power constantly and may also not provide sufficient power to the device correctly or to the maximum level that it should.

Why Is My Circuit Breaker Overloading?

It’s important to know how many devices can be plugged into one area or one room. The most common reason for a frequently-tripping circuit breaker is a circuit overload. An overloaded circuit occurs when too many devices are plugged into the same area and receive more electrical current (or amperage) than it can withstand.

Click Here To Learn More About Circuit Breakers

What is 10 AMP Power?

To quickly summarise, single-phase power has just one live wire and is used for standard appliances that do not require higher power sources such as 15 AMP and 3 PHASE. 10 AMP is also sometimes referred to as “single-phase power”

To meet Australia’s power voltage requirements, single-phase electricity is usually connected at 230 volts (240 volts is still used in Western Australia and Queensland, although the latter has started the transition to 230V). Any single-phase machine up to a 10 amp current will usually (not always) have a standard three-pin plug fitted. In Australia, a 10A plug is the standard domestic choice.

What is 15 AMP Power?

A 15 AMP three-pin plug will have a slightly larger ground pin and will not fit into a 10 AMP outlet. However, a 10 AMP plug, with its narrower ground pin, will fit into a 15 AMP outlet. There are also variants for 20A, 25A and 32A single-phase outlets, although these are generally only found in heavy-duty industrial settings.

Single-phase appliances with a higher current will not be supplied with a domestic plug. They may not even have a power lead. These machines will need to be hardwired to a suitable power supply and carried out by a professional electrician.

What is 3-Phase Power?

3 phase power is more commonly used in industrial or commercial settings where more powerful appliances are used. 3 phase machines requiring a 400/415V electricity connection are generally hardwired too. Again, we recommend seeking professional advice from an electrician to make sure these powerful appliances are suitable for your electrical supply before purchase.

While 3-phase power uses three active wires with three live wires, 3-phase power supplies a more constant and reliable current that can cope with larger and more powerful industrial appliances such as commercial catering machines, large concrete grinders dust extractors and other large/commercial equipment.

Is 10AMP Power Enough?

Standard Residential Projects – 10AMP power is generally enough for small residential projects.

Our team will ask if 15 AMP or 3 PHASE is available or can be installed on-site if we require more than 10 AMP. An electrician can be called to install the power points required to provide this level of power if the property does not have it.

Do I Need 15AMP Power?

Possibly – 15AMP power is generally only required for larger jobs.

However, if you are in a larger property that requires more powerful tools to complete the job. Then 15AMP power may be required. A 15AMP power point allows appliances that demand a heavier electrical load to be safely operated. They are often installed outside or in areas of the home that require them, such as in garages. An electrician can be called to install the power points required to provide this level of power if the property does not have it.

Do I Need 3-Phase Power?

Large Commercial Projects – Three-Phase power is generally only required for commercial and industrial jobs.

A Three-Phase power point allows appliances that demand a heavier electrical load to be safely operated. They are often installed outside or in areas of the home that require them, such as in garages. An electrician can be called to install the power points required to provide this level of power if the property does not have it.

LEARN MORE ABOUT POWER:
What Size Generator Do I Need
What Are Separate Circuits? and Why Do I Need Them?
What Are The Power Requirements For Your Concrete Grinder?