If your single-phase supply keeps tripping under load, or you are adding equipment your home or premises simply cannot power — a large heat pump, a 22kW EV charger, workshop machinery, or a big solar-and-battery system — you may need three-phase power. GFL Electrical are NICEIC-approved electricians designing and installing three-phase supplies and upgrades across East London, for businesses and high-demand homes.
What is three-phase power?
Three-phase is a more powerful 400V supply (versus standard single-phase 230V), delivering electricity over three conductors. It provides more capacity and a more stable supply for high-power equipment — which is why it is standard for commercial and industrial sites, and increasingly relevant to homes adding heavy loads.
When you need three-phase
You may need three-phase, or an upgrade from single-phase, when you are installing:
- Large heat pumps — industry guidance suggests supplies above roughly 8kW (about 32A per phase) are likely to need three-phase
- 22kW EV chargers — fast home/commercial charging needs three-phase
- Workshop or industrial machinery — motors and high-draw tools
- Large solar PV and battery systems
- Commercial premises with significant or growing electrical demand
If your single-phase supply trips under load or can’t support what you want to add, that is the signal to assess a three-phase option.
Our three-phase service
- Assessment and design — confirming whether you need three-phase and sizing the supply
- DNO coordination — three-phase upgrades involve your Distribution Network Operator, and we manage that process
- Three-phase consumer unit / distribution boards
- Circuits for high-power equipment — EV chargers, machinery, heat pumps
- Testing and certification to BS 7671
Why choose GFL Electrical
- NICEIC approved — three-phase work certified to UK standards.
- Commercial and high-demand domestic experience — workshops, premises, and homes adding heavy loads.
- We handle the DNO side — the network coordination that three-phase upgrades require.
- Around 40 years of combined experience.
How it works
- Tell us what you’re powering — a heat pump, a 22kW charger, machinery, or a growing commercial load.
- We assess and design — confirming whether three-phase is needed and the right capacity.
- We coordinate the DNO supply and install the distribution and circuits.
- We test and certify the installation.
What it costs
A single-to-three-phase upgrade varies widely with the site and groundwork. As a guide, a straightforward existing-property conversion is commonly £2,000–£4,000, while larger jobs requiring extensive groundwork (for example cabling under roads, needing permits) can run to £15,000. The DNO’s charges and the distance of cabling are the biggest variables. We assess your site and give you a clear, itemised quote before any work — and we’ll tell you honestly if three-phase isn’t actually necessary for what you’re adding.
Areas we cover
We provide three-phase installation across East London — Leyton, Walthamstow, Leytonstone, and the surrounding boroughs including Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets, and Redbridge. See our areas page or ask when you get in touch.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between single-phase and three-phase? Single-phase is the standard 230V domestic supply; three-phase is a 400V supply over three conductors that provides more capacity and a more stable supply for high-power equipment.
Do I need three-phase for an EV charger? Only for a 22kW charger — a standard 7kW home charger runs fine on single-phase. Most homes only need three-phase if they’re adding several heavy loads.
Do I need three-phase for a heat pump? Often for larger units — guidance suggests heat pumps above about 8kW (≈32A per phase) are likely to need three-phase. We’ll assess your specific unit and supply.
How much does upgrading to three-phase cost? Commonly £2,000–£4,000 for a straightforward existing-property conversion, rising toward £15,000 for jobs needing extensive groundwork. DNO charges and cabling distance are the main variables.
Do you handle the DNO side? Yes — three-phase supplies involve your Distribution Network Operator, and we coordinate that process for you.
Is three-phase worth it for my business? For premises with significant or growing demand, three-phase offers more capacity and a more stable supply that extends the life of high-power equipment. We’ll advise based on your loads.
Talk to us about three-phase
Tell us what you’re trying to power — a heat pump, a 22kW charger, machinery, or a commercial load — and we’ll assess whether you need three-phase, coordinate the supply, and give you a clear quote. NICEIC-approved, and honest about whether you actually need it.
Get in touch or request a quote and we’ll get back to you.
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