What's the difference between single-phase and three-phase charging?
Single-Phase vs Three-Phase EV Charging at Home
How single-phase and three-phase supply affect home EV charging options in Ballarat homes.
Single-phase supply is the most common arrangement in Australian homes, including most established Ballarat streets. It comfortably supports a dedicated charger circuit, commonly around 7kW where the switchboard and available capacity allow.
Three-phase supply delivers power across three conductors and is what a 22kW AC charger requires. It appears in some newer builds, renovated properties and homes that were upgraded for other reasons.
You can often tell from a photo of your main switchboard and meter area, though it should be confirmed properly rather than guessed. Never open panels or remove covers to look.
Upgrading from single-phase to three-phase is possible in some cases but involves the electricity distributor as well as electrical work, and isn't usually justified for home charging alone. Load management is frequently a better answer where capacity is the constraint.
Where professional help is needed: Supply type, capacity and any upgrade options must be confirmed by an appropriately licensed electrical contractor and, where relevant, your electricity distributor. This guide is general information only and is not a substitute for a site-specific electrical assessment.
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