Home energy usage is higher than it’s ever been – and we can only expect it to continue growing as we add more technology, appliances and devices. Our electrical demands are already higher than most home systems were designed to handle. New induction stovetops and EV chargers add to traditional power-hungry pool pumps, electric hot water heaters and ducted air conditioning. This strains single phase connections. You might notice signs of this, like circuit breakers tripping or lights flickering.
This makes a 3-phase mains upgrade a really good idea. It will give you far more capacity without worrying about damaging your household circuitry (or worse). That’s tempting, but of course the main question everyone has is: “how much does a 3-phase upgrade cost in Melbourne?”
Average 3-phase Upgrade Costs in Melbourne
Several variables determine how much a 3-phase upgrade costs, but your property layout and your electrical infrastructure biggest considerations. These largely determine how much work and materials will be required.
Here are established ballpark price ranges to give you an estimate of what to expect:
A standard upgrade costs between $2,500 and $6,000. This assumes that you have a modern switchboard and that your service provider’s connection is nearby, so no digging or infrastructure changes are required.
A more complex upgrade involving trenching to reach your connection pit or pole, replacing an outdated switchboard or relocating mains infrastructure, can cost from around $5,600 to $8,000 or perhaps more.
These 3-phase upgrade costs will also include DSNP and local council fees. These vary between different Melbourne regions.
Factors That Influence Cost
Let’s look at what determines 3-phase upgrade costs in Melbourne in more detail…
Condition of your existing switchboard and wiring
If you have a modern switchboard that’s certified to the latest safety standards, you may not need any modifications, or minor ones at most. If you live in an older house with an outdated switchboard, you’ll probably need to have it replaced to accommodate 3-phase power. This can cost from $800 to $2,000, depending on what type you need.
Metering upgrade or replacement
You’ll usually need to upgrade or replace your electricity meter for a 3-phase mains upgrade. Your DNSP will supply it and your electrician will install it. Depending on the DNSP price and admin fees, this should come to a few hundred dollars.
Distance from DNSP supply point
If the nearest supply pole or pit is near your house, cable installation isn’t complex or labour intensive. However, if it’s further away or across the road, you may need trenching or boring to install the wiring, which will add to the costs.
Council and DNSP fees
You are obliged to coordinate a 3-phase mains upgrade in Melbourne with your DNSP. Any trenching or excavation requires a local council permit. Application fees, inspections and connection charges can range from around $300 to $1000, depending on how expansive the work is.
Urgency and timing
If you need a fast-tracked upgrade, this requires expedited DNSP approvals and your electrician may have to work after-hours on short notice. This will increase admin fees and labour costs.
Balancing Cost vs Value
Getting a 3-phase mains upgrade in Melbourne might seem a bit pricey, especially if it isn’t a straightforward job. But you should weigh the initial cost against the long-term value you’ll gain. This includes:
- Higher capacity: your home will be able to easily run multiple power-hungry appliances without straining your circuitry or causing tripping.
- Improved safety: your electrical system won’t be at risk of dangerous overload, and you’ll have the latest cabling and components to guard against faults or fires.
- Stable power supply: a 3-phase system delivers more consistent power across your home circuit, allowing everything to run smoothly, helping to sustain the lifespan of your appliances and preventing failures.
- Future-proofing: you’ll be able to take advantage of the latest smart home appliances and smoothly transition to new technologies as they appear.
Viewed in the context of increased power demands, frustrating tripped switches, potential safety issues, and the constant risk of damage to your home circuitry or appliances, a 3-phase mains upgrade becomes a cost-effective long-term solution.
The Upgrade Process and Timeline
A 3-phase power installation in Melbourne follows specific steps, from initial assessment to final certification. Depending on DNSP scheduling, the entire process should take about two to four weeks. However most of this time is due to admin – the actual electrical work usually only takes a couple of days.
Your electrician will inspect all aspects of your current power infrastructure, including your switchboard, the location of your meter, and where your nearest DNSP connection point is. Then you’ll receive a detailed quote. Most electricians don’t charge for this.
DNSP application
Before work can begin you’ll need approval from your DNSP. Your electrician will submit an application on your behalf. This is assessed and an approval issued, which might come with certain requirements as to trenching and cable types. Total fees usually come to a few hundred dollars.
Electrical installation, labour and parts
Once you’ve received approval, your electrician will prepare for the installation by carrying out any necessary digging or boring, which you’ll have been quoted on. The actual electrical work typically involves installing a new 3-phase mains, replacing or upgrading your switchboard and wiring your new meter. At this stage the majority of your costs will be materials and labour. As we mentioned, the price depends on the complexity. Standard installations cost around $2,500 on the lower end, while complex ones can reach $8,000, including switchboard replacement and trenching.
Reconnection, testing and certification
When your installation is finished your DNSP will reconnect you to a new 3-phase power supply. Your electrician will then conduct thorough tests to ensure that everything is working properly and safely, and issue a Certificate of Electrical Safety (CES). This confirms that your house complies with AS/NZ 3000 standards.
Frequently Asked Questions About 3-phase Upgrade Costs in Melbourne
Is it cheaper to upgrade during a renovation?
Yes, you can quite significantly reduce labour costs if you upgrade to 3-phase power while you’re already replacing flooring, walls and electrical wiring. Electricians simply need to lay the cabling and install new components, as opposed to opening your household structures as well.
Will my power bill change after the upgrade?
Installing a 3-phase power supply is about increasing electrical capacity rather than lowering your power bill. You’ll still pay for all the electricity you use. However you’ll see cost benefits when it comes to running appliances more efficiently and prolonging their lifespan. You’ll also be able to take advantage of power-saving technologies as they emerge in the longer-term.
Can I choose my DNSP?
Unfortunately not. Your property location determines which DNSP you can use.
For detailed pricing and expert guidance, read more about our single to three phase mains upgrades in Melbourne.
