Most homes run on single-phase power, but larger homes and most commercial or industrial premises need three-phase. Here's what the difference actually means in practice.
Single-phase supply delivers power through one active wire and is standard for typical residential properties. It comfortably handles normal household loads: lighting, appliances, air conditioning, and EV charging.
Three-phase supply delivers power through three active wires, effectively providing more total capacity and a smoother, more efficient supply for heavy equipment. It's standard for most commercial and industrial premises, and increasingly common in larger homes with heavy loads like ducted air conditioning, pools, or multiple EV chargers.
Your switchboard will usually show whether you have one or three incoming active wires, but a licensed electrician can confirm this and advise whether an upgrade to three-phase makes sense for your property.