3 phase power is set up with 3 power wires that share the load of distribution of electricity, while single-phase power systems only have a single power wire and a neutral wire to share the same load.

3 phase power has a much higher output voltage of 415 V, compared to the 240V delivered by single phase. 

Most industrial or commercial buildings are equipped with 3 phase power system to provide sufficient power for heavy equipment and machinery. Residential buildings, on the other hand, usually run on a single-phase power circuit, which is sufficient for most household lighting and appliances.

The specific wiring rules for electric ovens covered by the AS/NZS 3000:2018 make provisions for different types of electric ovens, from plug-ins to hardwired models. Here are some of the key wiring requirements for electric oven installation:

220-volt power point outlet 

Plug-in electric ovens can be powered by a power point connection, making operation much more straightforward. However, electric ovens usually have higher power requirements than regular appliances. 

The power point outlet the electric oven will be connected to must be capable of an output of 220-volt instead of the standard 120-volt sockets found in most buildings. Electrical work will be necessary to carry out the powerpoint upgrade to 220 V capacity in order to support the operation of an electric oven. 

Hardwiring 

Built-in electric oven models that have a power rating of 3KW and above must be hardwired into the property’s electrical system as part of the installation process. Hardwiring involves connecting the wiring of the electric oven to the power supply of the building via a dedicated circuit to provide it with a stable and isolated supply of electricity during operation.

Safety switches and RCD

Electric ovens require high amounts of electricity, which means that the appliance will draw a lot of power from the electrical supply when in use. For safety reasons, the electric oven will need to be connected to a safety switch or a residual-current device (RCD) that can cut off power to the electric oven in the event of a power surge. 

Safety switches are located on the building’s main switchboard and must be connected to the electric oven wiring as a protective measure to prevent electric shocks, overload, or even electrical fire. 

In addition to these safety switches, an isolation switch must also be installed along with the electric oven to allow electricians to cut off power to the appliance in the event of repairs or maintenance work. 

EV charging units come in 3 different types, from Level 1 to Level 3. 

Level 1 EV charging refers to the direct connection of an EV adapter cable to a regular power point in the home. Almost all new models of EVs come with a Level 1 adapter cable, allowing owners to charge their EV without any external charging units. The drawback of Level 1 charging is that it’s (excruciatingly) slow — a standard 10-amp circuit from a home power socket will add ~10km in travel operation after an hour of charging, meaning it can take up to 24 hours for a full charge. 

Most EV owners opt for a Level 2 charger to cut down on charging time. A Level 2 charger provides a notable boost in the charging speed from Level 1 charging, with most models getting a full charge over 8 hours. Level 2 charging units can cost anywhere between $600 to $2,500, depending on the brand and make. 

A Level 3 EV charger features the fastest form of charging — the same ones at public charging stations and can achieve a full charge in under an hour. To get them installed at home, homeowners will need to fork out between $40,000 and $100,000 for the unit itself, not to mention the associated costs of upgrading the home electrical phase capability to power the charger.  

Average costs for a level 2 electrician in Sydney will start around $120 per hour. 

Like most trade-related work, the cost of an electrician is usually dependent on factors like the size and complexity of the job (yes, we know – this vague answer doesn’t help anyone!).

Generally, you should expect to pay more for a level 2 electrician than for an ordinary electrician. This is because level 2 electricians are more qualified and have to acquire additional licences and accreditations in order to perform complex and dangerous electrical work.

For example, most wiring connection jobs will usually take at least 2 hours, meaning that the cost of the project will start at $240. More extensive projects, such as upgrading overhead service lines or relocating power connections, can span several days or even weeks. Installing a new wiring system for a medium-sized house can cost between $3,800 to $8,000, with costs increasing for additional services and installations. 

While the upfront cost for a level 2 electrician may seem high, it’s important to consider the long-term benefits of their electrical work. 

In NSW, it’s a legal requirement for all buildings where individuals sleep to have smoke alarms installed on every level, especially in the areas or hallways adjacent to bedrooms. This includes homes, rental properties, mobile homes such as caravans or camper-vans, and strata buildings. 

Whether you’re an owner or landlord, it’s your responsibility to ensure that smoke alarms are installed at the appropriate areas as well as maintain them in good working order for the safety of all residents. 

The cost of the bulbs used in downlights will affect the installation costs, as bulb prices can vary based on its brand, quality, and features. Most electricians will recommend going with LED bulbs for downlights as they are the most energy-efficient and long lasting.

In comparison to other types of bulbs like fluorescent or incandescent bulbs, LEDs have a higher cost, but this is often offset by the value in energy savings and longevity that it offers in the long run. 

The typical price range for an LED bulb is between $10 and $50. This can be used to calculate an estimate for the cost of bulbs, depending on the number of downlights to be installed.