Yes, it is possible to install an MOT Bay into a garage with only 1 phase power available.
There is so much to consider when it comes to MOT bays and finding the right building. One question that gets missed quite often is what supply does the building have?
1 Phase power, also known as single phase usually means the standard power supplied to most homes and businesses, in the UK this is thought to be 240v, however according to UK power networks it’s actually around 230v, with a range between 216.2 volts to 253 volts, this is a tolerance of -6% to +10%. A single-phase supply can usually cope with loads up to 2,500 Watts, depending on the region.
The name is derived from the fact that there is a single power or “Phase” wire, which is the the main cable that distributes current to the load, along with this there is also a neutral wire which carries the current back to the source, and sometimes an earth wire for safety as this ensures that any excess power returns safely to the ground.
3 phase is known as such because it has 3 live wires, each carrying alternating current (AC) on separate conductors to deliver the power. This allows a much higher power delivery and it is therefore more suited to industrial applications.
You can easily tell if you have 3 phase electricity in your business, as you will usually have 3 x 100a fuses or trip switches in the fusebox.
A lot of new buildings come with only a single-phase (240v) power supply which isn’t always suitable for garages or MOT Bays depending on the equipment they need to install, and can also depend on the supplier they choose, as some suppliers tend to favour selling 3 phase equipment.
However, the myth that you need a 3 phase (415v) power supply for an MOT bay simply isn’t the case. You may have found the perfect building for your garage that only has a single-phase supply, but this isn’t necessarily a problem.
Concept Garage Equipment have installed Class 4 MOT Bays and Class 7 MOT bays into buildings with only a single-phase supply.
How did we do it? By using a phase converter.
The power comes into the building then passes through the phase converter which then give a 3-phase output. This is the perfect alternative to the cost of a 3-phase supply and compared to installing 3-phase into your building is at a minimal cost.
There are so many phase converters out there that may look like they will do what you need it to do. Be careful and take advice before you purchase any phase converter. You have to consider several factors such as
And you must consider any other garage equipment you may want to pass through the converter at the same time.
It’s very easy to get this wrong but the good news is that it can be done!
At Concept we have an experienced team who can help and advise you to ensure you purchase the correct product. We know how important it is to have your MOT bay up and running and making you money. We can supply you with a phase converter or give you all the information you require to help you purchase the correct product yourself.
Give our team a call today for any help and advice on 0113 469 0572.
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