The quick answer is yes we can!
Finding the correct building for your business can be tricky on its own. Certainly, if you are looking to install a new MOT bay, important measurements to look out for include….
- Height of the roof
- Width of the building
- Length
- Door width and height
- Power supply
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?
What is 1 Phase Power?
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.
What is 3 Phase Power?
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
1 Phase vs 3 Phase Power Supplies
1-phase and 3-phase power supplies are both commonly used in garages and MOT bays. Single phase power is simpler, cheaper, and often sufficient for smaller equipment like diagnostic tools and lighting. However, it can be limited for certain high-power tools like heavy-duty air compressors and car lifts.
3-phase power, on the other hand, offers higher power capacity and more consistent voltage, making it ideal for demanding heavy duty equipment. While it is more expensive to run, and requires more complex installation, 3-phase power can significantly improve workshop efficiency and productivity.
Ultimately, the choice between 1-phase and 3-phase power depends on the specific equipment you choose for your garage or MOT bay.
3 Phase power upgrades
It can be extremely costly to have the electrical work done to add a 3-phase supply to any building which in turn could result in tens of thousands of pounds added to you start up business’s budget.
This could be the difference of starting up or adding an MOT bay to your business! If you do find that your power supply needs upgrading, get in contact with our sales team, as we can help with this to get you up and running as quickly and efficiently as possible.
1 Phase Power in a New Garage
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 3 phase equipment..
However, the myth that you need a 3 phase (415v) power supply for an MOT bay simply isn’t the case. Ideally you will have a 3-phase supply but sometimes you find the perfect building that only has a single-phase supply.
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
- Startup amps of the roller brake tester
- MOT ramp power requirement
- Future growth plans
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!
Better Call Concept!
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.
Don’t turn the perfect unit down or believe you can’t add an MOT bay to your business because of the supply. You can have an MOT bay in a unit with a single-phase supply.