What it means
Most homes use single-phase power. Commercial buildings often use three-phase, which delivers power more smoothly and efficiently to motors, rooftop units, pumps, elevators, kitchen equipment and large panels.
Common commercial services in Canada are described by voltage and phase, and each one suits particular equipment. A building's electrical room will show what is available.
Why it matters
Equipment must match the supply. A machine built for three-phase cannot run on single-phase, and a space that needs more capacity than the building can deliver may require a service upgrade, which takes time and money. Finding that out after the lease is signed is costly.
Three-phase work also needs qualified people. Balancing loads across phases, sizing conductors and protecting equipment are tasks for experienced electricians.
How HSM handles it
HSM's electrical crew is led by Adam Williams, our Electrical Manager and Master Electrician. We assess the existing supply, calculate the load of your planned space, and tell you early if the building can support it.
Because electrical work is self-performed, we handle panels, feeders, circuits, lighting and equipment connections ourselves and coordinate directly with our mechanical team for rooftop units and other motor loads. When a utility or landlord approval is needed, we manage the request.
We also label panels clearly and provide documentation so future changes are simpler.
What to plan for
Ask your landlord what service the building has and how much spare capacity is available. That one answer, got early, can decide whether a space suits your equipment.