How to Wire Three-Phase Electrical Panels

Three-phase electrical systems use three power leads instead the one power lead used in residential systems.

Three-phase electrical panels differ from single-phase panels due to the three power leads that are used in three-phase systems.

1. Shut the main power breaker off at the breaker box, then padlock it to prevent anyone from turning it on while you work on the circuit. (This will only be necessary if you are adding a circuit to a three-phase panel that is already active.) Make sure the panel is rated for three-phase electrical breakers.

2. Unscrew and remove the breaker panel cover using a flathead screwdriver, then test the main power terminals with a Megger to confirm that the power is turned off.

3. Install a three-phase breaker into one of the breaker slots using a flathead screwdriver.

4. Run three wires from the electrical panel to the device you wish to send power to. Strip the ends of the wires using wire strippers, then insert each of the three wires into one of the three breaker lugs and terminate them using a flathead screwdriver. No neutral wire is needed.

5. Run a ground wire from the panel to the electrical device. Strip the end of the wire using wire strippers, then terminate the wire on the panel’s grounding bar using a flathead screwdriver. Repeat the same process for additional circuits.

6. Reinstall the panel cover using a flathead screwdriver. The panel is now wired. Terminate all circuits into their termination points on the electrical devices, and test the circuits and devices with a Megger before restoring power.