How Do You Know What Power Supply You Have On Site?

“We Thought It Was Plug-In” — The Power Supply Problem We Keep Hearing.

Buying commercial catering equipment is usually the easy part. Making sure your site can actually run it is where things can become more interesting.

We have seen this a few times recently: a customer orders a dishwasher, oven, fryer, coffee machine or other commercial appliance, then the installer arrives and asks what power supply is available on site.

That is not the moment anyone wants to discover the answer is “we’re not sure”.

Not Everything Runs From A Normal Plug

Some commercial catering equipment runs from a standard 13amp plug. This is common on many smaller appliances, bottle coolers, chest freezers, prep counters and some undercounter machines.

But larger or higher-output equipment may need a dedicated electrical supply, hardwiring, single phase connection or three phase power.

Two appliances can look similar online while having very different installation requirements underneath.

What Is A 13amp Plug?

A 13amp plug is the standard UK three-pin plug most people recognise. If a product is described as 13amp or plug-in, installation is usually more straightforward, provided the socket and circuit are suitable.

That does not mean every site is automatically ready. The appliance should still be used in line with the manufacturer’s instructions, and overloaded sockets or unsuitable extension leads should be avoided.

What Is Single Phase?

Single phase power is common in homes, cafés, smaller shops and many lighter commercial premises. Some commercial appliances run on single phase but still require more than a normal 13amp plug.

This is where customers can get caught out. “Single phase” does not always mean “plug-in”. Some appliances may still require a dedicated supply fitted by a qualified electrician.

What Is Three Phase?

Three phase power is often used for higher-demand commercial equipment such as larger ovens, pass-through dishwashers, heavy-duty cooking equipment and some high-output refrigeration or warewashing appliances.

Not every site has three phase power. Many smaller hospitality businesses operate without it, but equipment needs to be chosen accordingly.

How Can You Check What Power Supply You Have?

The safest answer is simple: ask a qualified electrician before ordering equipment.

However, there are a few useful things to look for:

• Check the appliance rating plate on your existing equipment
• Look for whether current equipment is 13amp, single phase or three phase
• Check whether the appliance plugs in or is hardwired
• Look for larger industrial sockets, often used for higher power equipment
• Ask your landlord, facilities manager or electrician if three phase is available on site

Even replacement equipment may have different electrical requirements, so it is always worth checking the specification sheet carefully.

Why It Matters Before You Buy

If the correct power supply is not available, installation may be delayed or refused. In some cases, the equipment may sit unused until electrical work is completed.

This can lead to:

• aborted installation visits
• additional engineer charges
• unexpected electrical upgrade costs
• delays opening or restarting service
• and unnecessary frustration for everyone involved.

In some situations, upgrading the electrical supply can involve significant work depending on the building and incoming power availability.

The Bottom Line

Before ordering commercial catering equipment, it is always worth checking:

• voltage requirements
• plug type
• amperage
• whether the appliance is plug-in or hardwired
• and whether the appliance requires single or three phase power.

It is a much easier conversation before delivery than during installation.

If you are unsure what power supply your site has — or whether a particular appliance is suitable — call Anglia Catering Equipment on 01379 641223 before ordering and we will help you check compatibility properly.