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If you run a light industrial business in Fort Myers — a fabrication shop, warehouse, or small manufacturing space — you already know how important dependable power is. It keeps your equipment running, your production steady, and your crew safe.
Most small operations start out with single-phase power, which works fine in the beginning. But as production grows and new machines are added, single-phase service can start to show its limits.
At Coharbor Electric, we’ve helped plenty of Fort Myers businesses make the jump to 3-phase power — and for many, it completely changed how smoothly their operation runs. Here’s what 3-phase power really is, why it matters, and how to know when your shop’s ready for the upgrade.
Most homes and small commercial buildings use single-phase power. It delivers electricity in one wave — perfectly fine for lighting, outlets, and smaller equipment.
3-phase power is different. It delivers power through three alternating waves, spaced evenly apart. That means:
A more constant, balanced flow of power
Motors that run smoother and last longer
Equipment that handles bigger loads without straining
The best way to picture it? Single-phase is like pedaling a bike — every push gives a burst of power, then a lull. 3-phase is like riding a motorcycle — smooth, strong, and built for heavy performance.
3-phase delivers steady power—same reliability you want for your Fort Myers home workshop.
Get answers for Florida property owners in our Commercial Services FAQ.
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In Fort Myers, we work with a lot of businesses that rely on heavy-duty equipment every day — things like:
CNC machines, mills, and lathes
Air compressors and pumps
Conveyor systems and hoists
Large refrigeration or HVAC units
Welders and fabrication tools
All of these run cleaner and more efficiently on 3-phase power. You get steadier performance, fewer shutdowns, and lower wear on your machines.
Panel upgrades add up—plan for rust and salt in coastal homes.
Real numbers for Fort Myers in our Panels FAQ.
Here are a few warning signs that your system might be stretched to its limit:
1. Breakers Keep Tripping
If your breakers pop regularly during normal operations, your system’s likely maxed out.
2. Equipment Overheating
Single-phase power can make motors run hotter and work harder, leading to premature failure.
3. Adding New Equipment
If you’re bringing in new machines or expanding your line, your existing service might not handle the extra load safely.
4. High Energy Bills
When equipment has to work harder to run on limited power, your energy costs go up.
5. Planning for Growth
If you’re already thinking about expanding in the next few years, upgrading now can save time, money, and rework later.
Step-by-step for your home addition in our Load Calculations 101.
Upgrading to 3-phase power isn’t a quick flip of a switch — it’s a process that involves planning, permitting, and coordination with your utility company. Here’s how we handle it at Coharbor Electric:
We start with a detailed load calculation to figure out your current and future power needs. This ensures your new system is sized correctly from the start.
We contact Florida Power & Light (FPL) or your provider to confirm 3-phase availability in your area and what upgrades might be needed on their end.
We install a new 3-phase panel, service entrance, and distribution system — replacing or supplementing your existing single-phase setup.
Our team handles all permitting with the City of Fort Myers or Lee County and ensures every step meets the National Electrical Code (NEC).
After the work’s complete, local inspectors review and approve the installation, and we energize your new 3-phase system.
A local fabrication shop reached out when they started adding more welders and CNC machines. Their old single-phase panel just couldn’t keep up — breakers tripped constantly, and some equipment wasn’t running at full strength.
We performed a full load calculation, coordinated with FPL, and upgraded the service to a 400-amp 3-phase system. The difference was immediate:
Machines ran smoother and cooler
Energy bills dropped noticeably
The business had room to expand without electrical concerns
Reliability: Fewer trips and less downtime.
Efficiency: Equipment runs smoother and uses less energy.
Scalability: Ready for expansion without major rework.
Code Compliance: Meets today’s NEC standards.
Long-Term Savings: Lower maintenance and energy costs.
When and how for Florida homes in our Upgrades FAQ.
We’re a Fort Myers-based electrical company that knows the unique challenges local businesses face — humidity, salt air, high demand, and tight inspection timelines.
Our light industrial clients trust us because we handle everything from design to inspection, including:
Load calculations and system design
3-phase panel and distribution installation
Coordination with FPL and inspectors
Preventive maintenance and ongoing support
We don’t just install power — we build reliable systems that keep your business running day after day.
If your equipment’s pushing the limits of your current setup, or if you’re planning to expand, now’s the time to look at 3-phase power. The upgrade pays for itself in efficiency, reliability, and peace of mind.
At Coharbor Electric, we’ve helped businesses all over Fort Myers make the transition safely and smoothly.
📞 Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out if 3-phase power is the right next step for your operation.
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Serving Southwest Florida including: Fort Myers, Naples, Cape Coral, and more...
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At Coharbor Electric, this is what to expect when entrusting us with fixing your electrical issues.
The first step is to get all the information we will need so that we can correctly assess the problem or situation. The photos or videos you send will be sent directly to the electrician.
Once our electrician has the info he needs, we will dispatch one in the next available spot–armed with expertise, equipment, and the parts he’ll most likely need.
Our Promise is to to You is to perform the job completely, efficiently, and to the Florida electrical code standards. We are committed to fair and honest pricing.
We offer flat rate pricing for service calls, so you always know the price up front. Simple to understand. Flat-rate fixed price so you can be confident you’ll get what paid for.
As a Florida homeowner, you have an endless list of choices for electrical contractors to hire…some great, some good, some bad.
At Coharbor Electric, our benchmark is to be “great”. If you decide to hire us for your electrical service, here’s what you can expect from our electricians:
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