3Ø 100amp Question

[Rahul Patel]

Hi

I am planning to convert an old office building with 3Ø 100amp supply into 14 self contained student studios (approximately 20 sqm)

Each studio will only have 2 electric heaters, 2 lights, 10 double sockets. The hot water will be gas heated.

I'm hoping someone will be able to tell me if the current 3 phase, 100amp supply be enough to power 14 units?

Your help is much appreciated

Thanks

 

[MJPD29]

Consult with the electrician designing and carrying out the work and they should be able to advise better as we don't have enough detail

 

[Adam W]

I reckon it should be.

 

[Andy78]

Possibly, probably not. Electric hobs for example would make this a definitely not.
You need to employ the services of an electrical designer to calculate you a maximum demand figure to present to the DNO, then they will tell you what is possible and for how much.
You might get lucky and the current cable may be capable of supporting 160A fuses, you may get unlucky and have to pay for a larger supply cable.

 

[Deleted account]

There are some complex calculations required for this.
I agree. Hire a electrical instalation design contractor who will then be liable.

Don't accept our responses as confirmation or not.

 

[buzzlightyear]

I am planning to convert an old office building with 3Ø 100amp supply into 14 self contained student studios (approximately 20 sqm)

Each studio will only have 2 electric heaters, 2 lights, 10 double sockets. The hot water will be gas heated.

I'm hoping someone will be able to tell me if the current 3 phase, 100amp supply be enough to power 14 units?

so whats your loading ?

 

[Octopus]

Relying on "internet" advice could be an expensive mistake

My recommendation is to get a price from the DNO to upgrade the incoming supply - then you can build it into your costings .

But beware, it may take a few weeks for them to come out, then if you go ahead there will be a delay in in actually happening..

Hope this helps

 

[buzzlightyear]

My recommendation is to get a price from the DNO to upgrade the incoming supply - then you can build it into your costings .

But beware, it may take a few weeks for them to come out, then if you go ahead there will be a delay in in actually happening..

don't tell him pike .

 

[static zap]

Parking for their electric vehicles !

 

[Deleted member 105166]

As above, this needs to be correctly designed and planned. However just looking at the top line numbers, assuming full occupancy it looks rather light, averaging just 21A per apartment, which could seriously limit what tenants do and when. You may be supplying just two fixed electric heaters, that's not going to stop tenants adding their own. If they all put a kettle on around the same time when they get up in the afternoon (student accom, right?) this could overload the installation. Seeing what's easily available from the DNO should be your first step.

 

[Cadgey123]

If it’s for students - based on your description most likely will be ok.

Wouldn’t be sticking my name to it until I had full loading specs from each unit. Ie heater sizes etc

 

[The Ghost]

Perhaps consider heating from your gas boiler? Bear in mind those kind of rentals often leave without paying energy bills which no doubt would be high if you have electric heating.

 

[PEG]

Hi,as already mentioned,you need someone to do an assessment,with knowledge of the build plans,and methods of mitigating peak loads.

It is not impossible,to arrange things,to achieve a reliable outcome,but is not a guess anyone will make,without full knowledge of all the factors....or you may be handing out your freshers,complimentary,travel-kettles...

 

[tlangdon12]

Changing to gas heating might just shift the problem from an undersized electrical supply to an undersized gas supply.

Improving the insulation in the studios might allow smaller electrical heaters to be specified, but kitchen appliances might be a bigger problem; the students are likely to want kettles, fridges and microwaves, toasters and possibly hobs. Even allowing for the fact that not everything will be on at once, I think electric heating and the small kitchen appliances will exceed the available supply. Only a proper design and better specification of the loads to be supplied will tell you whether the current supply is adequate or what larger supply will be required.

 

[PEG]

You could just supply those students with a paraffin stove and wind-up LED lamp...tell them a 6 month lease can go towards their Duke of Edinburgh award...