DNO's incoming capacity.

[sparksburnout]

Looking at a job where shower is required, and amongst all the other requirements, contacted the DNO to enquire what the incoming supply capacity is. The cut out fuse has no marking that states its rating, existing meter>CU tails are 16mm but will be using separate CU for shower circuit via henley block. It's like trying to contact Elvis, guys at DNO don't even seem to know what I am talking about. House is circa 1950's. Does anyone have any thoughts, whilst I am waiting, on the usual minimum capacity? Are there any domestic supplies that are likely to be less than 80 amps of this age? Are these DNO's (Wester power) usually pretty useless??

 

[Andy78]

Will be either 60 or 80 amp DNO fuse. What problems are you foreseeing by adding this shower ?

 

[sparksburnout]

Will be either 60 or 80 amp DNO fuse. What problems are you foreseeing by adding this shower ?

Customer is not sure what size shower to go for, maybe I am being over cautious but everything else is electric and didn't want to get close to maximum demand. I understand diversity needs to be taken into consideration but quite likely they will have shower/cooker/fire/heaters on at same time, albeit it short period. Personally I can't see a problem, but I assume that "assessing the demand" has some relevance? Are there many/any cases where the DNO actually has to provide a new incomer for such situations??

 

[telectrix]

bung in a 8.5kW shower. if the fuse blows, it blows. DNO's problem, not your's.

 

[Andy78]

Customer is not sure what size shower to go for, maybe I am being over cautious but everything else is electric and didn't want to get close to maximum demand. I understand diversity needs to be taken into consideration but quite likely they will have shower/cooker/fire/heaters on at same time, albeit it short period. Personally I can't see a problem, but I assume that "assessing the demand" has some relevance? Are there many/any cases where the DNO actually has to provide a new incomer for such situations??

You will be right I would imagine, even on a 60A fuse. They won't blow at 60A anyway on a short period slight overload.

 

[sparksburnout]

You will be right I would imagine, even on a 60A fuse. They won't blow at 60A anyway on a short period slight overload.

Yes exactly, just needed a bit of comfort on this one! thanks guys, and sensible offering from Tel as usual!

 

[atm84]

A few years ago a customer wanted an 9KW electric shower and also has storage heaters, I checked the main fuse and it was 40amp. The house was an ex council house built in the 1960's. apparently it was common then to fit smaller fuses. I called the DNO and they upgraded to 100amps, no bother.