feasibility of three-phase power in mobile catering trailer

[hie27]

Hi all.
First, I have to admit that i have no experience and very little knowledge in electrics and I'm therefore looking for some general practical advice. I am wanting to start my own mobile catering business but i am still in the planning stage. I want to know if three-phase power is really a viable option for starting a business that is relatively small-scale at least at the start. At the moment i have a blank canvas trailer and all of the circuitry and appliances still need to be inserted. The reason why I am even considering three-phase power is that there are some really great mini-industrial ovens that can reach 500c that you just cannot get one-phase. The only other option to hit those sorts of temperatures is woodfire ovens and they require some skill and continuous management. I am really attracted to the idea of having a small but high output oven. The oven in question is rated at 32a 4.5kw. Apart from that i would need a fridge and topping table, which would be one phase. Is 3 phase circuitry significantly more expensive than one-phase? And is integrating the other one-phase appliances into a three-phase system complex?

 

[telectrix]

4.5kW is not 32A, it's 19A single phase.

 

[Strima]

3 phase is not a problem. However what sort of hook ups are you looking at using?

3 phase isn't always available on some pitches or will you be using your own generator?

 

[hie27]

Hi, sorry perhaps i got the kw wrong. I will double check. The oven is definitely three phase as it has got the red 5 pin. I will check again thanks. And, yes, the idea was to use my own generator, although size i imagine it would be quite sizable.

 

[hie27]

Kw says 4.5 / 4.9

 

[gnuuser]

3 phase power will be more efficient to use even if it means more conductors for your mobile system, if your generator is sufficient for the task. as others have said if you were relying on external power you may have some problems with connector issues.
but i must caution you to have a good spark set this up for you. also you should check into any regs concerning an installation such as this as there may be special permits needed.

 

[hie27]

I have to admit i have no idea on hookups. Where can i get myself better informed on this topic? Thanks for the replies thus far, I did initially think this idea might be too ambitious but the consensus seems to be that it is possible, but caution is needed.

 

[Deleted member 105166]

This takes you into BS7909 territory, where it would be deemed a temporary electrical system. Demand in excess of 6kVA is deemed "large/complex" and requires a senior person responsible.

 

[Deleted member 105166]

I have to admit i have no idea on hookups. Where can i get myself better informed on this topic?

Google is your friend here, 22 million results

 

[Ned Gibbons]

What sort of events are you planning to attend. If you have events in mind I would be asking them how they feel about either providing a 3 phase hook up or letting you use a genny.

Even if they are it is likely to have an impact on where you can be located on site and may mean you often get less then ideal pitches.

I've done power in quite a few outdoor events. 3p for a trader is not something I've never been asked for.

 

[gazdkw82]

I've been involved in helping set up mobile catering outlets. I don't think I've seen a three phase one yet. All the ones I've seen have been single phase supplies for ovens/grills and fryers.

On the other side of things, I don't even think most places that host these events will have a 3 phase outlet for you to use

 

[hie27]

Thanks for all of your replies again. Its definitely food for thought. The question of the acceptability of a generator is definitely a valid point. However I don't have any plans to operate at public events. I plan to focus locally rather than live life on the road. There are no artisan pizza caterers between where I live and at least 25 mile so I plan to focus here first. I have asked a few pub land lords on the main roads on private roads and they were keen. Also, the local council did not object to a generator being used outside of an industrial site if precautions are made. With the sort of food i plan on making i will be looking more at privatr events. The limit on electrical output with further regulations on the topic of temporary electrical systems is a bit worrying. However, it might still be possible to get around this as i am aware of the hygiene regulations. I could drop the fridge and make table and operate for 4 hours with bags of ice and portable handwash if needed. In fact, all I'd need is a light and the oven and I could do it. Its not ideal but it could atleast be a start working part time while I figure how to fully comply. I realise that some of you might find my approach odd but you simply cant make a proper pizza with gas or 1 phase, I know because I've been doing it for years and the temperatures are too low.

 

[hie27]

So the big issue so far is the possibility of temporary electrical system status. Has anyone else got any other considerations? Also what is the relationship between kW and kva?

 

[davesparks]

So the big issue so far is the possibility of temporary electrical system status. Has anyone else got any other considerations? Also what is the relationship between kW and kva?

What do you mean by the possibility of temporary electrical system status?
This is going to be temporary electrical system whatever you do.

All of the pizza ovens which turn up at the events I work on are wood fired. The only power they need is a 16A SP for a few lights and suchlike

 

[hie27]

Hi Dave, are you suggesting that the oven on its own exceeds the limit or is there other points to the rule?