How much kVA do I need?

[sam851]

I'm hoping somebody can help me.

Im converting a 4bedroom flat to 3 x 1bedroom flats.

I am having a new 3 phase supply installed for 3 the flats. UK Power Networks have asked me how much kVA will I be needing in total.

Each flat will have its own gas supply with the heating & hot water supplied from the boiler. The cookers will be all/mostly gas.

I understand the capacity for a 3 phase is about 70kVA, however the DNO has said that there is limited amount of space available on the network and if the full 70kVA is required they may need to pass my application to another department to price and install, which is considerably more expensive.

My question is how much kVA would I actually need for the 3 1 bedrooms flats?

 

[bill01803]

Speak to your designer/electrician

 

[brianmoooore]

A 'standard' supply for a large house in the UK is 15kVA, which should give you some idea.

 

[Rockingit]

TBH, you almost certainly don't need to convert the incomer anyway. You've no electric heating, no power showers (I assume) so the only thing that's left are some small white goods, lighting and I.T. None of which will touch a 100A / 15kVA main service. What you may need to install is a NBO system - find a decent electrician.

 

[catdog1121]

A three phase supply would be fine, even if all phases were only 60A, although more likely 100A.. Maybe go bigger though to give room for EV charging and heat pumps in the future?

 

[sam851]

TBH, you almost certainly don't need to convert the incomer anyway. You've no electric heating, no power showers (I assume) so the only thing that's left are some small white goods, lighting and I.T. None of which will touch a 100A / 15kVA main service. What you may need to install is a NBO system - find a decent electrician.

The existing electricity supply for the flat is currently coming from the ground floor shop which has a 3 phase supply head.

The flats (on first and second floor) will have their own communal entrance which will be completely independent of the ground floor shop. Which is why I want to install a new 3 phase supply for the flats in the communal entrance. I want the flats to have their own meters where they are billed directly by the energy supplier.

 

[sam851]

A three phase supply would be fine, even if all phases were only 60A, although more likely 100A.. Maybe go bigger though to give room for EV charging and heat pumps in the future?

So what kVA figure should I give to UKPN?

 

[Petej999]

I'm hoping somebody can help me.

Im converting a 4bedroom flat to 3 x 1bedroom flats.

I am having a new 3 phase supply installed for 3 the flats. UK Power Networks have asked me how much kVA will I be needing in total.

Each flat will have its own gas supply with the heating & hot water supplied from the boiler. The cookers will be all/mostly gas.

I understand the capacity for a 3 phase is about 70kVA, however the DNO has said that there is limited amount of space available on the network and if the full 70kVA is required they may need to pass my application to another department to price and install, which isHow long is a piece of string? considerably more expensive.

My question is how much kVA would I actually need for the 3 1 bedrooms flats? how long is a piece of string?

 

[Rockingit]

So what kVA figure should I give to UKPN?

10kVA per dwelling.

 

[pc1966]

So what kVA figure should I give to UKPN?

3 * 60A is just over 41kVA and for a flat should be fine unless they are apt to use a high power shower while running a big cooker!

 

[Rockingit]

3 * 60A is just over 41kVA and for a flat should be fine unless they are apt to use a high power shower while running a big cooker!

Neither of which appear here. As I first said, if ever there was an example of overthinking something..... 100A incomer, 3 red links, 3 meters, 3 KMF's @60A and walk away....

 

[pc1966]

Neither of which appear here. As I first said, if ever there was an example of overthinking something..... 100A incomer, 3 red links, 3 meters, 3 KMF's @60A and walk away....

I think the OP is being asked by the DNO for a new supply! I suspect to detach the billing from converted flats from the shop's supply.

I agree with you, 60A per flat is fine and the existing shop supply is probably fine to have them fed via meters and fused-switches.

 

[Rockingit]

I think the OP is being asked by the DNO for a new supply! I suspect to detach the billing from converted flats from the shop's supply.

I agree with you, 60A per flat is fine and the existing shop supply is probably fine to have them fed via meters and fused-switches.

Doubtless to make a sale and that reason only.... Multiple MPans can be sourced from the same supply

 

[pc1966]

10kVA per dwelling.

Would they do a 40A supply, or are they going to do 60A and trust you don't abuse it?

I think in France they are quite assertive about limiting your power to what tariff you pay for, but never had to discuss that policy here.

 

[Rockingit]

Would they do a 40A supply, or are they going to do 60A and trust you don't abuse it?

I think in France they are quite assertive about limiting your power to what tariff you pay for, but never had to discuss that policy here.

More a case of just being realistic to avoid an overcharge, I can't see them actually putting in under 80A to be fair. But operating at 60A just makes everything so much easier - 16mm tails etc etc