3-phase domestic supply?

Cliffage

Hello,
My mother in law has recently purchased an apartment. A sparky told her that it has a 3-phase supply, and that the storage heaters inside are hooked up to the 3 phases.
I know f all about this kind of thing but this seems very strange to me. The meter for the individual apartments do seem to indicate it is 3-phase however - they are marked 'Ac - 3 Ph 4 Wire'. Is this common for apartment blocks?
Cheers

beanie10

How many storage heaters in the apartment? I think on a single phase supply you would be maxed out with 4 medium sized heaters.

Cliffage

Think there are three. Would that mean that it would be common for apartments with storage heaters to be connected 3 phase?

2011

Cliffage wrote: »

Think there are three. Would that mean that it would be common for apartments with storage heaters to be connected 3 phase?

I would not think so, however it is possible that the apartment has a 3 phase supply.
Remember single phase loads can be connected to an installation that has a 3 phase supply.

beanie10

It can be done but wouldn't be common. Would be expensive way to heat apartments as opposed to gas. With 3 storage heater there is no need for 3 phase. Are you sure you are looking at the right meter?

bikenut

Not sure whether to continue this thread or start another but it's broadly related.

Recently bought a house with 3-phase and 10+ storage heaters. Have removed the heaters and installed gas/rads.

ESB coming out next week to remove the NSH meters (there are 2). Should I also consider changing from 3-phase to single phase? What are we ever going to need 3-phase for - unlikely to install an electric shower and I won't have a toolshed with any 3-phase equipment.

There are currently 4x 24H meters off the 3 phases - wouldn't one meter and one distribution panel be simpler? Note the 3 phases each connect to separate single phase panels.

air

Yes, just get rid of the lot and ask them to fit a single phase meter.
They're unlikely to pull back the supply cable so it would probably be easy enough to go back to 3 phase in the unlikely event that it was ever needed. You'll save money on standing charges also as your MIC will be reduced.

Do you have 3 separate distribution boards at present? These will need a supply each obviously if you have loads connected to all of them.

Paul Kiernan

I have a single phase domestic connection and want to upgrade to a 3-phase supply? My supply comes through a metal duct from a substation about 30m away. Any idea how much it would cost?

air

Paul Kiernan wrote: »

I have a single phase domestic connection and want to upgrade to a 3-phase supply? My supply comes through a metal duct from a substation about 30m away. Any idea how much it would cost?

I had a quote from ESB networks of just over €600 inc VAT for an upgrade of a single phase connection to 45kVA 3 phase in the last week.

Are you sure you need 3 phase? There is quite an increase in MIC charges associated with it also.

2011

air wrote: »

I had a quote from ESB networks of just over €600 inc VAT for an upgrade of a single phase connection to 45kVA 3 phase in the last week.

The cost of installing a 3 phase supply can vary considerably depending on the complexity.

air

I'm well aware of that, i was only trying to be helpful by providing a recent anecdotal cost.
If there is indeed a substation 30m away from his property, with ducting in place, I would expect his quote to be in a similar ballpark to be honest based on past experience.

2011

air wrote: »

I'm well aware of that, i was only trying to be helpful by providing a recent anecdotal cost.

It was said for the benefit of the OP.

If there is indeed a substation 30m away from his property, with ducting in place, I would expect his quote to be in a similar ballpark to be honest based on past experience.

+1