3 Phase connection
Preparations for grid operator
Adjust meter box to 3 phase
Install 4 pole main switch
Safe installation
Safe installation
Sustainable investment
Preventing malfunctions
According to NEN 1010 requirements
Free fuse box check
Expand number of groups
Free quote
Installing 3-phase connections
Create additional groups
What is a 3-phase connection and when do you need it?
A 3-phase connection is a connection with more power. With a 1-phase connection, one 230-volt power wire enters the meter cupboard. With 3-phase, three 230-volt phases enter. The voltage between two phases is 400 volts. It sounds a bit technical, but you need this when you have equipment that uses a lot of power.
Nowadays, people are getting more and more electrical equipment in their homes, such as a heat pump, electric hob or a charging station. These require more power. A 1-phase connection is not sufficient to supply all these devices with power. The power can then fail, the device does not work properly and the device can even be damaged.
We also sometimes see that people do not realize whether the installation is working properly. For example, they have a charging station connected to 1 phase. The car is then charged, but it is very slow. For example, with a 1 phase connection it takes twice as long as with a 3 phase connection.
Are you unsure whether you need a 3-phase connection? Please contact us and we will take a look with you free of charge and without obligation!
How do you know if you need a 3-phase connection?
Do you notice that the fuse is blown, the main switch is tripped, or your devices are no longer working properly? Then it may be necessary to switch to 3 phase. We will explain whether this is necessary and what the alternatives are.
A 1 phase connection with 35 Ampere delivers a maximum power of 8,050 watts. This is comparable to using an oven, kettle and washing machine at the same time. A 1 phase connection with 25 Ampere delivers 5,750 watts. Do your devices consume more in total? Then you may experience the above problems.
For certain heavier appliances you almost always need a 3 phase connection. Please note, this mainly concerns the capacity of the appliance, so always check this. An induction hob with a capacity of 3.5 kW can be connected to a 1 phase connection. But one of 7 kW often needs 3 phase.
Sometimes a charging station with load balancing or a limitation can still be connected to 1 phase. This ensures that the charging capacity adapts to the amount of power that is available at that moment. This prevents the power from failing.
Does my fuse box need to be replaced?
When should I replace my fuse box? This is a question that many people have. You have come to the right place. A new fuse box is an essential part of the electrical system in your home. It ensures the correct distribution of electricity to different circuits and protects you from overloads and short circuits . There are several indicators that may indicate that it is time to replace your fuse box.
If you notice that the fuses or fuses in your existing distribution box are blowing regularly, this could be a sign of overload. It could also be that your old distribution box does not have enough groups to meet your electrical needs. You will then need to replace your meter box .
Other signs are outdated technology, damaged wiring or if you are planning to make future extensions and want to install additional electrical appliances, such as electric hobs and other electrical equipment. A professional electrician from Willemsen will be happy to help you. We can replace and extend your outdated fuse box based on your wishes. Please note that an earth leakage circuit breaker is crucial for the safety of your electrical installation and that an old fuse box often does not have one.
Do you want to replace your old group box with a new meter box? Feel free to contact us. We are ready to help you and we ensure a safe and efficient electrical system in your home.
A 1 phase or 3 phase distribution box
When replacing a distribution box, you need to make a well-considered choice: do you want a 1-phase or 3-phase distribution box? Which new distribution box you choose depends on your electricity connection and the expected energy consumption in your home. Usually, a 1-phase distribution box is sufficient for a normal home. A 3-phase distribution box is mainly used in companies and homes with a large electricity requirement.
So if you have a large house, use a lot of electrical appliances or want to install heavy equipment, a 3 phase distribution box may be necessary. You can then use a ceramic hob, heat pump, charging station, electric hob and new kitchen appliances in your new kitchen without any problems. This offers more power and distributes the load evenly over three phases, which ensures a stable electricity supply without overload.
To determine which distribution board you need, you need to check which connection your current distribution board has. Keep in mind that a 3-phase distribution board is more expensive than a 1-phase distribution board. So take the time to properly evaluate your needs before making a final decision. You can ask us for advice. We can take on the entire job, from having it inspected to choosing the brand of distribution board to replacing the distribution board.
How much does it cost to apply for or convert a 3-phase connection?
The costs for a 3-phase connection consist of 2 parts: the costs for the grid operator and any adjustments to the fuse box.
The one-off costs for the grid operator are between €300 and €500. This depends on who your grid operator is. Enexis, Stedin, Liander and other grid operators use their own rates. This is where the difference in price lies. You can view this with the grid operator based on your postcode.
Please note: these are average rates. We regularly speak to customers who indicate that they have to pay more to the grid operator. For example, if cables from the street to the house have to be replaced.
In addition, there are the costs for adjusting the meter cupboard. These are on average between €500 and €1250. These prices are very different and that is because it varies greatly from case to case what needs to be adjusted.
If only a main switch needs to be replaced and an extra group needs to be installed, you will be at the lower end of this price indication. But if multiple earth leakage switches, an extra cooking group and perilex are also connected , the costs will be on the high side.
What needs to be adjusted in the fuse box by the electrician?
Before the grid operator comes, we prepare the fuse box completely for the 3 phase connection. Some parts will have to be replaced as standard if you get a heavier connection.
When switching over, the main switch must always be replaced by a 4-pole version. This can switch off all 3 phases and the neutral conductor at the same time. This allows you to safely de-energize the installation.
In some cases, the entire fuse box will have to be replaced, but certainly not always. If the fuse box has been installed in the past 10-20 years, it is usually suitable for 3 phase. If you still have a very old fuse box with porcelain fuses, then this will have to be replaced.
We often see that additional groups and earth leakage circuit breakers must be installed. We work according to the NEN standards and according to these standards a maximum of 4 groups may be connected to 1 earth leakage circuit breaker.
One of the biggest reasons for switching to 3 phase is when you purchase heavier equipment. For heavy charging station or induction hob an extra group will have to be placed. For this we usually use a power group.
Common situations where people switch to 3-phase
From an electric heat pump to induction hobs, we see all kinds of situations and equipment that require a 3-phase connection.
We have listed the 5 most common ones:
- Induction hobs with a power of more than 7 kW
- An all electric heat pump
- Inverter for solar panels from 5 kW
- Charging station with a capacity from 11 kW
- Multiple air conditioning systems in the house
Please note: these are the most common devices, but whether you really need 3 phase also depends on the connection diagram. Always ask us about this, so we can advise you.
What we often see is that people make multiple adjustments at once. For example, they have wanted to get off gas for a while, and also have an electric car with a charging station. This is not possible on 1 phase. But when you have a 3 phase connection installed, you immediately have a lot more power for your electrical equipment.
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