Not enough power at home? Increasing connection capacity step by step

Symptoms that there is not enough power

• the main circuit breaker (pre-meter) trips when several large appliances are running at the same time;
• when the kettle is turned on, the lights dim and the induction hob "slows down";
• you are planning a heat pump, induction hob or wallbox - and calculations show that the current capacity will not be enough.

Two concepts worth distinguishing

• Connection capacity - the maximum for which your connection was built; specified in the connection agreement;
• Contract capacity - the amount you actually order from the energy supplier; monitored by the pre-meter circuit breaker.

This is an important practical distinction: if the contract capacity is lower than the connection capacity, increasing it is usually a formality (application, replacement of the pre-meter circuit breaker). If you need more than the connection allows - the actual procedure with the network operator begins (in our area: Tauron Dystrybucja).

What the procedure looks like

• Power balance - we calculate the real demand of the house: current and planned appliances, simultaneity factors (not everything runs at once); this is essential to avoid ordering "spare" capacity, which you pay for;
• Application to the operator for defining connection conditions for increased capacity - we help to fill it out and complete the attachments;
• Connection conditions - the operator specifies what needs to be changed on their side (e.g. connection, protection devices) and on the installation side;
• Works on the house side - this is our part: adaptation of the main power line (WLZ), consumer unit and protection devices, often switching from single-phase to three-phase; finally, measurements and documents for the operator;
• Replacement of the pre-meter circuit breaker and contract update - the finale on the operator's and supplier's side.

How long does it take? Honestly: from a few weeks (change within the limits of the existing connection) to several months, when the operator has to rebuild the connection. Therefore, it is worth starting the process before purchasing a pump or charger, not after.

One phase or three?

If the house has a single-phase supply, increasing the capacity is usually a good moment to switch to three phases: more even load, smaller cable cross-sections, readiness for a heat pump and a three-phase wallbox. In older houses, this is often the best single investment in the installation.