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Old incomer connected to four 3 phase cutouts help

Simon M
Hi all,


I have a very old incomer entering the building that then feeds to 4 x 3ph cutouts. You can see two of the 3ph cutouts in the pic.
9f8642aebed8db60e40f7a2578ffd3a3-original-02.jpg


The incomer says on it  - BI Callender's - 4E 150 x 3. I assume this means 3 x 150 Amps? Please do correct me if I am wrong.


1. What is the maximum power I can draw from this system?


2. If each of the 4 Three phase cutouts were loaded with 100 Amp fuses and I was to pull close to that from each fuse. what would happen to the incomer as this would equate to 1200 Amps!


3. Is connecting 4 3ph cutouts to this old beast a reasonable thing to do? Or is it ridiculous?


Many thanks

Simon
  • 0
    I had a similar quandary some years ago and eventually an intern arrived from the DNO along with the District Manager to do a onsite inspection, I provided the screwdrivers, they provide the seals.


    I doubt you will get an answer without someone from the DNO coming pulling it all apart and having a good look at it.
  • 0


    It may be worth verifying Zs is low enough to blow a 150Amp fuse before the DNO get there, so if it is not, you can get them to do something about that at the same time.



     


    I have a Zs of 0.22 measured from a distribution board 2 meters away from the incomer.


  • 0
    Hmm given the red yellow blue spots, if original, it should not be fused neutral (that era would be read white and blue or the red white and green that preceded it), though it may well contain asbestos flash pads, in which case the DNO will not want to open it, but either leave it sealed, or if they really have to replace it, they can do that unopened by cutting the supply cable further back.

    The grey box above may contain something like line taps or Henley blocks to split the tails, it looks too small for a bus.

    In any case it is all under company seals, and is not really your problem.

    It may be worth verifying Zs is low enough to blow a 150Amp fuse before the DNO get there, so if it is not, you can get them to do something about that at the same time.

    And that trunking may be mitred, but it looks like it is not earthed, is that the case ?

    Mike.

  • 0
    And that is the conundrum with electric heating. The responsiveness of panel heaters on eye watering day rate or the sluggishness and wastefulness of off peak storage. What we need is one of those new fangled algorithms, seemingly they can solve everything.
  • Former Community Member
    0 Former Community Member
    The intended use is education, arts spaces, maker spaces, small studios etc. So no dwellings.


    Will their rent include electricity, as if not metered and charged to them, everything will be left switched on............?


    As to what the DNO will supply, it will be up to you to ask for an Authorised Supply Capacity (ASC) and they will within reason supply whatever you ask for, at a price naturally. But good luck on asking them for what they will presently supply you with..............


    Regards


    BOD just back from site visit to client who wants a supply to a proposed dwelling 520 m from his existing meter which in turn is 100 m from 15 kVA HV Tx.
  • 0
    Chris Pearson:
    Simon M:

    I do have the DNO coming out in an attempt to try and get them to upgrade the incomer but I'm not holding my breath.


    If they say that it will be fine for the intended use, what is there to complain about?




    Nothing, and that's what I am hoping for :)

    Though I would like it in writing so I can keep the trustees happy.

    But could the incomer in question be a fused neutral? 


  • 0
    Grumpy:

    Why would old storage heaters use a lot more juice than a modern panel heater given that they are both electric and therefore 100% efficient?


    Indeed, you are correct.

    I was thinking more on the lines that a panel heater can be switched off when a particular room is not in use. We anticipate not all rooms to be occupied throughout the day.

    Thus saving power. 

    The problem with storage heaters is you cannot just turn them on and get instant heat.

    I probably need to read up on space heating and what would be more suitable.


    Regards

    Simon.


  • 0
    Simon M:

    I do have the DNO coming out in an attempt to try and get them to upgrade the incomer but I'm not holding my breath.


    If they say that it will be fine for the intended use, what is there to complain about?


  • 0
    Why would old storage heaters use a lot more juice than a modern panel heater given that they are both electric and therefore 100% efficient?
  • 0
    Thank you for the replies very useful.


    The property is a listed 200 year old foundry converted to offices in the 60s/70s.


    The intended use is education, arts spaces, maker spaces, small studios etc. So no dwellings.


    Originally heated by storage heaters which have now been removed, we are at the strip out stage but plan to have panel heaters in the rooms (number to be decided).


    As the storage heaters were huge old things I am presuming they would have used a lot more juice than a modern panel heater. Albeit on economy 7. 


    I just have to do the calcs.


    Many thanks as this puts my mind a bit more at rest regarding the power we have available.

    I do have the DNO coming out in an attempt to try and get them to upgrade the incomer but I'm not holding my breath.


    Regards

    Simon.

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