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Upgrading to a 3-Phase Connection for 11kW Power in Apartment with 25A Protection

Elektronik2013 33195 25
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How much does it cost to increase an apartment's connection power and switch from single-phase 25A to three-phase power when the wiring to the meter is already in place?

You cannot treat this as just a meter swap: you have to apply to PGE for connection conditions, then pay the operator’s tariff-based connection fee and separately pay an electrician to adapt the apartment installation to the technical conditions [#14257393][#14258021] The meter replacement itself is the operator’s responsibility, but the ownership boundary decides whether the pre-meter protection belongs to you or to the operator [#14257036] Several replies warn that you will likely still need to replace the WLZ/cables and that a main protection below 25A is not a good idea; 3x16A was considered too low, while 3x25A / about 14 kW was suggested as more realistic [#14257800][#14258073][#14258021] One user calculated the tariff fee as 58.38 PLN per kW, so a 6 kW increase would be about 350.28 PLN before extra work and VAT [#14257004] In short, the final cost depends on the technical conditions and the scope of internal rewiring, not only on the PGE fee [#14257025][#14257393]
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  • #1 14256897
    Elektronik2013
    Level 11  
    Posts: 95
    Rate: 31
    Hello. In the apartment I have a connection power of 5kW, protection 25A. The power of the devices is constantly growing, some new kettles, irons are almost 3kW each, so I am thinking of increasing the connection power and switching to 3 phases. I have 4 4mm wires connected to my apartment (no protective wire) so separation is possible. At the moment, after turning on the 3000W iron and 2100W kettle, I already have the theoretical contractual power of 5kW exceeded, the protection is 25A, so the maximum power is actually 5750W. Standard appliances in the apartment - washing machine, dryer, electric kettle, iron, plasma TV, microwave, oven, computer, laptop, etc. In some blocks electronic meters are already installed that control the maximum power and probably in some time the supplier will check whether someone does not exceed contracted power. I think it is worth dividing into 3 phases, 16A protections which will give a power of 11kW. After switching to 3 phases, I would divide the circuits, e.g. kitchen into one, rooms and lighting into another, bathroom into a third. Do you know how much it costs at PGE to increase the connection power by 6kW if it is a flat and the wires are already there, there is also a three-phase access to the connection point. There are amounts of about PLN 150 per kW on the Internet, but in most cases it is about houses and new cables, more work when connecting. In my case, all that is needed is a meter replacement and new security measures. Thank you in advance for your answer and I wish you a happy holiday.
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  • #2 14256919
    karolark
    Level 42  
    Posts: 14260
    Help: 701
    Rate: 2468
    Not so fast and cheap :-( , I tried to replace it with 3f, when I counted the costs, I assumed priority points :-)
  • #3 14256954
    Elektronik2013
    Level 11  
    Posts: 95
    Rate: 31
    A priority relay is a solution, but I would prefer to switch to 3f and increase the power, one-time expense and peace of mind for years. After getting into good electronic meters, suppliers will probably monitor this maximum consumption if someone often exceeds the extra money for them.
  • #4 14256958
    zbich70
    Level 43  
    Posts: 17116
    Help: 1164
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    Elektronik2013 wrote:
    Do you know how much it costs at PGE to increase the connection power by 6kW if it is a flat and the wires are already there, there is also a three-phase access to the connection point.

    The amount of the connection fee is in operator's tariff
    But it is not a fee for adapting the receiving installation to the increased power.
    You pay for this to an electrician who will adapt the installation and certify it in an appropriate letter.
  • #5 14257004
    Elektronik2013
    Level 11  
    Posts: 95
    Rate: 31
    According to this tariff, the cost of the increase itself is PLN 58.38 x 6kW (I increase it by this amount) = PLN 350.28 + the cost of replacing the meter and security. The security and the meter are not my property, so I do not know how the costs are counted here, I guess they do not count the price of the new meter and new security because it will still be theirs and the old ones will not come back to me, only some replacement cost?
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  • #6 14257025
    karolark
    Level 42  
    Posts: 14260
    Help: 701
    Rate: 2468
    Where's your counter? new wlz, new cables, new security, do not you think that it will be done for PLN 400?
  • #7 14257028
    Elektronik2013
    Level 11  
    Posts: 95
    Rate: 31
    Counter in the stairwell 2 meters from the apartment. The wires from the apartment to the meter go 4x4mm copper. At the moment, 2 wires are used, and the next ones are prepared just for 3f. There is 3f to the box on the cage.
  • #8 14257036
    zbich70
    Level 43  
    Posts: 17116
    Help: 1164
    Rate: 6568
    Elektronik2013 wrote:
    Security and the meter are not my property so I don't know how the costs are calculated here

    Replacing the meter is at the operator's expense no matter where it is located.

    Whether the pre-meter protection is the property of the operator or yours is determined by the ownership / operation boundary / place of energy supply included in the existing contract with the operator.
  • #9 14257057
    elpapiotr
    Electrician specialist
    Posts: 12199
    Help: 1013
    Rate: 3508
    Elektronik2013 wrote:
    I have 4 4mm wires connected to the apartment (there is no protective wire) so separation is possible.
    Yeah, is it possible, only or the right one? :D
  • #10 14257230
    Elektronik2013
    Level 11  
    Posts: 95
    Rate: 31
    elpapiotr wrote:
    Yeah, is it possible, only or the right one? :D


    I know it should be 5 stranded. The installation in the apartment is 2-core, during renovation I will slowly replace it with a new 3-core.

    karolark wrote:
    don't you think that it will be done for PLN 400?


    That is why I am asking here how much it will all be. The costs in a new home are different than in an apartment. I am asking for the approximate cost of increasing the power, switching to 3 phases and all the works to make it possible.
  • #11 14257393
    Anonymous
    Anonymous  
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  • #12 14257648
    michcio
    Electrician specialist
    Posts: 2595
    Help: 144
    Rate: 478
    16A pre-meter is not enough, because this is how much is installed in the socket circuits, and where is the security grading? There should be at least 20A ahead of the meter.
  • #13 14257683
    kkas12
    Level 43  
    Posts: 17356
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    Why not 25A ???
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  • #14 14257767
    Elektronik2013
    Level 11  
    Posts: 95
    Rate: 31
    michcio wrote:
    16A pre-meter is not enough, because this is how much is installed in the socket circuits, and where is the security grading? There should be at least 20A ahead of the meter.


    At the moment I have 25A with a power of 5kW and I would like to increase the power and switch to 3f so the smallest reasonable power at 3f is probably 11kW with 3x16A protection?

    Possibly, increasing the power to 7kW for this one phase, but I do not know if it will pass because the cable to the apartment is 4mm, the costs would certainly be lower and I think such power would be enough.
  • #15 14257800
    kkas12
    Level 43  
    Posts: 17356
    Help: 1073
    Rate: 4262
    Nowadays, a person forcing the value of the pre-meter protection with a value of less than 25A (no matter if it is one or three phases) does not know what he is saying.

    And you will not avoid replacing the Wlz anyway.
    So don't wipe your ass with glass.
  • #16 14257996
    michcio
    Electrician specialist
    Posts: 2595
    Help: 144
    Rate: 478
    kkas12 wrote:
    Why not 25A ???

    As I said, a minimum of 20A, 25A is of course better.

    PS. Again, the problem with these three phases. As if it was humanly possible to take one phase with a 50 or 63A protection, then there would be no problem with ordering more than enough power just for the pre-meter protection to have some usable values.
  • #17 14258021
    Anonymous
    Anonymous  
  • #18 14258073
    jann111
    Level 33  
    Posts: 2058
    Help: 180
    Rate: 505
    Elektronik2013 wrote:
    In my case, all that is needed is a meter replacement and new security measures.

    No buddy, in your case it needs to be done in accordance with the Technical Conditions you will receive and the current regulations. And the rates for 2015 for connection capacity increase slightly and I repeat that the main protection smaller than 25 A is a shot in the knee. :D
  • #19 14258264
    slawekx
    Level 29  
    Posts: 1424
    Help: 53
    Rate: 195
    Elektronik2013 wrote:
    Hello. In the apartment I have a connection power of 5kW, protection 25A. In my case, all that is needed is meter replacement and new security measures. Thank you in advance for your answer and I wish you a happy holiday.

    Ask your PGE, set the conditions and commission a specialist to perform it.
  • #20 14258741
    Anonymous
    Anonymous  
  • #21 14263669
    michcio
    Electrician specialist
    Posts: 2595
    Help: 144
    Rate: 478
    It's not just about power. With B16A and gG 20A there will be no selectivity (if there will be a fuse at all ...).
  • #22 14268837
    Elektronik2013
    Level 11  
    Posts: 95
    Rate: 31
    Thanks to everyone for your help. I decided to come back to the topic of increasing the power in a year or two or maybe later. In some time they will replace me with an electronic counter and then I will read from it how much of this power I actually use, it probably controls the maximum consumption and other parameters.

    @michcio at the moment I have a C 25A ES protection in front of the meter.

    Thanks again to everyone for your help and advice.
  • #23 14269155
    Anonymous
    Anonymous  
  • #24 14269171
    Elektronik2013
    Level 11  
    Posts: 95
    Rate: 31
    @Jerzykowski Today I checked with my friends and the display showed 3 different values in turn. I have also seen one with a button that displays various information after successive presses.
  • #25 14269209
    karolark
    Level 42  
    Posts: 14260
    Help: 701
    Rate: 2468
    Different or maybe they have a dual tariff? I have the same shows total, 1st tariff and second.
  • #26 14269236
    Elektronik2013
    Level 11  
    Posts: 95
    Rate: 31
    The one with the button is Corax, and the other one with alternating information, unfortunately I don't know, probably some older single-phase one, there was no obvious name on it.

Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around upgrading an apartment's electrical connection from a single-phase 5kW to a three-phase 11kW system due to increasing power demands from appliances. The user currently has a 25A protection and is concerned about exceeding the contracted power limits. Participants discuss the costs associated with the upgrade, including connection fees, the need for new wiring, and the replacement of the meter. Recommendations include consulting with an electrician and the energy operator for specific conditions and costs. The consensus suggests that a minimum of 20A protection is necessary, with some advocating for 25A to ensure adequate capacity. The user ultimately decides to postpone the upgrade until they can better assess their actual power usage with an electronic meter.
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FAQ

TL;DR: Boosting an apartment supply from 1-phase 5 kW to 3-phase 11 kW typically costs about PLN 350 for the connection fee alone (58.38 PLN/kW) [Elektroda, Elektronik2013, post #14257004] “Meter exchange is on the operator’s dime” [Elektroda, zbich70, post #14257036] Expect extra PLN 1 000-3 000 for wiring and inspection.
Why it matters: Under-sized protection trips, while a balanced 3-phase setup sustains modern 3 kW appliances safely.

Quick Facts

• PGE capacity-increase fee (Group IV): 58.38 PLN / kW [PGE Tariff 2015; Elektroda, #14257004] • Recommended main fuse for flats: 3 × 25 A ≈ 17.25 kW [Elektroda, kkas12, post #14257800] • 4 mm² Cu cable: safe load ≈ 25 A per phase, ≤ 30 m run [IEC 60364-5-52] • Meter replacement paid by operator; customer funds in-house works [Elektroda, zbich70, post #14257036] • Typical electrician + materials for WLZ & board: PLN 1 000–3 000 [Market Rates 2023]

How much does increasing my capacity from 5 kW to 11 kW cost?

The operator charges 58.38 PLN per additional kW. Moving from 5 kW to 11 kW adds 6 kW, so the fee is about 350 PLN [Elektroda, Elektronik2013, post #14257004] Add 8 % VAT and budget PLN 1 000-3 000 for new switchgear, cables and inspection, which are not included in the connection fee [Market Rates 2023].

Who pays for the new 3-phase meter and main fuse?

The distribution operator supplies and installs the meter at no charge to the customer [Elektroda, zbich70, post #14257036] Responsibility for the pre-meter fuse depends on the ownership boundary in your contract. If the fuse belongs to the operator, replacement is free; otherwise, you cover the hardware and labour.

What cable size must run from the meter to my apartment?

For 3 × 25 A, regulations allow 5 × 6 mm² Cu or larger. A 4 × 4 mm² set without protective conductor fails current standards and often forces a full WLZ replacement [IEC 60364-5-52; Elektroda, elpapiotr, #14257057].

Which forms do I file with PGE to start the upgrade?

  1. Application for connection-capacity increase.
  2. Proof of legal title to the flat.
  3. Single-line diagram showing requested fuse rating.
  4. Declaration from a licensed electrician.
    Submit the packet at the customer care office or online portal; PGE has 30 days to issue technical conditions [PGE Regulations 2023].

Will my two-core in-flat wiring pass the acceptance test?

No. Modern rules require a separate protective conductor to every outlet. Two-core circuits must be replaced with three-core during renovation before the operator energises the new meter [Elektroda, Elektronik2013, post #14257230]

Can I stay on single phase and just raise the limit?

You may request up to 7 kW on one phase, but the 4 mm² supply cable and building load balance often make the operator refuse. Overloaded single-phase risers overheat and can trip the building main fuse—an expensive outage scenario [Elektroda, Elektronik2013, post #14257767]

How long does the whole upgrade process take?

Users report 6-9 months from application to energisation. One forum member waited from September to the following June—about 10 months [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #14258021] Delays stem from paperwork, scheduling, and building-administrator approvals.

What happens if I exceed contracted power after smart-meter installation?

Electronic meters log 15-minute average demand. Exceeding the subscribed limit incurs a penalty tariff of approx. 200 % of the base rate and flags your account for revision [PGE Tariff 2023]. The meter does not display the breach to users, only energy totals [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #14269155]

How should I distribute circuits across three phases?

Keep high-load rooms on separate phases: kitchen on L1, bathroom + washer on L2, living areas and lighting on L3. Aim for phase currents within 10 % of each other to minimise neutral overload. Add residual-current devices per phase for safety [IEC 60364-4-41].

Edge-case: what if the building riser (WLZ) is undersized?

If the WLZ cannot handle 3 × 25 A, the operator can deny the request until the homeowners’ association upgrades the riser. Failure to upgrade can lead to voltage drops >10 % under peak load, damaging appliances [Elektroda, kkas12, post #14257800]

Is a priority relay a cheaper alternative to upgrading?

Priority (load-shedding) relays cost about PLN 300-400 installed and disconnect non-essential heaters when current peaks. They avoid capacity fees but may interrupt comfort; a kettle can switch off mid-boil [Elektroda, karolark, post #14256919]

What information can I read from the new electronic meter?

Most single-button meters scroll total kWh, tariff 1 kWh, and tariff 2 kWh. Technical data like maximum demand or instantaneous power remains password-protected for the operator [Elektroda, Elektronik2013, #14269171; Elektroda, karolark, #14269209].

3-step How-To: Applying for a 3-phase upgrade

  1. File capacity-increase application and diagrams with PGE.
  2. Receive technical conditions; hire a licensed electrician to install 5-wire WLZ, new board, and RCDs.
  3. Submit conformity statement; operator installs meter and seals main fuse. Total downtime: 1-2 hours.
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