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Cost Implications of Switching from 1 to 3 Phase Electrical Installation in Apartment Renovation

N1ghtshade 5835 17
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How much does it cost to switch an apartment from 1-phase to 3-phase during a renovation, and is 1-phase enough for an induction hob?

One phase with 25A is not enough for an induction hob and, in a renovation, the practical solution is to replace the installation with 3-phase [#16639276] [#16639644] The cost cannot be determined remotely because it depends on the building’s existing wiring and what the administrator allows; first contact the property manager/owner, then apply to the utility for connection conditions [#16639354] [#16639534] If the apartment has a TN-S 3-wire installation, the job may be simpler, but you may still need to replace the switchgear, its lining, and the WLZ [#16639410] In some cases the biggest expense is not the power-increase fee but the work needed on the staircase/riser and restoring it afterward [#16639471] [#16639425] Reported costs ranged from a few hundred zlotys to several thousand, depending on scope [#16639534]
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  • #1 16639262
    N1ghtshade
    Level 9  
    Posts: 10
    Hello, I am facing a general renovation of the apartment. In addition to the heating installation using a condensing boiler, I plan to replace the electrical installation. I would like to advise you whether the change from 1 to 3 phase installation involves any more serious costs (I guess you need to put a new fuse and meter wire on the cage in my apartment)? Is it better to only ask for a power allocation on phase 1? The main reason for replacing it is to have an induction hob. The apartment is on the 2nd floor. I have 20A on the cage.
    Thanks in advance for any advice and suggestions.
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  • #2 16639276
    mawerix123
    Level 39  
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    N1ghtshade wrote:
    Is it better to only ask for a power allocation on phase 1? The main reason for replacing it is to have an induction hob


    On one phase you will not get more than 25A and this is not enough to power the apartment with induction.
  • #3 16639354
    zbich70
    Level 43  
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    N1ghtshade wrote:
    I guess you need to put a new wire on the cage for the fuse and meter in my apartment)?

    Mercy. You are there and you can guess. And forum users have glass balls and they will tell you remotely what to "put" there ...

    All you can do is ask the building administrator.
  • #4 16639387
    retrofood
    VIP Meritorious for electroda.pl  
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    N1ghtshade wrote:
    is there any major cost to change from 1 to 3 phases

    No. With this scope of renovation, it will be 2-3% of the total cost.
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  • #5 16639410
    CYRUS2
    Level 43  
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    N1ghtshade wrote:
    is there any major cost to change from 1 to 3 phases
    No, if the apartment has a TN-S (3-wire) installation
    retrofood wrote:
    No. With this scope of renovation, it will be 2-3% of the total cost.
    It will be necessary to replace the switchgear, its "lining" + WLZ.
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  • #6 16639425
    retrofood
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    CYRUS2 wrote:
    retrofood wrote:
    No. With this scope of renovation, it will be 2-3% of the total cost.
    It will be necessary to replace the switchgear, its "lining" + WLZ.

    Perhaps. But the biggest sum will probably be the power increase fee anyway.
  • #7 16639471
    zbich70
    Level 43  
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    CYRUS2 wrote:
    It will be necessary to replace the switchgear, its "lining" + WLZ.

    Plus WLZ, that is either from the staircase to the apartment, or from the RG on the ground floor, from the basement, or maybe from the ZK outside ...
    A little "or" but makes a big difference.
    retrofood wrote:
    Perhaps. But the biggest sum will probably be the power increase fee anyway.

    Not necessarily. The staircase will probably have to be ripped to a smaller or larger extent and restored to its previous state. These costs can be much greater than the connection fee.

    As long as the author does not consult his intention with the manager of the facility, he does not invite an electrician on behalf of the manager or his own for an on-site visit, our expectations are pointless.
  • #8 16639520
    N1ghtshade
    Level 9  
    Posts: 10
    I will be talking to ZE about it and I am afraid of ripping the walls on the cage the most. In order not to get into some unimaginable costs of PLN 10,000. And here I just wanted to ask if any of you did such an exchange at home and how much did it come out for you. Thanks for any information.
  • #9 16639534
    zbich70
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    N1ghtshade wrote:
    I will be talking to ZE about it and I am afraid of ripping the walls on the cage the most.

    But what is ZE interested in breaking the walls? They are not owned by ZE.
    You must first contact the property owner / manager.
    Then, with the consent of the owner, you apply to the ZE for connection conditions (power increases).

    N1ghtshade wrote:
    And here I just wanted to ask if any of you did such an exchange at home and how much did it come out for you.

    I did such exchanges. It ranged from a few hundred zlotys to several thousand zlotys, depending on the scope of work.
  • #10 16639610
    retrofood
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    zbich70 wrote:

    retrofood wrote:
    Perhaps. But the biggest sum will probably be the power increase fee anyway.

    Not necessarily. The staircase will probably have to be ripped to a smaller or larger extent and restored to its previous state. These costs can be much greater than the connection fee.
    In life. I even ran a 5 x cable to my own apartment ... (I don't remember how many) in the channel, on the wall surface. So the costs are low. Several meters of cable, channel and several pegs. And an hour of work.
  • #11 16639637
    Zbigniew 400
    Level 38  
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    You can use induction on 1 phase / electronic limit of power consumption / but what about other receivers.
    Maybe priority relays?
  • #12 16639644
    retrofood
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    Zbigniew 400 wrote:
    You can use induction on 1 phase / electronic limit of power consumption / but what about other receivers.
    Maybe priority relays?

    Nonsense. In a renovation situation, the only good solution is to replace the installation with a 3-phase one. The author thinks logically.
  • #13 16639664
    Łukasz-O
    Admin of electroenergetics  
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    Zbigniew 400 wrote:
    You can use induction on 1 phase / electronic limit of power consumption / but what about other receivers.
    Maybe priority relays?

    Since it is renovating on such a scale, it is not to limit itself at every step. The new electrical installation is to be functional.
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  • #14 16639736
    zbich70
    Level 43  
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    retrofood wrote:
    So the costs are low. Several meters of cable, channel and several pegs. And an hour of work.

    You got lucky ...
    However, in many other cases known to me, it was not feasible, because the administrator did not agree to connect additional power without modernizing the WLZ.
    And what do we know about the author's WLZ? Well, we don't know anything ...
  • #15 16639853
    retrofood
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    zbich70 wrote:
    retrofood wrote:
    So the costs are low. Several meters of cable, channel and several pegs. And an hour of work.

    You got lucky ...
    However, in many other cases known to me, it was not feasible, because the administrator did not agree to connect additional power without modernizing the WLZ.
    And what do we know about the author's WLZ? Well, we don't know anything ...

    Well, we do not know anything, I am ignoring such a case. The WLZ in the facility is not privately owned and I would respond to the administration as the mayor responds to residents at a meeting when they attack him against the pavement along the road.
    - The road is county-specific, so if I had financed the construction of a pavement next to it, I would have committed a financial crime. No one is allowed to finance anything other than his own! So if you don't want me to jail, ask the starost for the pavement, not me.
    This is how I would prove to the administration that it was not possible to finance the replacement of the WLZ, he made his own connection 5 x ... and waited calmly for the administration to take care of it. Of course, you have to attend meetings and gag about replacing WLZ ...
  • #16 16640830
    CYRUS2
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    retrofood wrote:
    This is how I would prove to the administration that it was not possible to finance the replacement of WLZ
    Get down to earth, buddy.
    retrofood wrote:
    made his own connection 5 x ... and waited calmly for the administration to take care of it.
    You know what you can ......?
    You cannot do anything without the approval of the administration.
    With us, in order for the ZE to connect you, the administration approval must be brought to the ZE.
    Very often, the administration orders you to connect your WLZ to the RG.
    The fact that an electrician will perform their WLZ is a convenient option.
    I will not be picky about the method of implementation.
  • #17 16640862
    retrofood
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    CYRUS2 wrote:
    retrofood wrote:
    This is how I would prove to the administration that it was not possible to finance the replacement of WLZ
    Get down to earth, buddy.
    retrofood wrote:
    made his own connection 5 x ... and waited calmly for the administration to take care of it.
    You know what you can ......?

    I know. I live in a community managed block and what I write is a reflection of my personal experiences. You just need to be able and want to use your rights.
  • #18 16641093
    CYRUS2
    Level 43  
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    retrofood wrote:
    I know. I live in a community managed block and what I write is a reflection of my personal experiences. You just need to be able and want to use your rights.
    Written by a colleague Zbich - you are lucky that they are reasonable people.
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around the cost implications of upgrading from a single-phase to a three-phase electrical installation during an apartment renovation, particularly for accommodating an induction hob. Key points include that a single-phase system typically limits power to 25A, which may be insufficient for modern appliances. Participants emphasize the necessity of consulting with the building administrator and an electrician to assess the existing wiring (WLZ) and potential costs, which can range from a few hundred to several thousand zlotys depending on the scope of work. Concerns about wall damage during installation and the need for new switchgear and meter connections are also highlighted. Overall, transitioning to a three-phase system is recommended for enhanced functionality and future-proofing the electrical installation.
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FAQ

TL;DR: Expect a small budget impact: “it will be 2–3% of the total cost.” Plan three‑phase if you want an induction hob and room to grow. [Elektroda, retrofood, post #16639387]

Why it matters: This FAQ helps flat renovators decide if, when, and how to switch from 1‑phase to 3‑phase without surprise costs.

Quick Facts

Is switching from 1‑phase to 3‑phase a major cost in an apartment renovation?

No. When planned within a full renovation, contributors peg the upgrade at roughly 2–3% of the total project cost. That figure assumes you’re already updating circuits and finishes. It excludes unusual building requirements set by the property manager. “It will be 2–3% of the total cost.” [Elektroda, retrofood, post #16639387]

Do I really need three‑phase power for an induction hob?

Yes for comfortable headroom. On a single phase you won’t get more than 25 A, which is not enough to power an apartment with induction and other loads. Three‑phase spreads demand and reduces nuisance trips. It also future‑proofs for electric ovens and dryers. [Elektroda, mawerix123, post #16639276]

What approvals come first: building manager or the utility (ZE)?

Start with the property owner or building manager. With their written consent, apply to the utility for connection conditions and any power increase. Skipping this order can stall your project. Site verification by an electrician is recommended before paperwork. [Elektroda, zbich70, post #16639534]

Will I need to replace the apartment switchgear or WLZ when moving to three‑phase?

Often yes. Expect a new or re‑configured distribution board, updated protective devices, and a compliant main feeder (WLZ). If your flat already uses a TN‑S (three‑wire) setup, the change is simpler. Confirm on site before ordering hardware. [Elektroda, CYRUS2, post #16639410]

What actually drives the bill: connection fees or building works?

Either can dominate. If the staircase or common areas must be opened and restored, that civil work can exceed the connection fee. Clarify routing early with the manager to avoid rework. Get restoration costs in writing. [Elektroda, zbich70, post #16639471]

How can I avoid ripping open staircase walls for the new feeder?

Run the cable in a surface‑mounted channel fixed to the wall. That approach minimizes dust, speeds installation, and keeps restoration costs low. One poster did this in about an hour with basic materials. It’s neat and reversible. [Elektroda, retrofood, post #16639610]

Can I run an induction hob on single‑phase if I’m careful?

Possible, but restrictive. Some hobs limit draw electronically, yet other appliances will compete for the same 25 A. You may need load‑shedding and face performance limits. If renovating anyway, three‑phase is more practical. [Elektroda, Zbigniew 400, post #16639637]

What if the administrator insists on WLZ modernization before extra power?

Be ready to comply. Administrators can require WLZ upgrades before approving added load. Without that approval, the project stalls. This is a common edge case that stops timelines cold. Plan contingencies and timing. [Elektroda, zbich70, post #16639736]

Three‑phase during a renovation: is it really the best path?

Yes. “In a renovation situation, the only good solution is to replace the installation with a 3‑phase one.” It improves functionality, balancing, and future appliance support. It also reduces reliance on load‑priority gadgets. [Elektroda, retrofood, post #16639644]

How much did others actually pay to switch?

Reported outcomes range from a few hundred PLN to several thousand PLN, depending on scope and building rules. Variables include WLZ path, board replacement, and restoration. Get two quotes: electrical and civil. [Elektroda, zbich70, post #16639534]

What is TN‑S and why does it matter here?

TN‑S is a system with separate protective earth and neutral conductors. If your apartment already uses a TN‑S three‑wire arrangement, the three‑phase change is simpler and cheaper. Ask your electrician to verify before design. [Elektroda, CYRUS2, post #16639410]

Can I pull my own five‑core feeder without admin consent?

No. “You cannot do anything without the approval of the administration.” In many buildings, ZE requires that written approval before connecting supply. Plan time to obtain and file this consent. [Elektroda, CYRUS2, post #16640830]

How do I request a power increase the right way?

Follow three steps: 1) Get written consent from the property owner/manager. 2) Apply to ZE for connection conditions and increased capacity. 3) Schedule an on‑site electrician visit to align scope. Keep copies of all approvals. [Elektroda, zbich70, post #16639534]

Could civil works still cost more than the utility fees?

Yes. If you must open common‑area walls and restore finishes, those works can surpass the connection fee. Plan routing to minimize invasiveness and set expectations with neighbors and management. [Elektroda, zbich70, post #16639471]

What if I believe the administrator should fund WLZ replacement?

Common feeders are not privately owned. Press the administration to plan the upgrade instead of self‑funding building assets. Attend meetings and document requests to move it forward. [Elektroda, retrofood, post #16639853]
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