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Verifying Electrical Strength in Newly Renovated Apartment: Practical Guide

Dyta 64689 41
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How can I verify whether my renovated apartment has enough electrical supply for an induction hob, and is the cable near the oven enough to prove it?

No—the cable near the oven is not enough to prove that you have the right supply; you need to check the switchboard, the pre-meter protection, and the power allocation/contracted power [#16874082][#16874430][#16874954] From the photos and comments, the apartment appears to have a single-phase supply, not “force”/three-phase [#16874057][#16874062] The reported pre-meter protection was 25A, which gives about 4.5–5.75 kW depending on the limit, so a 7.6 kW induction hob is too much without increasing the power and rebuilding the installation [#16874430][#16874663][#16875210] If you do not want to modernize the installation now, choose a hob with power regulation and make sure its maximum draw fits the available supply [#16874663][#16874979] To decide properly, you still need an electrician or a现场 check, because forum advice can only go so far without seeing the installation in person [#16874430]
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  • #31 16875208
    mychaj
    Level 35  
    Posts: 4742
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    The dishwasher runs non-stop, the oven also boils hectoliters of water in an electric kettle ... ;-)
    Bigos from a barrel of cabbage in 4 sagas every other day ...
    Zbich, I do not know how it is with you, but in Silesia, when friends come, the wife does not stand in the kitchen by pots ...
    Gentlemen: it's possible to live normally with induction in one phase without sacrifice.
    16A is for a disc, not for a flat ...
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  • #32 16875210
    Dyta
    Level 7  
    Posts: 9
    Rate: 30
    You're right, we have a 25A fuse :) My bad.
    After consultations, we already know that we have the wiring in the apartment for power connection, and now we have 4.5 kW of electricity supplied.
    We will do as you say - we will buy an induction hob with a regulation. If it does not work well, we will think about connecting the next phases.
    Thank you all for your immediate and detailed help :)
  • #33 16875231
    CYRUS2
    Level 43  
    Posts: 17636
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    mychaj wrote:
    The maximum power of the field is rarely used, the wife always cooks between 5 and 8.
    Otherwise, she would collect soup from the ceiling onto plates.
    I have an electric rice cooker - 200W of power.
    It only cooks rice for 15 minutes.
    It is not a pressure cooker.
    I recommend it to everyone. You pour it in, pour the water over the rice and you don't mind you don't care.
    We are in the 21st century.
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  • #34 16875241
    zbich70
    Level 43  
    Posts: 17116
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    Rate: 6568
    mychaj wrote:
    Zbich, I do not know how it is with you, but in Silesia, when friends come, the wife does not stand in the kitchen by pots ...

    Exactly. The wife is supposed to smell, not ready to look after.
    So the husband must make sure that the spouse smells in advance, and the husband takes cold vodka out of the freezer.
    And, of course, so that electricity is always available to freeze vodka ... :D
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  • #35 16875280
    CYRUS2
    Level 43  
    Posts: 17636
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    I am not going to buy, store or eat potatoes for the rest of my life.
    If you do not eat potatoes immediately after cooking, they become unpalatable.
    The pot keeps the "standby" temperature after cooking and does not, and you have to eat it immediately.
    The plate is great for making beef roulades.
  • #36 16875330
    zbich70
    Level 43  
    Posts: 17116
    Help: 1164
    Rate: 6568
    CYRUS2 wrote:
    zbich70 wrote:
    On one phase? Come on, don't be kidding!
    7200W divided by 230V is over 31 amps.
    The hob is not a heater for heating the apartment.

    Oh, so that's why he works with less power?
    I did not know so far that 1kWh used to heat the pot also heats the room in which the pot is located ... :)
  • #37 16875456
    emigrant
    Level 29  
    Posts: 1605
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    CYRUS2 wrote:
    I am not going to buy, store or eat potatoes for the rest of my life.

    Potato / potato healthier than rice. Rice is very acidic to the body, so it's not that great and healthy. This is great millet, very alkaline.

    Besides, I have not convinced myself to induction to this day. For me, it's such artificial cooking. It has nothing to do with some modernity. Induction may be safe, but the lack of fire under the pan is "weird". Apparently, making a pancake as it should be done on induction is almost a miracle ...
    Like everything, it has advantages and disadvantages ...
  • #38 16875488
    rafbid
    Level 33  
    Posts: 2450
    Help: 153
    Rate: 416
    CYRUS2 wrote:
    I am not going to buy, store or eat potatoes for the rest of my life.
    Apart from being cheap, I associate potatoes with the fact that they are a good fuel for the brain :D
  • #39 16875616
    CYRUS2
    Level 43  
    Posts: 17636
    Help: 1221
    Rate: 3446
    There are 20-story blocks in Warsaw with no gas.
    No problem getting 3-phase.
    Most venues have one phase.
    They get along and no complaints.

    Having a 25A pre-meter protection. you can use 5750W non-stop.
    For a short period of time, 30A, i.e. 6900W.
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  • #40 16875808
    mychaj
    Level 35  
    Posts: 4742
    Help: 214
    Rate: 938
    You can make pancakes without a problem, :-)
    The fact that not all pots and pans work on induction - my wife, being a long time before the wedding, bought an AMC set (she broke a pile of gold) and these pots on induction do not work ...
    You can use a spacer between the plate and induction, but it works just like that.
    Well, but we are departing from the topic.
  • #41 16875938
    lukiiiii
    Level 29  
    Posts: 1463
    Help: 82
    Rate: 391
    Bosch boards have power consumption regulation in increments of 1000W.
  • #42 16876779
    retrofood
    VIP Meritorious for electroda.pl
    Posts: 31317
    Help: 1140
    Rate: 4781
    Maybe that's enough?

Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around verifying the electrical strength in a newly renovated apartment, particularly in relation to connecting an induction hob. The user inquires about the adequacy of existing wiring and power supply, expressing concerns about whether the current setup can support high-power appliances. Responses highlight the importance of checking the number of wires near the stove to determine if there is a three-phase power supply, which is necessary for high-demand appliances. It is noted that most electric stoves operate on two phases, and users are advised to ensure that the installation can handle the required load without overloading the circuit. Recommendations include considering a 7.2kW induction hob, ensuring proper circuit protection, and possibly upgrading the electrical system if necessary. The conversation emphasizes the need for careful power management to avoid tripping fuses and discusses the implications of using single-phase versus three-phase power.
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FAQ

TL;DR: Only 27 % of Polish flats carry 3-phase 400 V supply [GUS, 2022]; an expert writes “single-phase dominates” [Elektroda, Peter134, post #16874057] Your cabinet shows single-phase; limit an induction hob to ≈5.75 kW or add 3-phase.

Why it matters: Choosing the right cooker and wiring now avoids costly re-work and blown fuses later.

Quick Facts

• Single-phase 25 A service = 5.75 kW usable power (230 V × 25 A) [Elektroda, CYRUS2, post #16875616] • Typical 3-phase upgrade fee: PLN 1,000–3,000 incl. meter swap [Energa, 2023] • Induction hob efficiency ≈84 % vs 74 % for radiant ceramic tops [DOE, 2018] • Minimum cable for dedicated hob circuit: 3 × 4 mm² Cu up to 25 A [PN-HD 60364-5-52] • Overloading a 16 A plug with 32 A can melt the base, as in the thread case [Elektroda, Dyta, post #16874173]

1. How do I know if my flat has 3-phase ("strength") supply?

Open the fuse board: a 3-phase feed shows three live conductors and usually a 4-pole RCD. The photos posted reveal only one phase and one neutral, confirming single-phase [Elektroda, Dyta, post #16874054]

2. How many wires should emerge behind the cooker outlet?

Three wires (L, N, PE) mean single-phase. Four or five (L1, L2, L3, N, PE) signal 3-phase and allow higher loads [Elektroda, jurex2, post #16874029]

3. Does adding 3-phase always require wall chasing?

Not necessarily. Surface-mounted trunking in skirting or stairwell risers can avoid chiselling, but the building manager must agree [Elektroda, mawerix123, post #16874091]

4. Can a 7.2 kW induction hob run on single phase?

Yes, if the model offers power-limiting. Set it to ≤5.75 kW to stay within a 25 A fuse; many hobs throttle automatically [Elektroda, CYRUS2, post #16874663]

5. What breaker size should protect a single-phase hob?

A dedicated B16 A–B20 A MCB on 2.5–4 mm² cable is common. Above 20 A, select C-curve to avoid nuisance trips [PN-HD 60364-4-43].

6. How much continuous power does a 25 A single-phase service provide?

230 V × 25 A = 5,750 W. Short bursts up to 30 A (≈6.9 kW) may pass before the fuse reacts [Elektroda, CYRUS2, post #16875616]

7. What happens if I overload the pre-meter fuse?

It blows or melts. The OP’s 32 A attempt on a 16 A base burned the plug and cut supply—an avoidable failure [Elektroda, Dyta, post #16874173]

8. Are induction hobs really more efficient?

Yes. Lab tests show 84 % energy transfer versus 74 % for radiant ceramics, saving roughly 10 % electricity per meal [DOE, 2018].

9. Quick 3-step check before buying a hob

  1. Count conductors at cooker point.
  2. Read main fuse rating (e.g., 25 A).
  3. Compare hob’s adjustable power range with fuse limit. If range ≤ fuse ×230 V, you’re safe.

10. Edge case: main plug burns again—what now?

Stop using the circuit, call a licensed electrician, and replace both the base and cartridge with correct amperage. Continuing use risks fire [Elektroda, zbich70, post #16874430]

11. What does a 3-phase upgrade cost and involve?

Expect PLN 1,000–3,000 for utility paperwork, new meter, and breaker board. Additional costs for riser cabling vary by distance and building rules [Energa, 2023].

13. Do I need permission to run new cables in the stairwell?

Yes. The housing cooperative or building manager must approve changes in common areas and may request licensed contractor documentation [Warsaw Housing Regs, 2021].

14. What pots work with induction?

Magnetic bases only—check with a fridge magnet. Stainless multi-layer and cast-iron pass; aluminium won’t unless it has a ferromagnetic plate [Manufacturer Guides].
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