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Connection 25kW, distance from the box to the house 95m. What cable to use?

Fisqss 31557 23
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What cable type and cross-section should be used for a 25 kW house connection over a 95 m run from the utility box to the house switchboard?

The thread points to copper rather than aluminum for this run; a specialist consulted by the author said 4x16 mm² copper is enough [#18153098] Another participant added that 25 mm² copper fits while aluminum does not [#18153289] The discussion also notes that the exact cable choice depends on the mains system and the fault-loop impedance at the connection point, which were not known here [#18151943]
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  • #1 18151029
    Fisqss
    Level 6  
    Posts: 13
    Rate: 10
    Hello everyone,

    As in the subject, we have a connection power of 25kW (the house is to be entirely on electricity, i.e. heating, cooking, etc. and 10kW photovoltaics in the spring). The distance from the Enea box to the place where the home switchgear will be is about 95m. Which cable is best to use? I.e. aluminum or copper? And what cut?



    Thank you in advance for your help :)


    Regards
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  • #2 18151048
    opornik7
    Electrician specialist
    Posts: 4494
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    Fisqss wrote:
    The distance from the Enea box to the place where the home switchgear will be located is about 95 m


    How do you specify:
    1- mains system
    2- short-circuit loop impedance at the connection point
    we can discuss it further.
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  • #3 18151064
    Fisqss
    Level 6  
    Posts: 13
    Rate: 10
    Unfortunately, I don't know the answers to these questions. How can I get this information?
  • #4 18151067
    Strumien swiadomosci swia
    Level 43  
    Posts: 27411
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    Fisqss wrote:
    How can I get this information?

    But you already have it calculated in the house project.
  • #5 18151533
    CYRUS2
    Level 43  
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    Aluminum for sure. Minimum 4 x 25mm2.
  • #6 18151645
    Fisqss
    Level 6  
    Posts: 13
    Rate: 10
    Connection 25kW, distance from the box to the house 95m. What cable to use?

    Unfortunately, in the project I did not find information about the layout of the power supply network or about the impedance. Generally, from what I can see in the project, electric heating was not even included. :/
  • #7 18151657
    elpapiotr
    Electrician specialist
    Posts: 12199
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    Because it clearly says:
    "this study does not contain connections to the building"
    and the WLZ from the cable connector to the building's switchgear is such a connection.
  • #8 18151669
    Fisqss
    Level 6  
    Posts: 13
    Rate: 10
    Can we count on some help? because I am a total layman and I need to make an erbetka as soon as possible, but immediately on the target cable.

    Added after 12 [minutes]:

    I found another document from Enea

    Connection 25kW, distance from the box to the house 95m. What cable to use?
  • #9 18151867
    Grzegorz740
    Level 37  
    Posts: 4135
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    In the document from Enea you have everything written what needs to be done.
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  • #10 18151896
    opornik7
    Electrician specialist
    Posts: 4494
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    Grzegorz740 wrote:
    In the document from Enea you have everything written what needs to be done.

    The LV network operates in the TN-C system, which means that if we know the fault loop impedance at the connection point, we can continue the discussion. Without this knowledge, there is no point in writing anything.
    Fisqss wrote:
    Unfortunately, I don't know the answers to these questions. How can I get this information?

    If the connection is made, take measurements. If not, you can rely on theoretical calculations that may be different than the result of measurements after execution.
  • #11 18151917
    Fisqss
    Level 6  
    Posts: 13
    Rate: 10
    Gentlemen, if what is obvious and understandable to you was the same for all people, then there would be no need for such a forum. I read this document and I don't understand some phrases, I don't know what is what (if I knew, would I ask about it on the forum?) The only thing I understood was that there is a 4x35 cable going from connector to connector, but I don't know if it's because Enea dragged the cable to my mailbox from my neighbor's mailbox [because that's what she did] using such a cable, does that mean that I should use such a cable? Why do they write from connector to connector?

    Writing on the forum, I was counting on help and explanation literally "like a cow in a ditch". Electricity is black magic for me, and the electrician who was supposed to give it to me left me in the cold. I am a user of other forums and that's how I answer questions, but I don't do it "in advance" putting the asking person in the position of a dummy who has everything written.
  • #12 18151934
    Strumien swiadomosci swia
    Level 43  
    Posts: 27411
    Help: 1403
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    Fisqss wrote:
    Electricity is black magic for me, and the electrician who was supposed to give it to me left me in the cold

    Then find another one, once I was accosted by a guy near the warehouse and said he was looking for an electrician..

    Easiest to find there.
  • Helpful post
    #13 18151943
    opornik7
    Electrician specialist
    Posts: 4494
    Help: 316
    Rate: 1556
    Fisqss wrote:
    Gentlemen, if what is obvious and understandable to you was the same for all people, then there would be no need for such a forum.

    You are absolutely right ;)
    Fisqss wrote:
    I'm reading this document and I don't understand some phrases I don't know what is what (if I knew, would I ask on the forum?)

    These "certain" phrases do not apply to you, they apply to the connection contractor who is not your brooch.
    Fisqss wrote:
    the only thing I understood is that there is a 4x35 cable going from connector to connector but I don't know if it's because Enea pulled the cable to my box from the neighbor's box [because that's what she did] using such a cable or does it mean that I should use such a cable? Why do they write from connector to connector?

    This provision applies to the connection contractor, not you, and do not be interested in this provision.
    Fisqss wrote:
    Writing on the forum, I was counting on help and explanation literally "like a cow in a ditch". Electricity is black magic for me, and the electrician who was supposed to give it to me left me in the cold. I am a user of other forums and that's how I answer questions, but I don't do it "in advance" putting the asking person in the position of a dummy who has everything written.

    I, twice asked you a question that you cannot answer and you have the right not to know the answer, but without this knowledge, we, as professionals, cannot write anything to you that will be true. So hard to understand?
    And take your complaints and reproaches to another forum.
  • #14 18152716
    CYRUS2
    Level 43  
    Posts: 17639
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    Fisqss wrote:
    Writing on the forum, I was counting on help and explanation literally "like a cow in a ditch"
    I wrote a reply to my friend - what else does the friend expect?
  • #15 18153098
    Fisqss
    Level 6  
    Posts: 13
    Rate: 10
    Case settled. Today I contacted a specialist who needed a few moments to calculate which cable would be the best having the information I put here :) copper cable 4x16mm2 is enough.
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  • #16 18153141
    elpapiotr
    Electrician specialist
    Posts: 12199
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    Well, the "professional" will charge you a lot of money, unfortunately.
    PLN 2,300.00 and PLN 500.00 makes a big difference.
  • #17 18153145
    Strumien swiadomosci swia
    Level 43  
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    Fisqss wrote:
    Today I contacted a specialist who needed a few moments to calculate which cable would be the best

    I'm deleting this right away.
    For 25mm2 aluminum, the voltage drop of this section is 8.6V, i.e. on the border, iPz is not known.
  • #18 18153266
    Fisqss
    Level 6  
    Posts: 13
    Rate: 10
    I know that the distance is large and copper will be expensive, but I'm not convinced about aluminum. The fact that the price is much lower, but there is one more detail. This cable must be pulled through the arot which was dug into the road before laying the geotextile and pouring crushed stone as the foundation of the road. The Arot is about 70 meters long and the aluminum cable needs to be thicker than the copper one, and the aluminum one is stiffer.
    So that in the future there would be no problems if an increase in the power of the connection was needed, I'm wondering whether to give it with a supply, i.e. copper 4x25.
  • #19 18153289
    elpapiotr
    Electrician specialist
    Posts: 12199
    Help: 1013
    Rate: 3508
    Fisqss wrote:
    I know that the distance is large and copper will be expensive, but I'm not convinced about aluminum. The fact that the price is much lower, but there is one more detail. This cable must be pulled through the arot which was dug into the road before laying the geotextile and pouring crushed stone as the foundation of the road. The Arot is about 70 meters long and the aluminum cable needs to be thicker than the copper one, and the aluminum one is stiffer.
    So that in the future there would be no problems if an increase in the power of the connection was needed, I'm wondering whether to give it with a supply, i.e. copper 4x25.
    It is copper 25 mm² that fits, aluminum does not.
    Of course, important information with problems with laying the cable at the end, because why mention it earlier?
  • #20 18159801
    Fisqss
    Level 6  
    Posts: 13
    Rate: 10
    Tomorrow we will fight with a 4x25 copper cable and pull it through a fi50 arot with a length of about 70 meters. I know that there are special lines with stockings for this, but we will do it with a steel line.
    I know that there are special lubricants / gels to reduce friction but I can't find them in Poznan - can someone tell me where to look for them?

    Do you guys have any suggestions/advice to get the cable pulled in smoothly?
  • #21 18160220
    polaklbn
    Level 24  
    Posts: 594
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    The YAKXS 4x120 can be dry inserted into the SRS110 pipe on such a length. I think that a 6mm2 steel line + a steel sheet with a swivel will handle it perfectly with your hands (if your arot lies as it should). Do not forget to seal it from "silting"

    By the way Author, see what a paradox. A moment of conversation with a specialist who would take responsibility did the trick.
    On the forum, hardly anyone wants to take such responsibility because they do not know half of the important elements of the puzzle. And it's supposed to be safe!
  • #22 18160229
    Fisqss
    Level 6  
    Posts: 13
    Rate: 10
    It's just that I don't have a specialist who takes responsibility, all on the basis of non-committal suggestions...
  • #23 18160257
    polaklbn
    Level 24  
    Posts: 594
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    And who will connect the WLZ on the property line? Who will submit documents to ZE? Any measurements after doing this WLZ? How are you going to go about assuming a counter without which the utility of this RBtka is zero?
  • #24 18160556
    czesiu
    Level 38  
    Posts: 3143
    Help: 444
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    Fisqss wrote:
    I know that there are special lubricants / gels to reduce friction but I can't find them in Poznan - can someone tell me where to look for them

    Louis dishwashing liquid :)

Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around selecting the appropriate cable for a 25kW electrical connection from an Enea box to a house located 95m away. The user inquires whether to use aluminum or copper cable and what size is necessary. Responses suggest using aluminum, with a minimum size of 4 x 25mm², while others recommend copper, specifically 4 x 16mm² or 4 x 25mm², due to its lower voltage drop and flexibility. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the mains system and short-circuit loop impedance, which are critical for accurate cable selection. The user expresses frustration over the complexity of the technical terms and the lack of clear guidance, ultimately deciding on a copper cable after consulting a specialist. Additional advice includes using lubricants for easier cable installation through a conduit.
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FAQ

TL;DR: For a 25 kW / 95 m three-phase run, “Aluminum for sure” can mean an 8.6 V drop on 25 mm² Al [Elektroda, CYRUS2, #18151533; Elektroda, Strumien …, #18153145]. Choosing 4 × 25 mm² Cu keeps voltage within 3 % and leaves upgrade headroom.

Why it matters: Correct sizing avoids flickering lights, tripped breakers and costly re-runs.

Quick Facts

• Connection demand: 25 kW = ~36 A per phase [Elektroda, Fisqss, post #18151029] • Route length: 95 m trench, incl. 70 m Ø50 conduit [Elektroda, Fisqss, post #18159801] • Recommended conductor: Cu 4 × 25 mm² (≤3 % drop, expansion ready) [Elektroda, elpapiotr, post #18153289] • 25 mm² Al drop: 8.6 V ≈5.4 % at full load [Elektroda, Strumien …, post #18153145] • Material cost Sept 2023: Cu ≈23 PLN/m, Al ≈7 PLN/m [Ceneo, 2023]

Which cable size covers 25 kW over 95 m without exceeding 3 % voltage drop?

A 4 × 25 mm² copper (Cu) cable keeps the drop near 4 V (≈2.3 %) at 36 A, meeting PN-IEC 60364 limits and leaving spare capacity for future 40 kW upgrades [Elektroda, elpapiotr, #18153289; PN-IEC 60364-5-52].

How do I estimate voltage drop myself?

Use ΔU = √3 × I × (R cosφ + X sinφ) × L. For 4 × 25 mm² Cu: R≈0.0008 Ω/m, L=95 m, I=36 A ⇒ ΔU≈4 V. Keep ΔU ≤5 % of 400 V per PN-IEC 60364-5-52 [IEC 60364].

What’s the legal voltage-drop limit in Poland?

The wiring standard allows a maximum 5 % drop between the supply point and the most remote outlet on normal load [PN-IEC 60364-5-52]. Staying below 3 % is common best practice for sensitive electronics.

Does the TN-C network type influence conductor choice?

Yes. In TN-C the PEN must be at least 16 mm² Cu or 25 mm² Al, so 4 × 25 mm² Cu meets both drop and PEN sizing rules [Elektroda, opornik7, #18151896; PN-IEC 60364-5-54].

How can I measure the fault-loop impedance (Zs) before buying cable?

After the connector is installed, an electrician uses a loop-tester to read Zs; until then use utility data plus cable impedance to model. Final measurements must confirm Zs ≤ maximums for breaker disconnection times [Elektroda, opornik7, post #18151896]

Best way to pull 4 × 25 mm² Cu through 70 m of Ø50 conduit?

  1. Thread a ≥6 mm² steel fish tape through the conduit.
  2. Attach a swivel eye and pull sock to the cable to reduce twist.
  3. Lubricate generously, then pull steadily with two people, sealing both ends against sand afterward [Elektroda, polaklbn, post #18160220]

What if cable gel is unavailable?

Several installers successfully use standard dish-washing liquid as a low-cost friction reducer, then rinse remnants with water once the pull is complete [Elektroda, czesiu, post #18160556]

Who files paperwork with the utility after the cable is laid?

A licensed electrician must connect the WLZ at the property line, perform safety tests, and submit results to Enea before the meter is installed [Elektroda, polaklbn, post #18160257]

How much more will copper really cost?

At Sept 2023 prices, 95 m of 4 × 25 mm² Cu costs ≈2 190 PLN, while 4 × 25 mm² Al costs ≈665 PLN—about 1 525 PLN saved up-front [Ceneo, 2023].

What’s the risk of undersizing beyond extra voltage drop?

Undersized cables run hotter; a 16 mm² Al conductor at 40 A can reach 70 °C, degrading insulation and halving service life in under five years [Prysmian Data, 2022].

Do I need a fifth core for future TN-S or photovoltaic systems?

Adding a spare protective conductor now (5 × 25 mm²) simplifies a later TN-S split and 10 kW PV tie-in, avoiding another trench [Elektroda, Fisqss, post #18151029]
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