FAQ
TL;DR: For 3‑phase homes, 32A starts at 16.1 kW; "Changing the security to a larger one will require verification of the WLZ." Request ~+1 kW, not +0.2 kW, and check wiring before upsizing. [Elektroda, kozi966, post #18544844]
Why it matters: For homeowners with large electric loads (e.g., instant heaters), this helps stop nuisance trips and choose the right connection power.
Quick Facts
- 32A pre‑meter protection typically applies from 16.1 to 20.6 kW connection power on 3‑phase. [Elektroda, kozi966, post #18544844]
- 16 kW maps to 25A; 35A corresponds to about 20.6 kW in the reference table. [Elektroda, kokapetyl, post #18544761]
- Utilities may reject tiny increases (e.g., +0.2 kW); request at least +1 kW. [Elektroda, jurkuc, post #18544756]
- A 24 kW 3‑phase heater draws almost 35 A/phase; 25A breakers can trip within tens of seconds. [Elektroda, takijasiu, post #18545514]
- Typical fee cited: ~70 PLN per extra kW; expect several hundred PLN total. [Elektroda, Ktoś_tam, #18546382]
What minimum connection power unlocks 32A pre‑meter protection?
On 3‑phase, the 32A bracket starts at 16.1 kW and runs up to 20.6 kW. If you sit at 16 kW, request at least +1 kW. “32As start from 16.1kW to 20.6kW.” Check WLZ capacity before upsizing. [Elektroda, kozi966, post #18544844]
Will a 0.2 kW bump (16.0 → 16.2 kW) change my pre‑meter fuse?
Unlikely. Utilities may not accept such a tiny increase, or may leave the pre‑meter fuse unchanged. Request +1 to +2 kW instead to justify a 32A change. [Elektroda, jurkuc, post #18544756]
Why does my 25A pre‑meter protection trip with a 24 kW heater?
A 24 kW three‑phase heater draws almost 35 A per phase. A 25A breaker will trip after several dozen seconds at that load. eSki or Etimat‑type breakers trip in tens of seconds at ~35 A. [Elektroda, takijasiu, post #18545514]
My electrician measured ~23.6 A with the heater on. Why does it still trip?
23.6 A sits only 1.4 A below a 25A threshold. Even a small added load or a heater ramp can exceed 25A. Plan loads or increase connection power to add margin. [Elektroda, Pavel7606, post #18545490]
Do I need to upgrade wiring (WLZ) to move from 25A to 32A?
Yes. The operator verifies the feeder (WLZ) parameters before increasing protection. “Changing the security to a larger one will require verification of the WLZ in terms of permissible parameters.” If it fails checks, you must correct issues first. [Elektroda, kozi966, post #18544844]
How do I apply to increase connection power for 32A with Tauron/ZE?
Use this quick process:
- Contact your local ZE/Tauron by email and request their pre‑meter table.
- Submit the smallest increase your operator allows (often 0.5–1 kW).
- Pay the fee, then schedule meter‑side changes after approval. [Elektroda, Ktoś_tam, #18545492]
Is requesting 17 kW a sensible minimum?
Yes. 17 kW is commonly accepted and avoids a trivial‑change request. It also gets you into the 32A bracket with headroom. [Elektroda, takijasiu, post #18545441]
How much does increasing the connection power cost?
Plan for about 70 PLN per extra kilowatt, depending on the operator. Expect several hundred PLN overall for modest increases. [Elektroda, Ktoś_tam, #18546382]
Will lowering the heater temperature help reduce trips?
Yes. Reducing the heater setpoint by about 5°C eliminated tripping in the reported case. Lower demand reduces current draw and nuisance trips. [Elektroda, Pavel7606, post #18545606]
Trips happen after a while, not instantly. Is the heater faulty?
Delayed trips match overload timing, not a hard fault. If it trips immediately at switch‑on, suspect a heater fault and investigate. [Elektroda, Ktoś_tam, #18545775]
Will 32A be enough with a 24 kW heater?
It helps but still limits simultaneous use. “32A won’t give you comfort of use either,” so avoid other high‑draw loads while heating. [Elektroda, Ktoś_tam, #18545775]
How should I balance phases to avoid nuisance trips?
Distribute kitchen and heater loads across phases. Unbalanced phases can trip one pole even if total power looks acceptable. [Elektroda, takijasiu, post #18545441]
What cable size do I need for a high‑power heater or 32A upgrade?
Consult your heater’s manual for conductor cross‑section and current at each setting. Do this before installation. Example: Kospel PPE2 18/21/24 owners should read the wiring section. [Elektroda, Topolski Mirosław, #18546231]
What if my WLZ or installation cross‑section is undersized?
Uprating gets blocked until wiring complies. Have an electrician verify cross‑sections before moving from 25A to 35A or similar increases. [Elektroda, kokapetyl, post #18547368]
