A contracted power defines the amount of electricity available in your home. Choosing the ideal wattage avoids power outages, reduces electricity bill costs and guarantees the proper functioning of electrical equipment.
If you don't know which electrical power is ideal for your home, business or industry, here we explain how to choose the best option and when adjustments are necessary.
What is contracted power?
A contracted power is the amount of electricity that a property can consume at the same time. It is determined in the contract with the electricity provider and measured in kilowatts (kW).
If the power is insufficient, the circuit breakers can trip constantly. If it's higher than necessary, it can lead to unnecessary costs on the energy bill.
What contracted powers are available?
Utilities offer different power options, depending on the type of installation and consumption needs. The most common power ratings are
Contracted power for single-phase installations
- 3.45 kW
- 4.6 kW
- 5.75 kW
- 6.9 kW
Contracted powers for two-phase installations
- 6.9 kW
- 10.35 kW
- 13.8 kW
Contracted powers for three-phase installations
- 13.8 kW
- 17.25 kW
- 20.7 kW
- 27.6 kW
The choice of power depends on the quantity and type of electrical equipment used in the property.
How to choose the right contracted power?
To determine the optimal power for your home or business, consider the following factors:
- Number of electrical appliances: The more equipment connected simultaneously, the greater the power required.
- Type of equipment: Air conditioning, electric showers and electric ovens consume more energy.
- Number of residents or employees: The greater the number of people, the greater the consumption.
- Type of electrical installation: Single-phase, two-phase or three-phase influence the choice of power.
If in doubt, an electrician can calculate the necessary electrical load and indicate the best option.
When to increase the contracted power?
If circuit breakers trip frequently or equipment does not work properly, it may be necessary to increase the contracted power. The main reasons for making this adjustment include:
- Installation of new electrical appliances: If you've bought air conditioning, an electric oven or an electric shower, you may need more power.
- Expansion of the property: Renovations and extensions increase energy demand.
- Frequent power outages: They indicate that the electrical load is greater than the available power.
- Change in the type of installation: Changing from single-phase to two-phase or three-phase may require a power adjustment.
If you need to increase the power, a certified electrician the electrical installation can be adapted to support the new load.
When to reduce the contracted power?
If your electricity bill is higher than expected and your consumption has decreased, it may be worth it reduce the contracted power. The most common reasons for this change include:
- Reduced energy consumption: If you've stopped using high-consumption equipment, you may not need as much power.
- Unoccupied properties: If the place has low electricity use, you can hire a lower power.
- Optimizing electricity consumption: Using LED bulbs and more efficient equipment can reduce the need for power.
Reducing your contracted power can save you money on your energy bill, but it's important to assess whether the new power will be sufficient for your needs.
How do I request a change in contracted power?
To increase or reduce contracted powerfollow these steps:
- Check your energy bill: Identify the current contracted power.
- Consult an electrician: A professional can assess whether your installation can handle the new power.
- Ask the dealership for the change: The request can be made via the energy supplier's website, telephone or branch.
- Make the electrical adjustments: If necessary, an electrician can reinforce the wiring and change circuit breakers.
- Wait for the technical inspection: Some dealerships require an inspection to validate the change.
With a well-planned process, your electrical installation will match your energy consumption.
Do you need to adjust your contracted power? Talk to us!
If you want to increase or reduce the contracted power safely and efficiently, please get in touch. We guarantee a professional service to assess, adjust and regularize your electrical installation according to your needs.
