Load calculation

[69er]

Hi all

I noticed that at home I have a 80A main fuse (think it;s bs1361 - cylindrical in shape), but there are 3 fuse boards for the property. I have phoned NEDL as they do free inspections to see if the supply meets the demand and they sent me a form to complete. Unfortunately I am not too sure the best way to work out the kVA required - do I go check all things plugged in and then add them up? Any thoughts welcome.

 

[Adam_151]

Some good info on diverisity here: http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Book/6.2.3.htm

 

[Steve]

What sort of property is this? if it is a house with 3 old fuse boxes, then if i were you i would get an electrician in to check them over, he, like me will probably recommend you get a single, new fuse box. Just because you have 3 fuse boxes, doesn't mean you use any more power than a house with one fuse box. Some houses have a 40A service fuse . . .

How old are the 3 fuse boards? can you post a picture or 3? What circuits does each box feed?

 

[69er]

Thanks for the replies.
Crafty, I do not posses the equipment to scan a photo on for you so I will have to describe the boards. 2 of them are old wylex wooden boards. first board has 2 x 5A fuses ( with 2 sets of cable in each), 1 x 15A cable and 1 x 32A cable (electric shower). second board has 3 x 32A (2 are socket circuits one is a 6mm - not sure where that goes yet), 1 x 16A. third board has 1 x 32A (sockets), 2 x 16A (sockets) and 2 x 5A (lights). There is also a little fuse board in the garage. It's a decent size house. So would you recommend I get an electrician in to check the load v supply? If so, do you have any idea (maybe from past experience etc) how NEDL would expect the houseowner to fill in the form with all the details? Surely it's doing what you want them to do in the first place? Thanks

 

[slippyr4]

Have you *ever* had the supply fuse blow? I suspect not, and, if so, then you shouldn't really be worrying about that.

the wooden fuse boxes are pretty old, which suggests your wiring may also be rather old, and therefore it might be pertinent to get a spark to take a look to see if there is any need for safety improvements.

If so, do you have any idea (maybe from past experience etc) how NEDL would expect the houseowner to fill in the form with all the details? Surely it's doing what you want them to do in the first place? Thanks

amost certainly, NEDL don't expect the householder to fill out the forms, but their electricion to do that for them

 

[69er]

ok thanks for the help/advice.