Calculation of the power load of the power grid is the basis for its normal operation. For domestic needs, a voltage of 220 volts is most often used. But this value is not always enough for the normal functioning of all electrical appliances that consume electricity. There are frequent cases when it is necessary to replace the standard voltage with a higher one - 380 volts.
Different network structure
The supply of a standard electrical network intended for domestic needs consists in laying two cores - with a load and zero. In this case, the voltage arising between them is 220 volts. This is quite enough to ensure the normal operation of standard household appliances and lighting elements. But when the load increases, the power cable heats up, which will inevitably lead to either a short circuit or a fire.
In order to avoid such situations, it is necessary to lay not one, but 3 cores in the room. In the vast majority of cases, this possibility is provided in apartment buildings. For the private sector, such a connection can only be made if there is a nearby linetransmission lines with three separate phases. In addition, it is necessary to issue permits from the management company and ensure the installation of 4-core wiring in the room.
When do you need 380 volts
The need to connect 3-phase voltage can be caused by several circumstances. In the presence of specific (powerful) equipment or to distribute the load in the network.
There is a certain classification of electrical networks for which it is possible to change the value of the number of phases:
- Private houses or apartments.
- Manufacturing shops or commercial premises with an extensive electrical network.
In practice, it is very problematic to achieve at least a temporary increase in voltage to the required level in an apartment or house. If you need to connect 380 volts, then you need a good reason. For production, 3-phase voltage is most often provided for even at the design stage. This is due to the high power of the equipment and the constant load on the network.
Private houses and apartments
When designing apartment buildings, the calculation of consumed electricity is performed. Based on these data, wiring of the appropriate section and safety devices are installed. If, for some reason, there is an increase in power consumption, it is recommended to connect 380 volts.
This may be due to the following factors:
- Installation of powerful household equipment - heating boiler, climate control system, etc.
- Temporary repairs that will significantly increase electricity consumption and increase the load on the network.
Depending on this, permission is issued for temporary or permanent changes in network parameters, at which the voltage of 380 volts will become the main one.
Procedure for issuing a permit
There are certain rules for changing the current parameters in the mains. To obtain a permit, at the first stage, project documentation is drawn up. It indicates the types of equipment and their characteristics. Based on these data, the management company must give a technical condition for a voltage of 380 volts. How to connect and which power lines should be used for this, the engineer decides.
After that, an act is drawn up, which indicates the following points:
- Required package of documents for the ownership of an apartment (house).
- Technical design mentioned above.
- A report based on a review of the parameters of the equipment and accompanying documentation by company representatives.
If the requirements are justified - a significant increase in power consumption in accordance with the standards in the equipment certificates, then 380 volts are supplied and connected.
For private houses, the procedure is somewhat different. If at a distance of at least 500 m frombuildings have a 3-phase line, then all work on its connection (after the approval of permits) is carried out by the management company. Otherwise, it is impossible to increase the voltage in the house.
Commercial and industrial use
For buildings and structures with constant heavy loads, the voltage of 380 volts is set by default. This directly applies to all industrial and commercial facilities. For the normal supply of electricity, the schemes provide for mechanisms for monitoring and distributing voltage depending on the load in a certain area. Compilation of such project documentation is carried out by specialized companies that are required to be certified.
Is it worth it to conduct a 3-phase line to a private house or apartment in advance? This is possible only if the design rules are observed, which must indicate the types of electrical equipment and their characteristics.
