Adapting a 4.5kW Commercial Supply Connection for Higher Power Consumption

With the increasing demand for electricity in commercial settings, it's common for businesses to possess a 4.5kW commercial supply connection. However, the question arises: can you use devices whose total power consumption is higher than 4.5kWh with this connection? Here's a comprehensive guide to help you understand the implications and necessary considerations.

Understanding the Basics

Firstly, it's important to understand that the commercial supply electricity connection of 4.5kW restricts the total power consumption to 4.5kWh per hour. But, if you are looking to use devices that require more power, there are various factors to consider before you proceed.

Factors to Consider

1. Appropriate Switchgear:

Ensure that the switchgears and wiring within your home or commercial space are of the appropriate size and standard. It is crucial for the safety and efficiency of your electrical system. Using devices with a higher power consumption will put more strain on the existing wiring and switchgear, increasing the risk of electrical issues.

2. Load Capacity:

While the sanctioned load is 4.5kW, it's important to consider the load capacity of your internal wiring and switchgear. If your internal wiring has the capacity to handle more than 4.5kW, then you can use devices with higher power consumption without immediate issues.

The maximum current for a 4.5kW load is approximately 20 amps. If your energy meter's current rating is 30 or 40 amps, you can safely use devices up to 6.5kW or 9kW, depending on the meter's rating. However, the current must not exceed the MCB/FUSE rating which should be 80% of the MCB/FUSE rated capacity.

Penalties and Permits

There are several considerations regarding sanctioned load and potential penalties:

1. Unauthorized Power Usage: Discom companies do not typically conduct strict surveillance to ensure that the customer is not using more than the sanctioned load. However, if the load current exceeds the energy meter's rated current capacity or MCBs’ rated capacity, you may face penalties. It is best to take care that the load current does not exceed the 80% of the MCB/FUSE rating.

2. Permits and Sanctioned Load: If you are using more than the present sanctioned load, it is recommended to get a formal sanction from the discom company. This requires you to pay a higher security deposit, higher monthly demand charges, and fixed charges. If a discom representative visits and notices excessive usage, it's possible to face fines.

Steps to Follow

For businesses and individuals looking to use more power than their sanctioned load, follow these steps:

Contact your discom company to inquire about increasing the sanctioned load. Understand the additional charges and fixed fees associated with higher power usage. Ensure that the internal wiring and switchgear can handle the increased load safely. Secure the necessary permits and permissions from the discom company.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your electrical system remains safe and efficient while meeting your power needs.

Contact Information

For further assistance or inquiries, you can contact your local discom company or an electrical expert to discuss the specifics of your situation.

Remember, electrical safety and compliance with discom regulations are critical to preventing damage to your property and avoiding penalties.