WHAT IS THE CONNECTED LOAD?
The term connected load is understood as the planned active power taken from the power grid. It may well be the power fed into the network in question - e.g. when using a photovoltaic installation. The connected power is expressed in kilowatts (kW) and is calculated based on the maximum electricity consumption of all devices connected to the power grid. The connection capacity is included in the network connection agreement as the highest value is determined during each hour of the billing period from the average values of this capacity in 15-minute periods.
It is very important to properly select the parameters of the connection power for a specific investment. Too low can cause considerable problems in the future, if we connect new, energy-consuming devices to the electric circuit.
HOW TO CALCULATE THE CONNECTED LOAD?
As a rule, this is a simple task. It is enough to add up the maximum power of all devices connected to the power grid at the construction site or in the facility that is ready for use. It is worth adding a bit of reserve to the calculation in case the electro-equipment is to be expanded with more energy-consuming equipment in the future.
Estimating the connected load is a very important issue both at the construction stage and later use of the facility. These calculations should be included in the connection application addressed to the selected electricity distributor. It is worth adding here that the fee for the connected load will depend on the estimates provided in the application. The more electricity we intend to consume, the more we will pay for the connection.
WHAT IS CONTRACTED POWER?
The contracted power is nothing else than the active power consumed or fed into the power grid, specified in the contract for the provision of transmission and distribution services, or the contract for the sale of energy. The contracted power is ordered for the entire calendar year but can be divided into individual months. However, if the contracted power is exceeded in a given billing period, then the recipient must take into account an additional fee.
WHAT CONNECTED LOAD PER CONSTRUCTION SITE?
Before starting construction works in the designated area, it is worth finding out about the electrical connection at the construction site. We should remember, however, that most often the so-called building rate (C) is slightly higher than the standard household rate (G). This is because the demand for electricity during the construction of the investment is very often much higher than during the use of an already finished object. Nevertheless, electricity distributors usually offer several different construction rates, thanks to which we will pay a little less for the use of the most energy-consuming machines in the designated time intervals.
So what should be the connected load for the construction site? It all depends on the technology of the construction. Most often, power from 6 to 8 kW is enough, but it is worth choosing a three-phase power supply, thanks to which we can easily connect, for example, a larger concrete mixer to the network. Naturally, if the construction site includes several different workstations, which translates into increased demand for electricity, then the connected load should be higher.
WHAT CONNECTED LOAD FOR A SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSE?
Safe connection power for an average single-family house should be from 15 to 30 kW. This is especially true for households where electric home heating, cordless kettles, or induction cookers are often used. In the case of energy-efficient facilities, where electricity consumption is much lower, we can go down to the value of approx. 10 kW. However, it is worth emphasizing that it will be a good practice to overestimate the value of the connection power so that after connecting new, energy-consuming devices to the electrical installation, there will be no problems with their power supply.
Lack of electricity on-site - how to deal with it?
However, for many reasons, access to the electricity grid may be temporarily unavailable. What to do in such a case, if we still have to start building the investment? An investment in power generators will be an ideal and not too expensive solution. Importantly, this type of equipment can be successfully rented from special construction equipment rentals.
However, if we deal with the performance of construction works daily, then the purchase of a good generator for the company will undoubtedly be a highly desirable solution - after all, we are always prepared for any shortages in the supply of electricity, which makes the company very competitive.
Powerful and efficient power generators can easily power almost any equipment used on the construction site, such as concrete mixers, power cutters, or corded power tools. In our store's offer, you will find both single-phase and three-phase aggregates. We also have various engine versions - gasoline and diesel.
