ASHP do you need to apply to electricity supplier for increased load?

boqq_2

We're about to take the plunge and install an ASHP. Someone said that we'd need to apply to the electricity supplier requesting an increased load. It is a single phase system we'll be installing. Has anyone had to do this and if so how much does it cost? The costs keep spiraling up and we're already well-over our initial budget:eek:

TiredGeek

I would think it depends on the type of system you're getting and the sort of load already on the cables.

My house has it's own "transformer on a stick" so I didn't need to think about anyone else, and as my ASHP is inverter driven the start up current is low so doesn't cause a problem.
If your's isn't an inverter type the start up current can be huge and possibly cause overloading, or if you are on a communal transformer that's already near capacity it could be an issue.

If I were you I'd give them a ring and explain what you want to do. It's better to find out now that you can't have it / have to pay £xx rather than blow a transformer up and be faced with a very large bill...

boqq_2

Thanks for your feedback. It is an 11kw unit and it is an inverter type. But wouldn't it eventually go up to 11kw and cause overloading at that point? We live in a small village in Scotland. So I would imagine we're on a communal transformer.

muckybutt

The one we had in was 11kw and we never had to notify supplier, all you are basically doing is adding the load of a high powered electric shower, start up currents dont last long, any overcurrent devices fitted would trip before damage was done to ashp or your wiring.

Suspect if you do get supplier involved you will have to fork out more for them to inspect, dont expect them to rush if you do as they are notoriously slow.

albyota

Hi, an 11kW inverter driven heat pump is the rated output, the input side should be no higher than 6kW at a COP of 2 therefore less than an 8 or 10kW electric shower or even 3 or 4 mid size storage heaters. There is no need to inform distribution network operator.

You could, hypothetically, have 3 x 2kW kettles on and the 3kW immersion heater and the washing machine along with tellies, computers, fridge, freezer and some lights,........and wouldn't even think about having to inform anyone.

albyota

what system is it?

boqq_2

A daikin Altherma HT

albyota

A very good system, as long as its been sized correctly, you need not worry.