Electrical Power Increase Project

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What is an Electrical Power Increase Project?​

In residences, workplaces, factories, workshops, restaurants, hotels, and other facilities that use electricity, the demand for electricity may increase over time. The commissioning of new machinery, the expansion of air conditioning systems, the installation of electric vehicle charging stations, or an increase in the facility's capacity can lead to the existing electrical power becoming insufficient.

In cases where the existing contracted power or the usable electrical power of the facility is insufficient, an application to the relevant distribution company for an electrical power increase may be necessary, and an electrical power increase project may need to be prepared depending on the facility's condition.

What is an Electrical Power Increase?​

An electrical power increase is the process of raising the allocated power for a facility in an existing electricity subscription to meet increased energy needs.

For example, in a business where the existing electrical infrastructure is designed for 20 kW, the need might increase to 40 kW due to the installation of new machinery. In this case, simply using a larger fuse is not correct. The facility's supply line, metering system, main panel, cable cross-sections, protective elements, and distribution infrastructure must be evaluated according to the new power value.

Why is an Electrical Power Increase Done?​

The need for a power increase usually arises from an increase in electricity-consuming devices and machines in the facility.

Installing new machinery or production lines, adding air conditioning and VRF systems, installing electric vehicle chargers, adding elevator or pump systems, the growth of a commercial business, or the inadequacy of the existing electrical infrastructure can lead to the need for a power increase.

Insufficient existing power can lead to the tripping of main protective elements, the facility being unable to operate all devices simultaneously, and the electrical infrastructure being overloaded beyond its capacity.

How is an Electrical Power Increase Project Carried Out?​

Before starting the power increase process, the facility's existing electrical infrastructure and the required new power are determined. The necessary demand power is calculated by evaluating the installed power of the devices to be used.

Then, considering the facility's existing connection and the status of the distribution network, the necessary applications are made to the relevant electricity distribution company.

Depending on the scope of the process, generally;

1. Examination of the existing electrical installation,
2. Determination of existing and additional electrical loads,
3. Calculation of the requested new power,
4. Application to the distribution company for a power increase,
5. Obtaining the necessary connection opinion or technical evaluation,
6. Preparation of the electrical power increase project,
7. Submission of the project for approval by the relevant institution,
8. Implementation of necessary installation changes,
9. Completion of inspection and acceptance procedures,
10. Finalization of subscription and contracted power procedures

stages may be applied.

The exact process to be followed may vary depending on the facility's existing connection, the requested power, and the technical specifications of the distribution company.

Does the Electrical Installation Change During a Power Increase?​

Not every power increase operation requires a complete change of the installation. However, it must be evaluated whether the existing electrical infrastructure can safely carry the requested new power.

Especially the main supply cable, meter and measurement system, main panel, main switch, fuses, residual current protection system, grounding installation, and cable cross-sections must be suitable for the new power value.

For example, if a power demand exceeding the carrying capacity of the existing supply cable is requested, simply increasing the main fuse can create a serious electrical risk. Therefore, a power increase is an engineering process where the project and the installation must be evaluated together.

May a Transition from Single-Phase to Three-Phase Be Necessary?​

During an electrical power increase, if the existing single-phase connection is insufficient, a transition to a three-phase electricity subscription may be necessary.

Especially in businesses where high-power motors, pumps, commercial kitchen equipment, production machines, large air conditioning systems, and similar three-phase devices will be used, a three-phase system may be preferred or become technically necessary.

In this case, the electrical panel and installation must also be arranged to be suitable for a three-phase system.

How is Cable Cross-Section Determined in a Power Increase Project?​

In an electrical power increase project, the cable cross-section is not determined solely by looking at the requested power. Along with the current carrying capacity, the cable's laying method, length, environmental conditions, voltage drop, and short-circuit conditions are also evaluated.

If calculations based on the new power value determine that the existing cable is insufficient, the supply line may need to be renewed with a cable of appropriate cross-section.

Should the Electrical Panel Be Suitable for a Power Increase?​

Yes. If the requested new electrical power is higher than the existing capacity of the main distribution panel, necessary adjustments must also be made on the panel.

The rated values of the main switch and protective elements, busbar current carrying capacity, cable connections, short-circuit withstand capability, and protection scheme must be suitable for the new facility conditions.

Therefore, in power increase operations, it is important to evaluate not only the project or subscription side but also the technical adequacy of the existing electrical installation.

Is a Project Required for an Electrical Power Increase?​

Depending on the requested power, existing subscription, and connection conditions, the distribution company may request a project and various technical documents.

Especially in commercial and industrial facilities, if significant power changes are to be made, the electrical installation project may need to be prepared according to the new installed and demand power, or the existing project may need to be modified.

Therefore, before the process, existing subscription information, contracted power, meter connection, and the facility's electrical infrastructure should be evaluated together.

How Long Does an Electrical Power Increase Take?​

The duration of a power increase is not solely dependent on the preparation of the electrical project. The ability of the distribution network to meet the requested power, institutional evaluations, project approval, and necessary electrical installation changes on-site all affect the total duration.

Especially for high power demands, if the distribution company requests additional work regarding the network, connection line, or existing transformer capacity, the process may be extended.

Conclusion​

An electrical power increase project is a technical process carried out to safely and compliantly meet the increased energy needs of facilities whose existing electrical power is insufficient.

When a power increase is performed, not only the contracted power is raised; the main supply line, cable cross-sections, electrical panels, protective elements, metering system, and grounding installation must also be evaluated according to the new power value.

Thanks to accurately calculated power needs and a properly prepared electrical project, the facility's increased energy demand can be met, while ensuring the safe and sustainable operation of the electrical infrastructure.