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How to determine maximum electricity load?

Hello! Hoping someone can help me work out the maximum capacity of my electrical load in amps? I have moved into an old building and planning to renovate my kitchen, but unsure if there will be enough electricity to handle an induction stovetop? I understand this can cause difficulties in older buildings? My current oven and stove are already electric for reference and there is no gas connection. Appreciate any advice 🙂

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Comments

MitchellMc

Hi @KMc1,

Let me tag a few of our helpful members @Slashz26, @bruce93, @MikeTNZ and @CSParnell to see if they have any thoughts.

Mitchell

KMc1

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/50321#Comment_50321

Thanks Mitchell! Spoke to my neighbour who thinks each apartment has max 32A, with a 40A main breaker switch.

Keen to hear any advice as to whether, and how, this might accomodate a new induction stovetop and dishwasher, and whether any electrical work is necessary (and possible given building limits?)

I have seen one option might be to get a low current induction? Eg. https://www.fisherpaykel.com/au/cooking/cooktops/contemporary-cooktops/60cm-series-5-4-zone-induction-cooktop-ci604ctpb1-83027.html?srsltid=AfmBOoogtlr1w89J8QMZf6FMvdg1N77VuQKlVtFRiUO5Utn7qatF7xl5

Grateful for any advice 🙂

CSParnell

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/87255#Comment_87255

@MitchellMc and @KMc1 unfortunately the maximum demand is something that needs to be assessed by an electrical contractor, there are several different methods to obtain maximum demand on a premesis and it has to be done in accordance to the regulation AS3008 and AS3000.

Talk to the electrical contractor that you are likely to engage to disconnect/reconnect or rewire first up and then go from there.

Slashz26

Hey @KMc1 ,

Are you able to work out what size circuit breaker feeds your apartment/unit?

Cheers

KMc1

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/50346#Comment_50346

Hello! Can you tell me how I would work this out? Have posted pics of my smart meter and switchboard in my original post if this helps?

My neighbour thinks each apartment has max 32A, with a 40A main breaker switch?

KMc1

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/109121#Comment_109121

Thanks so much 🙂

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/109121#Comment_109121

Hello @KMc1

My best advice is to have the technical specifications of your induction cooktops ready when your electrician arrives. In this manner, there will be no second guessing as to what your appliance will be needing to operate. They should be able to assess if your current electrical set up will be able to take the extra load of an induction cooktop.

Eric

CSParnell

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/121883#Comment_121883

At all posting probably a good time for a friendly reminder

@KMc1 @MitchellMc @EricL @Slashz26

Why you should never attempt DIY Electrical

Is it worth the risk?

KMc1

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/129975#Comment_129975

Thanks @CSParnell ! Definitely would not DIY electrics - just trying to plan my kitchen before i get the professionals in 🙂

Slashz26

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/129975#Comment_129975

I'm a licenced electrician but it's a good reminder for other people

Cheers

TedBear

Hi @KMc1 ,

Your powerboard is presently fitted with a 40 safety amp circuit breaker, which would trip at 10kW (10 kilowatts). Not that anyone would be loading it up to that level. That's an overload level.

A typical induction cooktop is about 2kW (but you can get bigger).

So it looks like your power supply will handle one as it stands. But still consult with an electrician to examine your actual set-up, condition of wiring, etc, which can play a part in what should be installed.

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