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Thread: Q for sparkies - new supply

  1. #1
    pibby is offline Master Silver Subscriber
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    Q for sparkies - new supply

    Any sparkies out there? On my property I'm looking at putting 240v on.

    The following details are what came back from the power company about what they will do.

    On the road is a pole with 15kva which services a single residence which will be replaced with a 50kva tf (split phase). From here they will install a pole on my property boundary and run across to this pole. What is split phase? Sparky wont explain it to me.

    From this pole to the residence is about 330 metres which will be underground.

    Will this be 415 volt or 240 v? The sparky I've engaged said will be the higher but unfortunately is not prepared to discuss any details with me. I've never used him before and at this rate probably won't if his lack of ability to provide any sort of customer service continues.

    I was thinking i could get them to string the power further into my property (don't think they will) or I would put in my own pole which they can string across to from their pole on my property boundary. The aim of this is to reduce the distance of the run underground as it is getting up there. I looked up some tables for sizing and it appeared the less distance the better with smaller cable sizes.

    The sparky said I can't install my own pole. Is this correct? I've put my own poles in before. Without my sparky being willing to discuss any of this I don't know what my options are and at face value the comparative costs of each of the options.

    What amps do people normally aim for when supplying a house with a typical shed where the odd bit of welding, playing around with power tools? The house side doesn't exist yet but will be wood heating but oven and hot water don't know yet.

    This is in tassie and you've got to pay $500 for them to provide a report on whether they can put power on for you and the cost. Unfortunately the guy at the power company seems to be mates with the sparky I was using so don't trust what I'm being told. Told them I'm the property owner and they need to at the very least communicate with me and discuss the options. Didn't go down too well but last I heard I am the customer and this will be costing me a few bob so chin up to them.

    Appreciate any advice here.

    Thanks,
    Brett.

  2. #2
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    If you want single phase, it will be 240V. If you want three phase, it will be 415V.
    As far as putting in your own pole, as far as I know you can't.
    If you are going single phase, you would probably want at least 100 amps.
    Aaron

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    Quote Originally Posted by pibby View Post
    Sparky wont explain it to me.

    is not prepared to discuss any details with me.


    Without my sparky being willing to discuss any of this



    don't trust what I'm being told.

    Didn't go down too well

    i cant answer any of your questions but i can tell you to find someone else.
    with tradies like these, extras will creep in and you will end up paying double.

  4. #4
    p38arover's Avatar
    p38arover is offline Major part of the heart and soul of AULRO.com
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    I think I'd be looking for a new electrician.

    I'm no elec but I'd recommend a 3 phase (415v) supply if the supplier will agree. It's not going to be cheap but you'll not regret it.

    There's a saying that you only remember what something costs when you're dissatisfied with end result (something along those lines) - and, from years of experience, I can tell you that's true.
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  5. #5
    pibby is offline Master Silver Subscriber
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    They can't get 3 phase up to my end of the street. That's where the split phase (2 phase) comes in. I don't know what it is but sparky said its the 400 odd volts so will help keep size of cables down. So if its 400odd volts is there a transformer put in at my house?

    Still not convinced I can't put my own pole in, I've done it before.

  6. #6
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    Like Ron said,if they can't tell you exactly what they are doing,move on and find another sparky.It is your mains,and you will be paying towards it.

    That is a long way(over 300m),needs to be done right or you will have issues later.

    Usually the run is either 415v 3 phase or 240v single phase.
    Occasionally they would run two phases,but this may not be done anymore.

    Edit,just saw your post above.

    Two phase is just like two single phases,instead of one large single phase cable.
    The single phase load is then balanced on the two phases,using a neutral,is just two 240v cables.

    You can't run any 3 phase gear on two phases.

    Although just to confuse everyone,in our game,refrigeration,we do use two phase 415v motors,but i haven't seen them used anywhere else.
    Last edited by scarry; 18th October 2014 at 08:11 PM. Reason: more info
    Paul

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    I do a lot of two phase underground jobs, it is just 2x240v, so 480v. Due to bushfire regs, all services must be underground now, hence no poles.
    Have you looked into running aluminium conductors? At a guess it would be 120mm2 , a bit bigger but a 3rd the cost of copper. Pay the $500, its to confirm the cost of what they have to do and sometimes the only payment you have to make. Transformer will be left outside your property.
    If you think your sparky is ripping you, pm me and I can shoot you some costs.

  8. #8
    JDNSW's Avatar
    JDNSW is offline RoverLord Silver Subscriber
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    Quote Originally Posted by Vern View Post
    ... Due to bushfire regs, all services must be underground now, hence no poles.
    .....
    Victoria only, I believe, but expect this trend to increase elsewhere.

    John
    John

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    Probably correct john, I only work in vic so only know those regs.😊

  10. #10
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    When you get the supply on, have a single phase 480V outlet in your shed.

    You can get welders with bigger capacity than your average 240V models. You can also get 480V single phase motors for powering larger compressors etc.
    Ian
    D3 with extras

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