Have you heard of single and three-phase, 230V or 400V, amperage or kVA? Do you want to know which connection is right for you? And what are the consequences for your installation and your bill? We explain it all to you.
A standard connection in Brussels is single-phase, 230V, 40 amps. It delivers a power of 9.2 kVA. But what do these terms mean? And does this standard connection meet your needs? Read our information to find the answers to your questions.
Please note
An average household usually requires no more than 5 to 6 kVA. The standard power rating is therefore 9.2 kVA (single-phase 40A).
To promote responsible use of the electricity network, a one-off surcharge per kVA is applied to requests for power greater than 9.2 kVA.
About your connection and its power
Whatever type of connection you have, it is defined by 3 elements:
- The circuit voltage, which is expressed in Volts (V).
In Belgium, there are 2 voltage systems: either 230V or 400V. In Brussels, 80% of the territory is covered with 230V. - The electrical current, expressed in amperes (A).
This indicates the maximum current that your installation can withstand.
The standard installation is 40 amps single-phase 230V. It delivers a power of 9.2 kVA. If we translate this into watts, it represents more than 9,000 watts. - The number of phases, to determine whether the connection is single-phase or three-phase.
Which meter power (in kVA) for which current (Ampere)?
The higher the voltage and current, the higher the power of your meter. Consult the table below to find out how much power you need in relation to the current you need.
| Ampère |
230 V - single-phase |
230 V - three-phase | 400 V - three-phase+N |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16A | 3,7 kVA | 6,4 kVA | 11,1 kVA |
| 20A | 4,6 kVA | 8 kVA | 13,9 kVA |
| 25A | 5,8 kVA | 10 kVA | 17,3 kVA |
| 32A | 7,4 kVA | 12,7 kVA | 22,2 kVA |
| 40A | 9,2 kVA | 15,9 kVA | 27,7 kVA |
| 50A | 11,5 kVA | 19,9 kVA | 34,6 kVA |
| 63A | 14,5 kVA | 25,1 kVA | 43,6 kVA |
Single-phase or three-phase?
The single-phase connection differs from the three-phase by the number of wires that arrive in the electrical panel. Three-phase is the most powerful.
- Do you see 2 wires? You have a single-phase connection.
- 3 wires arrive at the meter? You have a three-phase connection.
- Finally, if you see 4 wires, this means that you are in three-phase + neutral (a blue wire for neutral).
This is also called tetraphase or 3N-phase. Three-phase with neutral is only possible with 400V
When do you need three-phase?
Three-phase is necessary if you use power-hungry appliances or equipment. This is the case for any machine with a motor.
Examples? A lift, a sauna, powerful ovens for the bakery, catering or ceramics industry. To use this equipment, you need more power.
Can I go from 230V to 400V?
You can go from 230V to 400V by introducing a work request. Please note: 400V is not available everywhere. Additional free study will determine if this is possible.
If it is impossible to have 400V, you always have the option of installing an autotransformer. It is also possible to switch from a single-phase connection to a three-phase connection or vice versa.