New 3-phase supplies, capacity upgrades, sub-mains and load assessments for factories, warehouses and process plant. Where DNO liaison is required, we handle it.
Industrial 3-phase installs fail in two places. Either the supply was undersized for the actual load – and now the building’s been throttling itself for years – or the install was technically right but the DNO liaison wasn’t handled, and the new connection’s been waiting six months for paperwork.
We do 3-phase installs properly. That starts with measuring the existing load (not estimating it from nameplates), modelling what the new equipment will draw, calculating supply requirements with appropriate headroom, and either lodging a DNO supply increase or sub-billing within the existing supply where capacity allows.
The DNO piece is where most contractors fall down. Electricity North West (the DNO for most of Lancashire) has lead times of 4-8 weeks for new connections or supply increases, and the application paperwork is exacting. We do this part of the job as standard – you don’t need to deal with the DNO yourself.
On the install side it’s a job like any other – properly sized cables, proper containment, proper labelling, proper testing. We sub-out the DNO connection itself (only the DNO can connect to their network) but everything inside the building boundary is our work.
Logged data analysed against new load requirement. Report covers existing demand profile, new load impact, recommended supply size, DNO involvement if required.
Where DNO uplift required we lodge the application immediately and manage the process. Typical 4-8 week lead time before energisation can be scheduled.
Internal install proceeds during DNO lead time. Sub-main installed, distribution board commissioned, ready for DNO energisation on agreed date.
DNO energises the new supply, we commission the internal install, test every circuit, issue the EIC and update all schedules.
200 A
Most common 3-phase capacity for SME manufacturing
6 wk
Average lead time for Electricity North West supply uplift
3 day
Cable, containment, board and testing time
1 day
Final DNO connection and commissioning
Internal work is 3-5 days. DNO lead time (where applicable) adds 4-8 weeks. We start internal install during DNO lead time so the wait is parallel rather than sequential.
Depends on existing capacity vs new demand. If your incomer can take the extra load, we sub-board within the existing supply. If it can’t, the DNO needs to increase your incoming capacity.
The client. DNO fees vary widely (£500 to £15,000+) depending on the upgrade needed. We get the formal DNO quote on your behalf as part of the project.
Yes – single-phase loads can be balanced across the three phases. We design the distribution to balance the phases so no single phase is overloaded.
Yes – where the new supply is for a sub-tenant or a separate department needing cost recovery, we install sub-meters and configure them for billing.
Then we install a new distribution board off the new supply, leaving your existing distribution for existing loads. Common arrangement for factory expansions.
Free site survey. Quote and payback figures within forty-eight hours. No pressure, no follow-up calls if it’s not for you.