Our ECA expert answers a question from a Voltimum user regarding electric showers and heat pumps in three one-bed apartments.
Question:
I am designing the electrical for three one-bed apartments which are fed via a single 3 phase meter.
Each apartment has an electric shower of 9kw and a heat pump of 10kw. I am doing the calculations to determine the electrical load on the building.
Are we allowed to diversify electric showers and heat pumps?
Answer:
Diversity is not an absolute science. BS 7671 prohibits diversity on electric vehicles, normally, but in most other cases it is allowed.
Electric showers, yes, every time. Heat pumps, it would depend on the scenario, but I doubt the pump will be drawing a full load for a long period constantly.
The IET OSG offers some guidance on this, however, it is guidance only and may be too onerous to follow.
- Gary Parker, ECA