Re: another electricity query
 

[QUOTE=johnnyone;9311598]You should have a seperate feed for most of those items, ( depending on ratings of course).
You cannot supply all these off one circuit.

Re: another electricity query
 

Yes that's true but he says the fuses are not tripping - just the ICP - in which case any amount of separate fuses will not stop the ICP tripping.

Re: another electricity query
 

Most likely the kettle. 3kw added to the rest will give real problems. Most Spanish kettles are much lower rated than UK versions.

Re: another electricity query
 

I have had similar problems during the winter months and most noticeably when using a fan heater or electric radiator both of which had thermostatic controls. Ibidrola wrote and said we needed to have an ICP fitted and checked by them and a upgrade in potencia at the same time. We got an Electrician to fit a new ICP = 65 Euros and he told Ibidrola, who a week later visited and sealed the unit, for which 10 Euros to be billed later. I understand that the potencia will be increased to 10 KW as a result. i think the upgrade you wish for will not be so expensive after all except for an increase in your standing charge for each billing period.

Re: another electricity query
 

You are right on that, however, with Spanish wiring and some "electricians" that may not be the case.
Inadequate size or poor quality wire and wiring may cause the ICP to trip, there is only so much electricity you can get down an inadequate instillation.

Re: another electricity query
 

I'm sorry, I just don't buy that.

We aren't talking about trying to get 25kw down bellwire - if his 5.75kw ICP is tripping it's down to using too much stuff at the same time.

There are some horrible installations around but these are mostly old - this was done 3 years ago and the electrical regs are much more severe than they were.

There are only two choices - manage your power usage or upgrade the ICP.

Re: another electricity query
 

That's exactly right.

I just do not understand how people get away with a low ICP. I shall upgrade if it is straightforward. My problem is that I am not in Spain that often.

I am glad I asked the question though, very useful.

Re: another electricity query
 

Well that is my opinion based on my knowledge and experience.
I will always advise people not to take "regulations" and " qualified electricians" for granted here in Spain as that can be a dangerous assumption. and that applies to pretty much everything here.
I am not going to advise anyone that upgrading your ICP is OK without inspecting their installation, I think that is sensible advice given the potencial dangers.

Re: another electricity query
 

So, out of interest, what would you do to be absolutely sure all was OK?

Saying that you don't believe the regulations (or should not take regulations for granted) is very odd.

I agree there are cowboys but how would YOU check they were OK?

Re: another electricity query
 

I don't believe this statement on this site.
Most of the posts here are by bewildered people trying to make sense of the Spanish system in most aspects of life.
Just because this house was rewired 3 years ago doesn't mean it's guaranteed OK.
I don't know if the electrician was qualified or good at his job. I don't know if the work was signed off by the supplier. I don't know if it was a new build or done back hand in a general reform.
I have only tried to give the OP a broad spectrum of possibilities other than just saying "change your ICP".
I'll leave it up to the OP as to what advice and action they take.
I'll stick by the advice I've given, doesn't seem that outrageous:confused: if others don't like it, that's fine.