Upgrading Your Electrics.

I, like most other people living here on the Costa Blanca, have in the past been frustrated by constant power cuts. Sometimes this is due to the weather and on other occasions it’s simply caused by the electrical installation in your house. If you find that your electrical system often trips when you turn too many things on at the same time, you may want to upgrade your supply. Here I will explain a few things that you will need to consider and how to go about it.

First you must contact your electricity supplier; they will instruct you if the cables supplying power to your street or apartment block are capable of taking increased power consumption.
It is possible, with the permission of Iberdrola, in some cases, to increase your power simply by changing your contract for the next level up and installing a higher rated ICP/ PCS (limit switch). For example if you have a contract for 3.3kW you can increase your supply to 4.4kW with a phone call and a change of limit switch.

If you require further power you may be asked by Iberdrola to produce a ‘Boletin’ this is a safety certificate issued by an authorised and registered, electrician. This would involve an inspection of the installation to ensure all the systems comply with current regulations and are safe for use. The inspection will identify if there are any underlying problems that you may have in your electrical system however, if you have an older property, it does not always mean you require a complete re-wire.

You would then be required to open a case file with Iberdrola and submit the relevant paperwork to them (this can be done by e-mail). You would also be required to adjust the new ICP (limit switch) to the relevant rating. It may also be a requirement by Iberdrola to sign a new contract or simply agree to one that is read out to you over the phone. A technician from the electricity supplier will then make an arrangement with you to come and inspect and seal, the ICP.

Now if this seems quite complicated, or you just don’t want all the hassle, but need to upgrade your supply, I can help. Electricity is an essential part of modern day life and ensuring it is installed safely, is part of my job.