Increasing your electrical power in Spain: Why you need a new certificate
If you are installing air conditioning or an induction hob and need to increase your home's power, discover why you need a new Electrical Certificate.
Reviewed by David Sánchez — Certified Technician
Approved by supervisor Rafael Casas de las Peñas Del Corral
You have bought a new induction hob, installed ducted air conditioning, or switched to an aerothermal heat pump. Suddenly, when turning on several appliances at the same time, the power trips.
You call your electricity company to request a power increase and they respond with a dreaded phrase: *"To increase the power, we need you to send us a new Boletín Eléctrico"*. Why does this happen?
The limit of "Maximum Allowable Power"
Every Electrical Certificate (CIE) has a crucial piece of data inside called Potencia Máxima Admisible (Maximum Allowable Power). This number indicates the maximum amount of kilowatts (kW) that the cables and electrical panel of your house can safely handle without overheating or causing a fire.
If you currently have 3.45 kW contracted and your certificate says your installation supports a maximum of 5.75 kW, you can increase the power up to 5.75 kW with a simple phone call.
The problem comes when you want to contract MORE power than your certificate marks as the maximum.
What does the electrician do in these cases?
If you need to go up to 7 kW but your old certificate only certifies up to 5.75 kW, the company will not give you that power due to the risk of fire. You need an authorized installer to issue a new certificate certifying a higher power.
To be able to issue this new document, the PowerPro Madrid technician must do the following:
- 1.Check the thickness of the cables: Especially the Individual Derivation (the cable that goes from the meter to your panel). If the cable is too thin, it will burn when more power passes through. If so, it will have to be replaced with a thicker one.
- 2.Check the Main Switch (IGA): The main switch on your panel must be sized for the new power.
- 3.Issue the new CIE: Once it is verified that the installation safely supports the new load, the certificate is issued with the new Maximum Allowable Power.
Avoid overloads this summer
Installing high-consumption equipment without adapting the electrical installation is one of the main causes of domestic fires in Madrid and Toledo.
Do you need to increase the power of your home or business safely? Don't risk it. Complete our contact form or contact us via WhatsApp at Contact us. We analyze your installation, adapt it if necessary, and process your new Electrical Certificate quickly.
