RM3k is about right for a normal terrace. I think the fusebox needs to be upgraded, some new wiring done, more deposit for TNB etc.

FYI, I spent some RM9k for my house for 3 phase power after renovations/extensions. That sum includes new power points, lighting points etc.

I paid RM80 per point. But, I needed a lot coz I practically doubled the size of my home after the renovations. Plus, the contractor was someone that was referred to by a trusted family friend.

I really doubt that you've been conned, since that is a pretty standard rate to pay. Forgot to mention that you will also need to upgrade the earthing, which costs some money.

In any case, you'll want a good contractor that will get the approval of TNB when they come to check before installing the new meter. Remember that with 3 phase power you will be able to switch on like 4 air-conds, the oven, 2 fridges, water heater etc at the same time. So, you want good quality instead of having things blow up on you.

Hmm ... Better to install additional points now rather than having to hack your walls again later, I would say. Before the 3 phase upgrade, I had 1 point connected to air-cond, wall socket, and heater. Of course, this caused some tripping, and I only noticed it when the contractor used this gadget to check where the wiring was.

Not sure whether it's wise to switch 6 air-conds on at the same time with a 60A, but I have a neighbour that has at least 4 air-conds on 24/7 without any problems. Air-cond, kettle, heater etc consumes MUCH more power than 4 PCs, bro! E.g. is that a kettle uses something like 1500W on a 13A socket.

If you're adding more points, I would think you'll be spending in the region of RM4-5k for this upgrade.

If I can recall correctly, my initial power supply was obviously single phase. But, I upgraded the box to 30A, and the electrician said this was good for 2 air-conds and heater to be used simultaneously. I think 6 air-conds would be max for 60A, and you would have to be careful not to use things like the kettle, oven etc that draw a lot of juice.

However, do you really think you'll be using ALL 6 air-conds at one time? If not, then you should be more than safe with 60A. I think my current rating is 60A, and I have 5 air-conds. But, I've not yet seen the day when I switch on all 5 at one go.

The deposit to TNB should be around RM500.

Yes, by the 'box', I meant the fuse box. The other thing that will be changed is the meter (the one outside the house), which will be done by TNB. Only after the meter has been changed will you get 3-phase power.

Can't see your image properly, but I think the 3-phase power itself comes from the new meter that TNB will provide.

If I recall properly, the new meter will be connected to an additional cable from the main 33kv power line. I'm not an electrician, but I think my old 1-phase meter had 3 cables connected, and a 3-phase has 4 cables.

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Added on May 17, 2007, 11:15 amOk, I see your image now.

My power supply is definitely the Low Voltage option II.

I was told that option III is for big bungalows with >5k sq feet of space, 10 air-conds, 2 kitchens, 6 heaters (not the instant shower kind) and above.

Maybe if you were running a Pentagon mainframe in your house you might need that kind of power! LOL

This post has been edited by laksamana: May 17 2007, 11:15 AM

You'll have to pay for a new and bigger fuse box, that's for sure.

I mean, the reason why you'll need 3-phase is so that you can simultaneously use more electrical devices. That means that you'll probably want more power outlets inside/outside the house, which will cost you more money (paid to the wiring fella).

If you only need to use say 2 air-conds at a time, the best bet will be to upgrade your fuse box, which will be a few hundred RMs instead of going 3-phase.

TNB doesn't do any wiring in the house, so you have to deal with a wireman for that. I think charges depend on your exact requirements.