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An electric kettle can draw about 3kW, I've only once seen a home with a limit this absurdly low

by Y_Y 3y ago

bombcar 3y ago
As an aside, Europe/UK electric kettles are much better and faster and hotter than American ones, because they are twice the voltage. For real, compare them. The only ones in America that can even compete are hard-wired commercial deals.
legulere 3y ago
Apparently there exists even 1.5 kW in Italy: https://tariffe.segugio.it/guide-e-strumenti/domande-frequenti/cos-e-la-potenza-impegnata.aspx https://tariffe.segugio.it/guide-e-strumenti/domande-frequen...
- jaclaz 3y ago
  Yes, though it is not used much anymore, in Italy most contracts are 3 kW, a number have been upgraded to 4.5 kW or to 6 kW, but that's it. Due to the way contracts are currently made, there is a fixed amount you pay for the availability of power (no matter if you use it or not) so everyone is on the lower possible amount. There is also a (relative) complication for new houses or (important) renewals, the electrical system needs to be designed, and while for systems up to 6 kW it is enough that the design is made by the technical representative of the installer/electrician, for larger power a project is needed by a certified electrical engineer, which has a cost. But as said the real issue is that the local infrastructure is simply not dimensioned for the large increments of power that are (or will be) required by the diffusion of heat pumps and induction stoves, let alone the recharging of EV's. I believe that the medium voltage (in Italy it is usually @12,000 or @20,000 volts) distribution can be enough or can be upgraded relatively easily, the issue is with the low voltage (the 380-400V) distribution lines and the transformers/electrical cabins in cities.
- easyThrowaway 3y ago
  I've lived in north Italy for a while, the 3-phase 240v was uncommon but easily available if required. I guess the main issue are the southern parts of the country and the islands. Even then, most touristy housing locations were surprisingly modern in this regard though.

An electric kettle can draw about 3kW, I've only once seen a home with a limit this absurdly low

by Y_Y 3y ago

An electric kettle can draw about 3kW, I've only once seen a home with a limit this absurdly low

As an aside, Europe/UK electric kettles are much better and faster and hotter than American ones, because they are twice the voltage. For real, compare them. The only ones in America that can even compete are hard-wired commercial deals.

legulere 3y ago

Apparently there exists even 1.5 kW in Italy: https://tariffe.segugio.it/guide-e-strumenti/domande-frequenti/cos-e-la-potenza-impegnata.aspx https://tariffe.segugio.it/guide-e-strumenti/domande-frequen...

jaclaz 3y ago
Yes, though it is not used much anymore, in Italy most contracts are 3 kW, a number have been upgraded to 4.5 kW or to 6 kW, but that's it. Due to the way contracts are currently made, there is a fixed amount you pay for the availability of power (no matter if you use it or not) so everyone is on the lower possible amount. There is also a (relative) complication for new houses or (important) renewals, the electrical system needs to be designed, and while for systems up to 6 kW it is enough that the design is made by the technical representative of the installer/electrician, for larger power a project is needed by a certified electrical engineer, which has a cost. But as said the real issue is that the local infrastructure is simply not dimensioned for the large increments of power that are (or will be) required by the diffusion of heat pumps and induction stoves, let alone the recharging of EV's. I believe that the medium voltage (in Italy it is usually @12,000 or @20,000 volts) distribution can be enough or can be upgraded relatively easily, the issue is with the low voltage (the 380-400V) distribution lines and the transformers/electrical cabins in cities.
easyThrowaway 3y ago
I've lived in north Italy for a while, the 3-phase 240v was uncommon but easily available if required. I guess the main issue are the southern parts of the country and the islands. Even then, most touristy housing locations were surprisingly modern in this regard though.