At BW Electrical & Data, we pride ourselves on delivering tailored electrical solutions to meet the unique needs of our clients. One of our recent projects involved working with Amanda, a local Sunshine Coast artist who required specialised electrical work for her new studio. Amanda needed a reliable power source for her kiln, which required a 3 phase electrical system. Her studio, however, did not have the necessary power infrastructure in place, presenting a significant challenge.
In this project success story, we’ll walk you through how BW Electrical & Data tackled the challenges Amanda faced, the solutions our electricians in Coolum Beach provided, and the results we achieved. We’ll also share Amanda’s feedback on her experience working with us.
The Initial Challenge: No Power for a 3 Phase Kiln
Amanda, a passionate ceramic artist, had just completed building her new studio on her property. As part of her artistic process, Amanda uses a kiln to fire her ceramic creations. However, kilns, especially those used in professional settings, often require a 3 phase electrical system due to the high power demand.
Amanda’s studio was built without any power supply, let alone the 3 phase power required for her kiln. The existing power supply to her property was only single phase, which is typically sufficient for most residential applications but inadequate for a kiln of this size and capacity. Without a proper electrical setup, Amanda was unable to operate her kiln or even power basic lighting and equipment in her studio.
Amanda reached out to BW Electrical & Data with a clear goal: to get her studio fully operational with the necessary power for her kiln and workspaces.
Phase One: Assessing the Electrical Requirements for the Kiln
The first step in any successful project is a thorough assessment. Our team visited Amanda’s property to understand the scope of the work and the specific electrical requirements for her kiln. Kilns, particularly those used in professional or semi-professional studios, can consume a significant amount of electricity. A standard single phase power supply simply wouldn’t be able to handle the load, making a 3 phase power system essential.
In Amanda’s case, the kiln required a dedicated 3 phase circuit to ensure it could operate efficiently and safely. Additionally, Amanda needed general power outlets and lighting throughout the studio to support her workspaces. After our initial assessment, it was clear that the existing single phase power supply to the property would need to be upgraded.
Phase Two: Upgrading the Power Supply to 3 Phase
The next step was to upgrade the incoming power to Amanda’s property from single phase to 3 phase. This process involved coordinating with the local electricity network provider to ensure the property could support the higher capacity power supply. Upgrading to 3 phase power is a complex task that requires careful planning and execution to ensure the system is both safe and reliable.
Once the upgraded power supply was in place, our team installed 3 phase sub-mains, which would deliver the power from the main switchboard to the studio. This involved running new cables from the main switchboard to the studio and ensuring all components were properly rated to handle the increased electrical load.
Phase Three: Installing the 3 Phase Circuit for the Kiln
With the upgraded power supply and sub-mains in place, we moved on to the installation of a dedicated 3 phase circuit for Amanda’s kiln. This dedicated circuit ensures that the kiln has a consistent and reliable power source, minimising the risk of power fluctuations or overloads that could damage the equipment or cause safety issues.
Kilns require a substantial amount of power, especially during the firing process, which can last several hours. By providing a dedicated 3 phase circuit, we ensured that Amanda’s kiln would have the power it needed to operate efficiently without impacting the rest of the electrical systems in the studio or home.
Phase Four: Power and Lighting Throughout the Studio
In addition to the kiln, Amanda needed general power outlets and lighting throughout her studio to create a functional workspace. Our team installed power outlets at strategic locations around the studio, allowing Amanda to easily plug in tools, equipment, and other devices needed for her work.
We also installed energy-efficient LED lighting throughout the studio to provide Amanda with bright, even lighting for her workspace. Proper lighting is essential in any studio environment, especially when working with detailed or delicate materials like ceramics. The LED lighting we installed not only provides excellent illumination but also helps reduce energy consumption, keeping Amanda’s electricity bills manageable.
The Result: A Fully Functional Studio
Thanks to the work completed by BW Electrical & Data, Amanda’s studio is now fully operational. She has a reliable 3 phase power supply to support her kiln, as well as general power outlets and lighting throughout the space. Amanda has been able to successfully run her kiln and create her ceramic pieces without any issues.
The upgrade to 3 phase power not only allows Amanda to use her kiln but also future-proofs her property by providing the capacity for additional high-power equipment, should she need it down the line.
Client Feedback: A Satisfied Studio Owner
Amanda was thrilled with the results of the project and left us the following feedback:
"We used BW Electrical for our recent home renovation and new studio build, they did a great job fitting out the studio with all new electrical, they also installed three phase for us and upgraded our switch board. We have all new switches, down lights and exterior lighting through the home. Great job done all round! Thanks!"
Amanda Walker
Conclusion: Meeting the Electrical Requirements for a Kiln
This project is a great example of how BW Electrical & Data can provide tailored electrical solutions to meet the specific needs of our clients. Upgrading a property to 3 phase power can be a complex process, but with the right expertise and planning, it can be done efficiently and safely.
If you’re wondering what the electrical requirements for a kiln are, the answer depends on the size and power demands of the kiln. In most cases, a 3 phase power supply will be necessary, along with a dedicated circuit to ensure safe and reliable operation. At BW Electrical & Data, we have the experience and knowledge to guide you through the process, from assessing your needs to completing the installation.
Whether you’re setting up a new studio or upgrading an existing one, our team is here to help. Contact us today to discuss your electrical requirements and find out how we can assist with your next project.