feasibility of three-phase power in mobile catering trailer

[hie27]

Hi all.
First, I have to admit that i have no experience and very little knowledge in electrics and I'm therefore looking for some general practical advice. I am wanting to start my own mobile catering business but i am still in the planning stage. I want to know if three-phase power is really a viable option for starting a business that is relatively small-scale at least at the start. At the moment i have a blank canvas trailer and all of the circuitry and appliances still need to be inserted. The reason why I am even considering three-phase power is that there are some really great mini-industrial ovens that can reach 500c that you just cannot get one-phase. The only other option to hit those sorts of temperatures is woodfire ovens and they require some skill and continuous management. I am really attracted to the idea of having a small but high output oven. The oven in question is rated at 32a 4.5kw. Apart from that i would need a fridge and topping table, which would be one phase. Is 3 phase circuitry significantly more expensive than one-phase? And is integrating the other one-phase appliances into a three-phase system complex?

 

[telectrix]

4.5kW is not 32A, it's 19A single phase.

 

[Strima]

3 phase is not a problem. However what sort of hook ups are you looking at using?

3 phase isn't always available on some pitches or will you be using your own generator?

 

[hie27]

Hi, sorry perhaps i got the kw wrong. I will double check. The oven is definitely three phase as it has got the red 5 pin. I will check again thanks. And, yes, the idea was to use my own generator, although size i imagine it would be quite sizable.

 

[hie27]

Kw says 4.5 / 4.9

 

[gnuuser]

3 phase power will be more efficient to use even if it means more conductors for your mobile system, if your generator is sufficient for the task. as others have said if you were relying on external power you may have some problems with connector issues.
but i must caution you to have a good spark set this up for you. also you should check into any regs concerning an installation such as this as there may be special permits needed.

 

[hie27]

I have to admit i have no idea on hookups. Where can i get myself better informed on this topic? Thanks for the replies thus far, I did initially think this idea might be too ambitious but the consensus seems to be that it is possible, but caution is needed.

 

[Deleted member 105166]

This takes you into BS7909 territory, where it would be deemed a temporary electrical system. Demand in excess of 6kVA is deemed "large/complex" and requires a senior person responsible.

 

[Deleted member 105166]

I have to admit i have no idea on hookups. Where can i get myself better informed on this topic?

Google is your friend here, 22 million results

 

[Ned Gibbons]

What sort of events are you planning to attend. If you have events in mind I would be asking them how they feel about either providing a 3 phase hook up or letting you use a genny.

Even if they are it is likely to have an impact on where you can be located on site and may mean you often get less then ideal pitches.

I've done power in quite a few outdoor events. 3p for a trader is not something I've never been asked for.