Does a commercial coffee machine need its own circuit?
Most do. A small single-group machine may run from a 13A plug, but two- and three-group espresso machines often draw more than a standard socket should carry for hours on end.
The manufacturer's installation guide and the data plate on the machine tell us what it needs. Many commercial machines ask for a dedicated 16A or 32A supply, sometimes with a specific socket type or a hard-wired connection through an isolator. Larger machines may be three-phase.
A dedicated circuit means the machine is protected by its own breaker, so it is not sharing with the till, fridges or the toaster. It also means a fault on the coffee machine is less likely to take out the rest of the shop at the busiest time of day.
What electrical supply do catering appliances need?
It depends on the appliance, so we always work from the maker's installation guide. As a rough guide, these are the setups we see most often:
- Espresso machines
- 13A plug for small units; 16A or 32A dedicated supply for larger ones.
- Combination ovens
- Often a dedicated supply, and frequently three-phase.
- Commercial dishwashers
- Usually a dedicated circuit, single-phase or three-phase by model.
- Wall-mounted water boilers
- Typically a dedicated supply through a local isolator.
- Boiling water taps
- Usually a fused spur, plus the water connection.
Can my distribution board take another circuit?
Often, but not always, which is why we survey first. We check for a spare way, the condition of the board, and whether the incoming supply can cope with the extra load.
A busy café can already have fridges, freezers, hot cupboards, a dishwasher and lighting. Adding a 6kW boiler and a large coffee machine can push the total close to what the supply allows. We look at what is already connected and estimate the maximum demand.
If the board is full, a small extension board or a replacement may be needed. If the supply itself is too small, that is a job for the network operator, which for Leicester is National Grid Electricity Distribution. We explain the options and price them separately.
Do you install three-phase catering equipment?
Yes, where the premises already has a three-phase supply. Larger combination ovens, dishwashers and some coffee machines are made for three-phase, and they need a matching circuit and isolator.
Many shops and restaurants already have three-phase at the board, even if only single-phase circuits are in use. We check the supply on the survey, balance the new load across the phases and fit a rotary or switched isolator within reach of the appliance.
If the building is single-phase, some equipment comes in a single-phase version, so ask your supplier before you order. A new three-phase supply is a bigger project and is covered separately.
How should a coffee machine be connected to the water supply?
To the cold mains, through an isolating valve, the right backflow protection and usually a water filter. Leicester's water from Severn Trent is hard, and limescale is a common cause of coffee machine breakdowns.
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 require protection against water flowing back into the supply. Many coffee machines ask for at least a double check valve, but the right device depends on the machine and its setup, so we follow the maker's instructions.
A filter or softening cartridge protects the boiler and improves the taste. Your coffee supplier may recommend a particular system. We fit it on the incoming supply with a valve on each side, so the cartridge can be changed in minutes. Dishwashers and boilers need the same care, often with a filter too.
Can you install catering equipment outside opening hours?
Yes, within our hours of 8am to 8pm, every day. Many cafés book us for an early start before opening, an evening after closing, or the day they are shut.
Most of the work, such as running cable and fitting sockets, can be done without switching off the whole site. The final connection at the board needs a short power cut, and we agree the time with you first. We protect counters and floors, clear up as we go, and leave your kitchen ready to trade.
What about gas equipment and kitchen extraction?
We do the electrics and water only. Gas cookers, gas ranges, fryers and other gas appliances must be installed and connected by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Commercial kitchen extraction is specialist work. Canopies, ductwork, fans and the interlocks that link gas appliances to the ventilation are usually designed and installed by an extraction specialist. We may be able to provide a power supply to the point they specify. The design, commissioning and any gas interlocks stay with them and your Gas Safe engineer.