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⚖️ CALCULATOR

Load balance by phase

Even distribution of load across phases L1/L2/L3 — less imbalance, less losses. Automatic balancing and imbalance check per IEC 60364 standard 15–20%.

🔌 Consumers

Kitchen lighting
Living room lighting
Bedroom lighting
Kitchen sockets
Living room sockets
Bedroom sockets
Water heater
Air conditioner
Washing machine

📊 Phase balance

L16100 W(+38%)
6100W
L24300 W(-3%)
4300W
L32900 W(-35%)
2900W
Total load13.3 kW
Average per phase4.4 kW
Unbalance38%
🚫
Significant unbalance!
Unbalance > 25% — it is necessary to redistribute the load. Click "Auto-balance".
Phase currents (220V, cosφ=0.95)
L129.2 A (6.1 kW)
L220.6 A (4.3 kW)
L313.9 A (2.9 kW)

Why balance the load across phases?

In three-phase networks, uneven load between phases creates current in the neutral conductor, increases losses, and can lead to voltage imbalance. According to IEC 60364, unevenness should not exceed 15–20%.

Unbalance is calculated as the maximum deviation of a phase load from the average value, expressed as a percentage. For example, if L1 — 5 kW, L2 — 3 kW, L3 — 4 kW, average = 4 kW, max deviation = 1 kW, unbalance = 25%.

Proper phase balance reduces the load on the neutral conductor, lowers energy losses, and ensures uniform voltage quality for all consumers.

Typical load distribution across phases in a private house

PhaseConsumersPower, kWNote
L1Electric cooktop, oven3.5–7.0Most powerful consumer — separate phase
L2Water heater, air conditioner2.0–4.5Constant base load
L3Washing machine, sockets2.2–3.5Variable load

Approximate distribution for a house of 150–200 m². Exact values depend on the selected appliances — enter your data in the calculator above.

Formula for calculating phase unbalance

D = (Pmax − Pavg) / Pavg × 100%

where: Pmax — load of the most loaded phase (W or kW), Pavg — average load per phase = (L1 + L2 + L3) / 3.

Example: L1 = 5 kW, L2 = 3 kW, L3 = 4 kW. Average = 4 kW. Maximum deviation: L1 deviates by 1 kW.
D = 1 / 4 × 100% = 25% — exceeds IEC 60364 norm 15–20% ⚠️

Load asymmetry (phase imbalance) over 15% causes current in the neutral conductor and voltage imbalance. The calculator above automatically calculates the imbalance and suggests optimal distribution.

Frequently asked questions about phase balance

What is the allowable load imbalance between phases?
According to IEC 60364 — no more than 15–20%. In practice, it is recommended to aim for 10–15%. When designing, ensure uniformity at least for the maximum load.
How to properly distribute load across phases in a private house?
Start with the most powerful single-phase consumers: electric boiler, water heater, electric stove, washing machine, air conditioner. Distribute them evenly across L1, L2, L3. Then add smaller consumers for fine balancing.
What happens with severe phase imbalance?
On the overloaded phase, voltage drops (instead of 220V it may be 200V or less), on the underloaded phase it rises (to 240V or higher). Low voltage risks motor overheating, high voltage damages electronics. Also, current in the neutral conductor increases.
Is balancing needed for an apartment with single-phase connection?
No. Phase balancing is only relevant for three-phase inputs (380V). If you have a single-phase connection (220V), all consumers are already on one phase. This calculator is intended for three-phase panels in houses and commercial facilities.
How to account for not all load operating simultaneously?
Use a diversity factor (0.6–0.8 for residential networks). For example, if total power on a phase is 10 kW, the actual maximum load will be 6–8 kW. Enter the expected simultaneous load, not the nameplate power of all appliances.
Phase imbalance and load asymmetry — what's the difference?
They are synonyms for the same phenomenon. Phase imbalance (or load asymmetry) is uneven power distribution among L1, L2, L3. Measured as percentage deviation from the average. IEC 60364 standard: no more than 15–20%. Greater imbalance causes current in the neutral conductor and voltage imbalance between phases.
How to calculate phase imbalance manually?
Formula: D = (P_max − P_avg) / P_avg × 100%. Where P_avg = (L1 + L2 + L3) / 3. Example: L1=6 kW, L2=4 kW, L3=5 kW → P_avg = 5 kW, P_max = 6 kW → D = (6−5)/5 × 100% = 20% — at the limit. The calculator does it automatically.

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Automatic phase balance in the panel designer

ElectroBoard shows phase balance in real time directly in the toolbar — with load visualization for L1, L2, L3.

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