Forums > Specific Focus > Home, Garden & Construction in Mexico

Ann

Sep 2, 2002, 8:14 PM

Post #1 of 7 (4712 views)

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Questions about hooking up w/ the CFE

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We are currently building a casita, with the house to follow later next year. We would like to use solar and or wind for our power. However, due to the fact that we are the first to build in our area and we will not be there full time or have a caretaker for awhile, we are concerned about the theft of such equipment. So we will have to wait on the alternative energy for awhile. Therefore, we are looking at hooking up w/ the CFE until we can have someone on site to keep an eye on our equipment. We were told by the developer that due to our location we will have to buy our own transformer (or we could go in on it w/ 1 neighbor). Does anyone know if this sounds right? Also is it true that one transformer can only serve 2 houses? Any idea on the costs involved to get set up w/ the CFE? Any help would be appreciated. Muchas Gracias!

Earl

Sep 3, 2002, 7:25 PM

Post #2 of 7 (4705 views)

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Transformers

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Hi Ann,Power transformers (xfrm - standard abbreviation)
are rated by the amount of power they can supply.
Xfrms can come in any size (power rating). The
higher the power rating, the bigger and heavier
the xfmr is. There are practical considerations
like weight (something to think about if it's to
be pole mounted) and cost. Xfrms are like
anything manufactured, generally the more you can
make of a given size, the cheaper the
manufacturing cost.For residential power distribution in the US,
an average of three to eight houses is normal.
A lot depends on the average house load (power
consumed). In the south were everyone has
air conditioners or in areas of the north were
fuel is expensive and houses are heated
electrically, the number is on the low end.From what I've seen in Mexico, the numbers are
much higher than the US because the house loads
are so small.So, there isn't any reason not to be able to
share a xfrm with more than two houses if the
xfmr is sized correctly (factoring in its cost).Hope this helps.Earl

Ann

Sep 5, 2002, 10:23 AM

Post #3 of 7 (4705 views)

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Transformers

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Thanks for the information Earl. We are situated in between 2 other lots, both of which also want to hook up to the CFE too. Our neighbors would all like to share a transformer. We thought that we've seen more than 2 properties on a transformer before but as I said, I was told differently. We may need a bigger one but it sounds like one would work for all of us. Thanks!

Richard

Sep 9, 2002, 8:29 PM

Post #4 of 7 (4705 views)

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I installed a step down transformer in Cozumel for a small hotel

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Just one of several projects I have been involved with.
Look to see what is available for sale .
Are you near Merida ? I got a real deal on a reconditioned unit and it was 4160-140/250. Believe it was manufactured in Germany how it got to Mexico is anyones guess but it did and I bought it cheap. Its been running a 30 unit hotel on the island for about 5 years now.

Ann

Sep 10, 2002, 8:53 PM

Post #5 of 7 (4705 views)

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I installed a step down transformer in Cozumel for a small hotel

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Richard, We are building about 8KMs outside of Tulum, so yes, we are near Merida. Is that where you got your transformer? I'm very new to this butI learning,any help is apppreciated!
Ann

billaqui

Sep 10, 2002, 10:37 PM

Post #6 of 7 (4704 views)

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e- do u use 4400v trans lines there?nm

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Richard

Sep 11, 2002, 4:38 PM

Post #7 of 7 (4705 views)

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Yes it is +

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I will try to find out who it was we used for the transformer.