Electricity supply is one of the most frequently overlooked aspects of cold room planning in Kenya. Getting it wrong leads to tripped breakers, equipment damage, voided warranties, and at worst, total refrigeration failure and lost stock. Here’s what you need to know.
Single Phase vs. Three Phase
Small cold rooms (up to approximately 10–15 m² with modest refrigeration loads) can often run on single-phase 240V power. Larger rooms — and particularly freezer rooms — typically require three-phase 415V supply. Three-phase power is more efficient and better suited to the high starting currents that compressor motors draw.
If your premises only has single-phase supply and you need a large cold room, you will need to apply to Kenya Power (KPLC) for a three-phase connection. This can take weeks to arrange and carries additional costs, so factor it into your planning timeline.
Dedicated Circuit Requirements
A cold room should always be on a dedicated electrical circuit — never shared with other heavy loads like ovens, welding equipment, or air conditioning units. The circuit must include:
- Correctly rated MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker): Matched to the refrigeration unit’s amperage draw
- Earth leakage protection (ELCB/RCD): Essential for safety in environments where water is present
- Surge protection: Kenya’s power supply is prone to voltage fluctuations and surges that damage sensitive refrigeration controls and compressors
Typical Power Consumption
| Cold Room Size | Approximate Power Draw |
|---|---|
| Small chiller (5–10 m²) | 1.5–3 kW |
| Medium chiller (10–30 m²) | 3–7 kW |
| Large chiller (30–100 m²) | 7–20 kW |
| Medium freezer (10–30 m²) | 5–10 kW |
| Large freezer (30–100 m²) | 10–30 kW |
These figures are for the refrigeration unit only. Add lighting (typically 100–200W) and any ancillary equipment.
Generator Backup
Given the frequency of power outages across Kenya — particularly outside Nairobi — a generator backup system is strongly recommended for any business where stock loss would be significant. The generator must be sized to handle the cold room’s full load plus any soft-start requirements of the compressor motor.
An automatic transfer switch (ATS) ensures the generator starts and takes over load without manual intervention during an outage — critical if your cold room operates overnight or unmanned.
Voltage Stabiliser
Voltage fluctuations are a leading cause of compressor failure in Kenya. A voltage stabiliser or automatic voltage regulator (AVR) installed on the cold room circuit adds cost but can significantly extend the life of expensive refrigeration equipment.
Before installation begins, have a qualified electrician assess your existing supply, confirm phase availability, and design a dedicated circuit for the cold room. Share the refrigeration unit’s technical datasheet with the electrician so the circuit is correctly rated. This small step prevents expensive problems down the line.