Electrical connection and rising mains in apartment blocks: what they involve and how much they cost
In a multi-dwelling building, the power supply does not come down to a single cable: there is an apartment-block electrical connection (bransament) that brings power from the grid of operator Retele Electrice Romania S.A. (formerly E-Distributie Muntenia / Enel, part of the PPC group) up to the general metering and protection block, and from there the rising mains (coloane electrice montante) distribute the current vertically, towards the floor cabinets and then towards each apartment’s meter. A three-phase 400V connection starts from 2,900 lei, the underground version from 3,500 lei, and the dossier with grid connection design from 900 lei. The exact cost of the rising mains depends on the number of stairwells, levels and apartments, and is confirmed through the ATR (Technical Connection Approval / Avizul Tehnic de Racordare).
What an apartment-block connection is and how it differs from an individual one
For a detached house, the connection links the grid to a single single-phase metering block (~11 kW) or three-phase one (400V). For a residential block, the layout is more extensive:
- The connection (bransament) itself brings power from the operator’s pole or transformer substation up to the building’s general metering and protection cabinet (firida / BMPG). For a high combined consumption, this is almost always three-phase.
- The rising main (coloana electrica montanta) is the vertical route (cables + protective conduits) that runs from the general cabinet and climbs the stairwell, supplying one floor cabinet (firida de etaj) at each level.
- The individual columns (the branch lines) run from the floor cabinet to the consumer unit and meter of each apartment, ensuring the separation of consumption per subscriber.
In practice, the connection is the “artery” that enters the building, while the rising mains are the “internal distribution network” that carries power up to each consumer’s door.
The rising main: its role and components
The rising main is the backbone of the block’s electrical installation. A rising main that is correctly sized and installed in line with the standards ensures both safety and the ability to add power upgrades (sporuri de putere) without reworking the entire route.
The main components
- The connection cabinet (firida de bransament) / BMPG – the demarcation point between the operator’s grid and the building’s installation, with general protective devices.
- The rising-main cable – cross-section sized according to the total power of the stairwell and the number of apartments.
- The floor cabinets (distribution boxes) – at each level, from which the branches run off towards the apartments.
- The individual columns and metering blocks – the meter and protective device of each apartment, the basis of consumption separation.
- The protective conduit and the earthing system (earth electrode / priza de pamant) – mandatory for the protection of people and equipment.
When work is carried out on the rising mains
Work on the rising mains (coloane electrice) typically arises in the following situations:
- New block – the full installation of the rising mains and floor cabinets.
- Refurbishment / modernisation – old aluminium rising mains, undersized or degraded, that can no longer cope with current consumption (electric boilers, induction hobs, EV charging).
- Separation of consumption – when moving from shared metering to individual metering per apartment.
- Power upgrade (spor de putere) at stairwell or building level, which requires the rising main to be reassessed.
You will find details about the installation work on the rising mains page.
Separation of consumption per apartment
Separation of consumption means that each apartment has its own meter and its own individual connection (a column branched off from the floor cabinet), with a separate contract with the supplier. The advantages are clear: accurate billing, with no shared apportionments, and independent protective devices for each dwelling.
The process generally involves: a grid connection dossier, a design, obtaining the ATR for the new layout, the installation of the rising mains and metering blocks, then the fitting of the meters by the operator. For consumers with higher requirements, the usual solution is a three-phase connection 400V per apartment or for the stairwell as a whole.
How much it costs: indicative prices
The prices below are indicative, for works in Bucharest, Ilfov and Giurgiu. The total cost of rising-main works in a block is calculated according to the number of levels, apartments and the length of the routes, while the final power and technical solution are set through the ATR.
| Service | Indicative price (from) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single-phase connection | 1,800 lei | ~11 kW, for small / individual spaces |
| Three-phase connection | 2,900 lei | 400V, recommended for high consumption |
| Underground connection | 3,500 lei | Buried route, neat and protected |
| Temporary site connection | 2,200 lei | For the construction period |
| Dossier + grid connection design | 900 lei | Technical documentation |
| ATR assistance | 350 lei | Support in dealings with the operator |
| DIU (installer’s declaration) | 1,200 lei | Valid nationally |
| Power upgrade | 350 lei | Per request / stairwell |
| Earth electrode | 900 lei | Mandatory for safety |
| PRAM (testing) | 250 lei | Test certificate |
For a calculation closer to your situation, use the connection cost calculator or check the full list of prices.
Note: for rising mains, the price is not fixed per building — it reflects the labour, the materials (cable, conduits, cabinets) and the complexity of the route. Request an on-site assessment.
The steps of an apartment-block connection and rising-main project
- Assessment and consultancy – establishing the power required (per apartment and combined) and the technical solution.
- Grid connection dossier and design – the technical documentation submitted to Retele Electrice Romania.
- Obtaining the ATR – the approval that confirms the solution and the approved power; this is where the final connection price is set.
- Carrying out the works – connection, rising mains, floor cabinets, individual columns, earth electrode.
- PRAM testing and DIU – test certificates and the authorised installer’s declaration.
- Fitting the meters and energisation (punere sub tensiune) – carried out by the operator after handover.
Why an ANRE-certified company
Apartment-block electrical connection and rising-main works must be carried out by an ANRE-certified company for both installation and design, so that they are accepted by the distribution operator. SUN WATT SRL (bransam.ro) covers the entire process: design, grid connection dossier, ATR assistance, installation and testing, with a DIU valid nationally.
Do you have a new block, a rising-main refurbishment or a separation of consumption in the pipeline? Write to us or call 0733 097 440 and we will prepare a quote based on your building’s layout. See also the contact page.