200a feeder: MC or EMT & wire?

[LarryFine]

Your time is priced right. Just because I can bust my ass, work long hours and plan jobs efficiently doesn't mean I'm working cheap.

I figure jobs based on what normal people would do, then try to get it done in half the time or better. Worst case, I make normal money.

So, you think three days (say 6 hrs a day actually on the job) for two people (three for parts) is reasonable? I'm thinking of a flat $3k for the labor.

This work includes mounting (somewhere?) and connecting to the fused switch, connecting that to the machine, maybe checking phase rotation.

 

[cdslotz]

Damn! Me too !!


Use 2.5" EMT, ESPECIALLY if you go with the 250 AL.

You can easily get 3-250XHHW-2 compact Stabiloy conductors +E.G. in a 2"

In fact, their chart allows (4) 250 in 2".

http://www.cable.alcan.com/NR/rdonl...8E5E-2EC600FC5B27/0/STABILOYWiremansGuide.pdf

 

[tx2step]

Makes me rethink using aluminum

Makes me rethink using aluminum

Wow... That makes me rethink using aluminum wire! I usually avoid it like the plague. I've been using copper. Short of using compression lugs (I don't have a compression tool), how do you guys terminate the aluminum so that you don't have any problems with it down the road?

 

[LarryFine]

Good news! We got the job! Yay! Thanx for all the help, guys!

We'll go in this afternoon for a signature and down-payment check.

Now, I need to see if MC is a viable alternative.

 

[iwire]

Now, I need to see if MC is a viable alternative.

It will cost more than pipe and wire for the materials, you would have to be confident you could make it up in the labor.

As much as I am a cable guy I would not expect MC to be any real savings here, but of course I could be wrong.

 

[cdslotz]

Stabiloy is great. We use it a lot when offered as an alternate
Go to that link and all of the technical info is there.
But connectors with an AL7CU or AL9CU are recommended. Re-tightening connections is not necessary.
All heat tests meet or exceed that of copper.

 

[peter d]

If it were me.....

I would try using the SimPull aluminum THHN conductors.

 

[LarryFine]

It will cost more than pipe and wire for the materials, you would have to be confident you could make it up in the labor.

As much as I am a cable guy I would not expect MC to be any real savings here, but of course I could be wrong.

100' 2" EMT + 300' 2/0 al = $435 (plus 2 connectors, 2 elbows, and 10-12 couplings)

100' 2/0-3 MC = $465 (plus connector fittings and maybe freight)

Added: Hmmm. Time for another round of EMT-vs-MC opinions.

 

[cdslotz]

2/0 Alum ??

I thought we started out with 3-3/0 cu????

 

[LarryFine]

2/0 Alum ??

I thought we started out with 3-3/0 cu????

Did I say 2/0? I meant 250MCM.

That's what I priced. (I think :roll

If not, there's really no contest.

(Where did I get 2/0 from? )

 

[LarryFine]

New related question:

The only disconnect we can get this power from is a 200a 3p fused switch that supplies a 240-480 transformer for a few loads they use only once or twice a year.

I think, rather than merely doubling up on the load-side lugs, I'd use a manual transfer switch to avoid simultaneous operation of the transformer and the new machine.

Question: would it be okay to use a 2p transfer switch, or should all three poles be switched? This is akin to the not-all-poles-need-to-be-opened-for-control theory.

Opinions?

 

[220/221]

I would use a 3 pole t switch.

The way things change in these types of enviroments, I'd be set up to change the new printer from single phase to 3 phase.

Code wise, (typical) I have no idea.

 

[ceb58]

New related question:

The only disconnect we can get this power from is a 200a 3p fused switch that supplies a 240-480 transformer for a few loads they use only once or twice a year.

I think, rather than merely doubling up on the load-side lugs, I'd use a manual transfer switch to avoid simultaneous operation of the transformer and the new machine.

Question: would it be okay to use a 2p transfer switch, or should all three poles be switched? This is akin to the not-all-poles-need-to-be-opened-for-control theory.

Opinions?

Hummm.... I would think it would be considered a isolating disconnect. So the three legs should be opened to the transformer.

 

[LarryFine]

The way things change in these types of enviroments, I'd be set up to change the new printer from single phase to 3 phase.

Both the existing transformer and the new machine are 3 phase.

 

[LarryFine]

Hummm.... I would think it would be considered a isolating disconnect. So the three legs should be opened to the transformer.

The existing 3p fused-at-200a switch which the T/S would immediately follow should qualify, but I see what you mean. They shouldn't have to shut down the new printing machine to deenergize the transformer.

3 pole it is.