Island Solar Power Service, 1,500 Amp with XHHW ALUM

[Chuck Meier]

We currently have a job on a small Island in the Bahamas that will be feeding Solar PV power into the local grid. The run length is 400ft. and power will be 480V, 1,500Amp. We are inclined to use XHHW compact Alum. wire due to cost and weight for shipping and handling. I have seen considerable comments regarding general use of Alum wire but these tend to be structures located on the mainland.

Are there any specific experiences or pointers to share concerning use of this wire in the corrosive, Island environment? Location will be flat, 4ft. above sea level and about 1,500ft. from open water. Will likely use multiple 750 conductors in 4" conduit and terminating inside environmentally controlled buildings. Thanks, Chuck

 

[Jraef]

I am closing this thread, in accordance with the Forum rules. This Forum is intended to assist professional electricians, inspectors, engineers, and other members of the electrical industry in the performance of their job-related tasks. However, if you are not an electrician or an electrical contractor, then we are not permitted to help you perform your own electrical installation work.


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PS: User is a contractor so the thread is open again.

 

[Jraef]

Bumping this because I had closed it earlier and the OP has satisfied the posting requirements, but it rolled off of the front page.

 

[electrofelon]

I dont have any experience with installations around such areas and what is "common" or "necessary" , but I dont see how you would ever have any trouble if you hypressed on lugs and used heatshrink to seal the interface. One member on here, Randy/Fulthrotl swears by it.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

We currently have a job on a small Island in the Bahamas that will be feeding Solar PV power into the local grid. The run length is 400ft. and power will be 480V, 1,500Amp. We are inclined to use XHHW compact Alum. wire due to cost and weight for shipping and handling. I have seen considerable comments regarding general use of Alum wire but these tend to be structures located on the mainland.

Are there any specific experiences or pointers to share concerning use of this wire in the corrosive, Island environment? Location will be flat, 4ft. above sea level and about 1,500ft. from open water. Will likely use multiple 750 conductors in 4" conduit and terminating inside environmentally controlled buildings. Thanks, Chuck

Chuck, I believe you will be fine with Xhhw but make sure it is Xhhw/Xhhw-2. Unusual to see just Xhhw but I am not sure about down there. Xhhw without the -2 is only rated 75C in wet locations. You may want the 90C.. [MENTION=157859]Chuck Meier[/MENTION]

For lighting and power applications in accordance with the National Electrical Code and for other generalpropose wiring applications. Suitable for use in circuits not exceeding 600 volts at conductor temperatures notexceeding 90°C in wet or dry locations. May be installed in raceway, duct, direct burial and aerial installations. Itsinsulation is flame retardant, and provides mechanical resistance against humidity, chemical agents and oils, itsblack pigmentation is rated sunlight - resistant, therefore it can be use in outside applications.

 

[Chuck Meier]

XHHW-2 WIRE

XHHW-2 WIRE

Correct. I would plan to use with XHHW-2 for this type of application. Thanks for the input!