paraelled conductors

[101010]

I have an 800 amp service with 2 -4 inch conduits. Would you use paraelled 3/0 in each or 500mcm? The run is only 40 feet. The load is about 600 amps

 

[SEO]

A set of 500 KCM copper in each conduit with properly sized equipment grounding conductor if required.

 

[StephenSDH]

Good question. You would save money on copper with 3/0 and it would be easier to work with. The voltage drop would be better with 500mcm, but your distance isn't far. I'm curious what others say.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

If you use 3/0 you would have to derate for fill but you would still have an ampacity capable of 720 amps. With 240.4 you could still protect the conductors with an 800 amp breaker.

Now I would look at what the likely hood of expansion would be and make sure the 720 would work. Still seems like the best way to go money wise.

 

[SEO]

Do you have enough spaces on your breaker for the extra 3/0 conductors to terminate?

 

[Cow]

Now I would look at what the likely hood of expansion would be and make sure the 720 would work. Still seems like the best way to go money wise.

I agree. They sell copper by the pound so if you don't need the extra capacity I'd definitely go 3/0.

 

[101010]

Breaker comes with 4 lugs per phase. I would have to change lugs on distribution panel.

 

[Mike01]

service??

service??

?service? does this indicate the secondary of a xfmr. If so then the conductor ampacity is required to match the OCPD it is landing in. if this is the case 500?s would not be acceptable, and some manufacturers breakers do not have lugs for 600?s or require a different set of lugs. Also look at the wire bending radius, are you utilizing mechanical or compression lugs? You could utilize parallel 3/0?s just make sure you pick the correct grounded conductor size.