240 to 480

[ROXUSA]

I have a 480-3000 amp service running 90% of all equipment. Looking to add 70k square feet to building and have a 240-3000 amp service that used to run the equipment back in the day now only used for the office and and boiler room. My question is can the switch gear be changed over to 480 or would the whole thing need to be replaced.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

If you are adding 70,000 sq. ft then an engineer should be involved

 

[iwire]

My question is can the switch gear be changed over to 480 or would the whole thing need to be replaced.

Very doubtful.

The exsiting switchgear is likely rated 250 volt or less.

I agree with Dennis an engineer should be involved.

 

[Jraef]

More specific reasons why an EE should be involved:
The gear may or may not be rated to handle 480V, someone needs to investigate it.

And not just the gear itself, EVERY circuit breaker or fuse IN the gear needs to be checked for proper ratings.

Then even if everything is rated for 480V, it may or may not be capable of whatever the available fault current is now. "Back in the day" may have meant no withstand / SCCR / Arc Flash requirements that relate to modern specifications.

Even if it can work for all of the above, then a full coordination study still needs to be performed with regard to changing the equipment, protection settings, etc.

 

[dmxtothemax]

You will have to check the make and model of the switch gear,
then go online and check the spec's for this equipment.

I dare say most electricians would NOT chance it anyway
most would prefer new equipment known to right for the job !

 

[just the cowboy]

Step up

Step up

If they don't want to change the service equipment, you may be able to install a new step up transformer off of it if the loads are not great.