3 Phase Resi/Farm Question

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jdorsh

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Location
Boston, MA
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Electrical Engineer
I own an equestrian farm outside of Boston. Currently, I have single phase 200A service to the residence and 100A sub to the barn. I am adding a sawmill and several industrial motors in my woodworking shop. The total load from the motors if all machines were operating at the same time would be about 125A 3 phase. My question since three phase can be used for single phase (assumed properly balanced), should I trench in 3 phase to the barn from the pole at say 400A and then run my single phase to the residence (200A) and the existing barn that is wired for single phase off from the 3 phase? Or is it best to run the 3 Phase just to the shop on separate meter and single phase to the house and sub panels? I ask because the power company wants a minimum use on the 3 phase, so having everything consolidated under that load seems like it would make more sense?

Thanks

JD
 
This is way over your head and would suggest you contact a qualified electrician. He would know what to do and can coordinate with the power company.
 
jdorsh said:
I own an equestrian farm outside of Boston. Currently, I have single phase 200A service to the residence and 100A sub to the barn. I am adding a sawmill and several industrial motors in my woodworking shop. The total load from the motors if all machines were operating at the same time would be about 125A 3 phase. My question since three phase can be used for single phase (assumed properly balanced), should I trench in 3 phase to the barn from the pole at say 400A and then run my single phase to the residence (200A) and the existing barn that is wired for single phase off from the 3 phase? Or is it best to run the 3 Phase just to the shop on separate meter and single phase to the house and sub panels? I ask because the power company wants a minimum use on the 3 phase, so having everything consolidated under that load seems like it would make more sense?

Thanks

JD
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I'd go with 1 meter unless you have local code or POCO policy that says otherwise or even a need for separate billing for accounting reasons. Private metering methods may be allowable for the accounting reasons though.

I find it hard to believe they want a minimum use. I can see a minimum use being necessary to get on certain rate schedules though.
 
Talk with your power company. There are options such as metering both at the pole or CT metering.
There rules and what they will provide will be the biggest factor.
Any advice beyond that here would likely be in violation of Forum rules.
 
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