480 vs. 208 service

[PCN]

Is there any benefit to powering a facility with a 208v service instead of a 480 service? Our smallest prototypical retail facilty is 35k sq feet with a 1000 amp 480v main switch.

It is being suggested by a senior engineer at our company that going forward all services will be 208. Other than obvious safety advantages I don't see any financial benefit.

In fact I see alot more panels, branch circuits, larger conductors to compensate for volt drop etc....

Currently all of our lighting, hvac and refrgeration racks are 480/277. Won't this cost us more in the end? Or am I missing something here. :-?

 

[Volta]

I think you're right to question that. If your "smallest prototypical retail facilty is 35k sq feet with a 1000 amp 480v", it is probably silly IMO to lower the voltage, raise the current 2.3 times. What is the point?

 

[charlie]

I think it is a good deal for the electrical contractor. Look at all the extra work you will get. Be sure to get extra electricians on board.

 

[480sparky]

Savings will come in copper.

A 10HP 208v motor takes more copper than a 10HP 480 motor.

120v lighting needs more copper than 277v lighting.

Associated controls will also be lower in amperage needed when higher voltages are used.

 

[PCN]

I think it is a good deal for the electrical contractor. Look at all the extra work you will get. Be sure to get extra electricians on board.

I'm wondering if the senior engineer has purchased alot of stocks with a wire manufacturer

This one has me baffled. Maybe he's thinking economic stimulus or something?

 

[charlie]

For a long time, the Indianapolis school system permitted only 208 wye systems. Their thought was that 208 was safer since all of the 120 volt circuits were like the circuits in homes. Also, kids tend to get into electrical panelboards if they can.