800A 120/240V Service

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bcorbin

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I am involved in a project where the square footage of the facility is basically being doubled, and the old 25kVA 120/240V service is not going to be sufficient. Since this facility includes a laundy room and a convenience store (read: walk-in coolers), I am considering switching them over to three phase power. For comparison, I am estimating the size of the service for 480Y/277V, 208Y/120V, and simply a bigger 120/240V service. My estimated demand for 240V is 546A. I'm thinking an 800A service would be sufficient. However, I am finding service equipment in 120/240V 3-wire only available in 600A max.

I'd just like to get your thoughts on whether an 800A 120/240V service is even viable, from a general cost perspective. The only reason I'm even considering it is because the local service vault feeding the area right now has 3-phase available, but all of the taps are full, which would require the installation of a new vault as well. So you can see I'm pretty much up a certain creek without a paddle. (Well, not as much as the owner...he's going to get a large bill, either way we go.)
 
I've designed a lot of laundries, and quite a few convenience stores. Things really depend on what loads are in each. A typical laundry will often get a 400 amp service by itself. I am doing a 7,200 square foot convenience store with a small kitchen for burritos, fries, etc., and I am already at 800 amps 120/208 three phase for the store.

Your calculations will give you the right answer, just be sure to allow for plenty of growth.

Jim T
 
I spec 800A, 120/240V, 1 phase services regularly. The utilities in the Phoenix area will serve them. Some of the smaller utilities in Arizona will not. Getting 800A equipment has never been a problem, although you'll probably have to go to a "stand up" section.
 
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