I'm installing a CT meter, 800 amp disconnect fusible exterior and running conduit into a suite. Is it better to install a Main distribution panel or switchgear? It's going to be a restaurant but another contractor is wiring the restaurant. We're just providing the main power. However we don't know how many panels or total amps they are going to use. The owner just said provide an 800 amp service.
800a Service
- Thread starter CurtLee
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hillbilly1
Senior Member
- Location
- North Georgia mountains
- Occupation
- Owner/electrical contractor
Looks like you are doing that. The service ends at the load side lugs of the 800 amp main. The other contractors responsibility would be the distribution end, wether it be a panel like an iLine, or a wireway with multiple ocp tapped from the 800 amp feed.
LarryFine
Master Electrician Electric Contractor Richmond VA
- Location
- Henrico County, VA
- Occupation
- Electrical Contractor
I agree, and I would make it clear in the proposal/contract that is your intention.
And let them know you'd be happy to provide a bid to install more if they want.
kwired
Electron manager
- Location
- NE Nebraska
- Occupation
- EC
In most cases if you want a switchboard or even a larger panelboard (like I-line or similar) you get much better pricing if you order complete with branch/feeder devices rather than adding them separately after the fact. If not knowing what branch/feeders should be installed in it, might as well just put in a 800 amp fused disconnect or 800 amp breaker in individual enclosure and call it done. Let the other contractor connect whatever is needed from there.
I could see it being possible that you maybe are asked to install 800 amp service conductors and maybe a main with a determined number of say 150 or 200 amp feeder breakers and the other contractor does everything beyond that.
Another possibility depending on what you are obligated to provide is you maybe install items from utility pole/transformer to a CT cabinet and the other contractor runs everything else from there.
I could see it being possible that you maybe are asked to install 800 amp service conductors and maybe a main with a determined number of say 150 or 200 amp feeder breakers and the other contractor does everything beyond that.
Another possibility depending on what you are obligated to provide is you maybe install items from utility pole/transformer to a CT cabinet and the other contractor runs everything else from there.
So would you recommend a main distribution load center or actual switch gear?
kwired
Electron manager
- Location
- NE Nebraska
- Occupation
- EC
If they can at least specify what is needed for feeders/branches from it so you can get those devices with the initial purchase yes.
If not inform them they will pay even more to install them after the fact or at very least purchase same panelboard/switchboard with branch components then swap them in the field.
I've had this before - especially with Square D's I-line or even NF panelboards, if you need just three or four breakers chances are you are better off submitting an order with a panel to mount them in and you will get better price than for the breakers only. Switchboards - never purchased one, but are the kind of thing you also custom order and would think they really gouge you for field replacements or additions as well so why not get them with original purchase?
- Location
- Illinois
- Occupation
- retired electrician
Panelboard or switchboard, but not switchgear for 800 amps, in my opinion.
hillbilly1
Senior Member
- Location
- North Georgia mountains
- Occupation
- Owner/electrical contractor
Usually the reason behind such a request, is the landlord is paying for the service, the tenant is paying for the buildout. 800 amp switch and done. Landlord will probably not pay for anything more.
kwired
Electron manager
- Location
- NE Nebraska
- Occupation
- EC
And if you coordinate well enough nobody is paying additional costs unnecessarily.
Problem these days is nearly everyone is out for themselves and don't care about the other guy even if it takes somewhat minimal effort to work together on something like this.
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