Adding 50A load to 125A panel?

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J

JoJo8

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Existing 125A 3ph panel connected to switchgear (125A disconnect at switch panel). Has 2x30A(3ph), 50A(3ph), and a few 20A(1ph) loads. 50A load runs pretty much full-time.

Need to run another 50A(3ph) load which will also run full-time.

Considering installing 50A breaker in existing panel, running #6 wire to a subpanel, and installing 50A breaker there to provide power to machine.

Wire length between panels ~80 ft.

Comments? Suggestions?

Thanks,
JJ
 
Re: Adding 50A load to 125A panel?

It seems to me you are approaching the limits of what this panel can provide, current wise. i think you need a bigger feed.
 
Re: Adding 50A load to 125A panel?

the proper way to determine if there is enough capacity is to do a load calculation on the existing circuits. i know of one building that used the ampprobe methode -- one day they had a fire and when the building's smoke fans were called for they lost the generator and the smoke fan's feeder breaker........
 
Re: Adding 50A load to 125A panel?

Can you increase the feed to the subpanel to 150A. (what size feeder wire, and what is panel rating.)

Safest but most difficult way is to try to get some data on loads. Amp readings over a few weeks would be great. (Or at least one reading with everything running.)

Without that, its a shot in the dark. If the 125 disconnect trips, is it the end of the world. If so, don't take the chance.
 
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