Contractor questions

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anbm

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1. We want to run (2) sets of 4#600KCM copper, 1#3G, 4" EMT for a distance of 300 feet from elec. rm-A to elec. rm-B. Estimate how much does it cost including labor cost? Are there any free online electrical estimate calculators that we can use?

2. We have 4,000A main CB SWBD, 480V-3PH, 4W. We want to add 1,200A breaker (the swbd already has space for 1,200A CB). Can electrician install this breaker without shutdown the main? Usually, how long does it take to complete this work? I assume they must have special certificate to do this "hot" work? What is it?
 
anbm said:
1. We want to run (2) sets of 4#600KCM copper, 1#3G, 4" EMT for a distance of 300 feet from elec. rm-A to elec. rm-B. Estimate how much does it cost including labor cost?
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I bet you have about $25,000 just in copper.
 
anbm said:
2. We have 4,000A main CB SWBD, 480V-3PH, 4W. We want to add 1,200A breaker (the swbd already has space for 1,200A CB). Can electrician install this breaker without shutdown the main? Usually, how long does it take to complete this work? I assume they must have special certificate to do this "hot" work? What is it?
Click to expand...

Assuming this is draw out type, not bolt in. There is no need to shut off the main, and no certification required. However, the person doing the work will need to be familiar with the equipment, and any interlocks, wear the proper PPE (HRC 4 per 70E tables), and be 70E trained (And deemed "Qualified" by the employer). The breaker should be tested before installation to ensure it is safe to energize. Make sure the breaker you have is 4 wire, not 3 wire or you will not have GF protection.

If this is bolt in switchgear, forget everything I said, shutdown andlockout the system before install.
 
Correction: (3) sets of 600kCM, 3/0G, 4"C in parallel. The added breaker is draw out type. Thanks!
 
Not knowing any specifics about the facility your probably looking at just over $100K just for the pipe and wire install. (Not the breaker install)
 
anbm said:
1. We want to run (2) sets of 4#600KCM copper, 1#3G, 4" EMT for a distance of 300 feet from elec. rm-A to elec. rm-B. Estimate how much does it cost including labor cost? Are there any free online electrical estimate calculators that we can use?
Click to expand...

you are looking at 1000' of 4" steeltube, and racking.
depends on where you are running it, but if it's just
overhead in an accessable factory, scissor lift territory,
call it 3 days to pipe, 1 day for 3 guys to pull.
1 day for 1 guy to make it up

so:
7 days labor at the shops rate
cost of materials
markup on materials
shops profit

it's gonna be a bunch. last i heard 600's were $11 a foot.
that's $44k for the wire, not including the ground wire.


randy
 
Is there any way this could be done with Al. conductors? That is just about all we use anymore and it works great as long as it is installed and terminated properly. Keep in mind that I am a utility guy. :smile:
 
charlie said:
Is there any way this could be done with Al. conductors? That is just about all we use anymore and it works great as long as it is installed and terminated properly. Keep in mind that I am a utility guy. :smile:
Click to expand...
And your middle name is ACSR. :grin:
 
anbm said:
Correction: (3) sets of 600kCM, 3/0G, 4"C in parallel. The added breaker is draw out type. Thanks!
Click to expand...

I have a pricing spreadsheet from Southwire that indexes wire and cable costs to the commodity price of copper, but it only goes up to 500 kcmil. I plugged in your wire needs as 500s instead of 600s and it came out to $27,620 for XHHW insulation. Copper prices have been free falling lately though, so don't buy until you have to.
 
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