Distribution Inquiry

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Mr. Sparkles

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Location
Northern California
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Electromagician
Hello,
I have a 125 MQ that will be set to single phase 240 to power a weed facility. There a 4 rooms in the building each with a 200 amp distribution. 2 rooms will be on at a time with the load around 225 amps. I am curious to all the engineers out there about using terminal blocks. Instead of having a custom panel board built for distribution, would it be ok to use terminal blocks installed inside a can? I would have a block for each phase that would have 1 hole on the top for the wire from generator (350 mcm) and 4 on the bottom (3/0, one for each room) to feed out to each 200 amp load center. Never really used the power distribution blocks before so unsure of the typical application but would like to know how bad and illegal this is.
I drew up a picture showing what is going on for clarity in explanation, but this website never allows me to attach files for some reason.
 
I don't know what you mean by "125 MQ." But I am concerned that your description does not mention overcurrent protection. Can you tell us how the conductors would be protected against overcurrent?
 
You have (4) 200A panels, each with a load being 225A??? This sounds a little sketchy... so I would recommend you contact an engineering firm in your area, unless you can provide clear information of what you are looking for.
 
I interpreted the description as meaning that only 2 of the 4 panels would be carrying load at any given moment, and that the total load between the 2 panels was 225 amps. Is that correct?
 
charlie b said:
I interpreted the description as meaning that only 2 of the 4 panels would be carrying load at any given moment, and that the total load between the 2 panels was 225 amps. Is that correct?
Click to expand...
That was my interpretation. If so it comes down to what overcurrent protection if any is there between generator and the "terminal block" and then if there is any feeder tap violations between the "terminal block" and each 200 amp panel
 
Mr. Sparkles said:
Hello,
I have a 125 MQ that will be set to single phase 240 to power a weed facility. There a 4 rooms in the building each with a 200 amp distribution. 2 rooms will be on at a time with the load around 225 amps. I am curious to all the engineers out there about using terminal blocks. Instead of having a custom panel board built for distribution, would it be ok to use terminal blocks installed inside a can? I would have a block for each phase that would have 1 hole on the top for the wire from generator (350 mcm) and 4 on the bottom (3/0, one for each room) to feed out to each 200 amp load center. Never really used the power distribution blocks before so unsure of the typical application but would like to know how bad and illegal this is.
I drew up a picture showing what is going on for clarity in explanation, but this website never allows me to attach files for some reason.
Click to expand...
No, just get some panel boards and be done with it. They aren't that expensive. Sounds like off the shelf load center may work depending on some details.
 
I think I misunderstood what you were proposing, sorry. It may be possible to tap to 4 main breaker panels, per the tap rules mentioned, but essentially they would need to be close together because you would likely be limited to a Max of 25' of conductor between the tap and the breaker.

Something else to think about is use two of the panels with feed thru lugs and use those lugs to feed another panel that is on opposite times. Then you just need two feeder taps
 
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