Feeder tap?

[papa]

I am installing power for 10 fork lift battery chargers , 480 v- 1 p , 7 amp. each. would it be correct to pull a # 6 thhn on a 70 amp. breaker and tap it to 10 fused disconnects ( fused at 10 amps ) and then to chargers?

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I am installing power for 10 fork lift battery chargers , 480 v- 1 p , 7 amp. each. would it be correct to pull a # 6 thhn on a 70 amp. breaker and tap it to 10 fused disconnects ( fused at 10 amps ) and then to chargers?

10 chargers at 7 amps apiece is 70 amps. #6 thhn is only good for 65 amps (75C)

 

[papa]

10 chargers at 7 amps apiece is 70 amps. #6 thhn is only good for 65 amps (75C)

Thanks Dennis , there are only 9 chargers I dont know why I type in 10 .

 

[charlie]

I don't see a problem except that the loads would be continuous. The feeder should be rated at 78.75 A (63 X 125%). In other words, use #4 Cu 75?C wire and an 80 ampere circuit breaker. :smile:

 

[ron]

Charlie,
In reality, I'm not sure if the chargers would stay at full load for 3 hours.

 

[charlie]

. . . I'm not sure if the chargers would stay at full load for 3 hours.

Me either; however, that question must be answered by the OP before proceeding.

 

[LarryFine]

Unless these chargers are spaced far apart, I would think a panel would make more sense in both hardware and labor.

 

[papa]

Unless these chargers are spaced far apart, I would think a panel would make more sense in both hardware and labor.

I am actually installing a 125 amp panel for the chargers , but was second guessing myself , and thinking maybe a feeder tap would be easier and more cost efficient. These chargers are being relocated from another plant and the fused disconnects are included. They are all close together.