GFIC Protection on Power factor Correction Equipment
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Re: GFIC Protection on Power factor Correction Equipment
I assume you are talking about "GFCI" or a "Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter". I have also heard it called "GFI" for "Ground Fault Interrupter". However, "GFIC" is a new one to me.
I don't see any exceptions in the code for power correction equipment. However, if you have a 1000 amp feeder, isn't there a 1000 amp service that already has a GFCI on it? 215.10 exception #3 states "The provisions of this section shall not apply if ground -fault protection of equipment is provided on the supply side of the feeder." Thus, if the service is protected, I don't think you need additional protection. (Healthcare is an exception to this)
You might also consider dividing the capacitors and feeders into a couple smaller 800 amp units.
1000 amps seems like a lot for PF correction. My first impulse would be to say if your PF is 0.8 for example, you would only need 20% of the load ampacity to run to the capacitor. In other words, a 1000 amp feeder to a capacitor would correct a 5000 amp load. Or am I missing something?
Steve
I assume you are talking about "GFCI" or a "Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter". I have also heard it called "GFI" for "Ground Fault Interrupter". However, "GFIC" is a new one to me.
I don't see any exceptions in the code for power correction equipment. However, if you have a 1000 amp feeder, isn't there a 1000 amp service that already has a GFCI on it? 215.10 exception #3 states "The provisions of this section shall not apply if ground -fault protection of equipment is provided on the supply side of the feeder." Thus, if the service is protected, I don't think you need additional protection. (Healthcare is an exception to this)
You might also consider dividing the capacitors and feeders into a couple smaller 800 amp units.
1000 amps seems like a lot for PF correction. My first impulse would be to say if your PF is 0.8 for example, you would only need 20% of the load ampacity to run to the capacitor. In other words, a 1000 amp feeder to a capacitor would correct a 5000 amp load. Or am I missing something?
Steve
Re: GFIC Protection on Power factor Correction Equipment
GFIC? How is the referrence to ground fault protection being defined? This is an interesting point in that are you referring to class 1 or 2, 5ma or 30ma. Or, take a look at 2002 NEC art 430-52 where (A)General states " The motor branch-circuit short-circuit and ground-fault protective device shall comply with 430.52(B) and either 430.52(C) or (D), as applicable.
430-52 refers to ground fault but is uses the short circuit capability of the OCPD for phase to ground faults which includes fuses, TM and instantaneous trip circuit breakers.
One could misinterpret that as class 1 or 2 protection as you also may be with regards to PFCCs.
Art 460(B)Overcurrent Protection, does say that an OCPD shall be provided. But, a separate OCPD isn't required when the PFCC is located on the load side of the motor OLPD. If we go back to 430-52 the OLPD refers to ground fault protection.
GFIC? How is the referrence to ground fault protection being defined? This is an interesting point in that are you referring to class 1 or 2, 5ma or 30ma. Or, take a look at 2002 NEC art 430-52 where (A)General states " The motor branch-circuit short-circuit and ground-fault protective device shall comply with 430.52(B) and either 430.52(C) or (D), as applicable.
430-52 refers to ground fault but is uses the short circuit capability of the OCPD for phase to ground faults which includes fuses, TM and instantaneous trip circuit breakers.
One could misinterpret that as class 1 or 2 protection as you also may be with regards to PFCCs.
Art 460(B)Overcurrent Protection, does say that an OCPD shall be provided. But, a separate OCPD isn't required when the PFCC is located on the load side of the motor OLPD. If we go back to 430-52 the OLPD refers to ground fault protection.
Re: GFIC Protection on Power factor Correction Equipment
I think the reference he is looking at is 215.10. If it is a wye system it is most likely required if delta it isn't. Most motor feeders are delta. Then again I am just guessing as to which system they have.
[ September 23, 2003, 01:19 PM: Message edited by: mclain ]
I think the reference he is looking at is 215.10. If it is a wye system it is most likely required if delta it isn't. Most motor feeders are delta. Then again I am just guessing as to which system they have.
[ September 23, 2003, 01:19 PM: Message edited by: mclain ]
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