Multi Meter Center

[dvcraven0522]

I have a situation where I have a multi-meter center with 125 ampere meter with mains feeding individual hotel dwelling units. The problem I have is some of the units are over 500' from the meter room. If I use aluminum SER cable I am looking at about 750kcmil given the voltage drop at 208V, 1 phase feeders. Any suggestions on how I might reduce the size of these feeders. I am still a little over 3% even at 750al.

 

[LarryFine]

Better distribution with additional meter rooms?

 

[BillyMac59]

Step-up then step-down transformers would allow smaller conductors....

 

[infinity]

You basically have two choices, run large enough conductors for the desired VD compensation or redesign the system for shorter feeders. If 750's aren't large enough you can look at using two sets of parallel conductors.

 

[augie47]

Not sure why the difference but when I run the calculations I come up with conductors closer to 500 or parallel 4/0s and that's using the full 125 amp whereas your calculated load may be less.

 

[dvcraven0522]

Well the my engineering supervisor decided to let the contractor use 5%VD on the feeder and use 80% of the 125ampere breaker to reduce the feeders to 250kcmil. Not sure I am ok with that. Oh well.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

What amperage are you basing this on.... Is the unit really going to use 125 amps. Do a calculation and size the feeder to the calculated load not 125 amps

 

[Ragin Cajun]

Base your voltage drop on the estimated DEMAND! That's realistic.