Panel reading

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mstrlucky74

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How do you perform a 30-day current reading on a panel? Is it best to get a testing company involved with that? Thank you

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mstrlucky74 said:
How do you perform a 30-day current reading on a panel? Is it best to get a testing company involved with that? Thank you

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You could do it yourself if you are qualified and know what you’re doing. If you don’t mind me asking... why do you need a 30 day reading?


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Xptpcrewx said:
You could do it yourself if you are qualified and know what you’re doing. If you don’t mind me asking... why do you need a 30 day reading?
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Xptpcrewx said:
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There is a requirement in the NEC (Cant reember the section) that if the load is unknown on a panel 30 day metering can be used to determine the load.



I have used these:

http://www.dranetz.com/power-quality-analyzers/
http://www.dranetz.com/product-services/current-dranetz-products/powerxplorer-px5-400/

A little pain to set up, just make sure you take into account loads such as heaters or coolers that may or may not turn on.
 
POCO Smart meters are changing things. I had a customer ask about upgrading his service for a single day of the year event. The POCO could tell me precisely when their peak usage was and the current of each phase at that time. I'm not sure if that would meet the NEC requirements but it would be something to ask the AHJ and POCO about.
 
We do it ourselves. We actually just purchased a new DM-5 so we can do power and quality analysis. If you do not have the equipment we used intellirent(i put a link below). They have a good selection and are pretty affordable. They come with a laptop setup for your download and one day shipping.

http://www.intellirentco.com/


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Xptpcrewx said:
You could do it yourself if you are qualified and know what you’re doing. If you don’t mind me asking... why do you need a 30 day reading?


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Section 220.87 Exception


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Xptpcrewx said:
You could do it yourself if you are qualified and know what you’re doing. If you don’t mind me asking... why do you need a 30 day reading?


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Actually saw it on estimate document I was reviewing ....they didn't give reason ..just asked for it to be done.

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Checking w/ POCO is definitely the way to go - free and doesn't take 30 days. . . if you're talking about a subpanel though, and not the service/MDP, then guess you're back to 30 day measuring.
 
mstrlucky74 said:
How much do these run ballpark?? Is the setup/wiring involved? Thanks

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The one we used was about $300 for 30 days. It takes about 1-2 hours setup, this setting parameters and figuring out how to use it. I think we were charging 800 for thirty days. Remember to leave enough time for you to dig through all the data, and it is a lot!


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Back on this subject but different job. Have 3 different meters on 3 different panels. Is this a " set it and forget it" type of deal to setup the meters and walk way? What about( as it says) taking meter reading every 15 minutes? Is that done automatically by setting the meter to do it? Thanks.
 

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Yes it is. Most of them can capture 30+ days of data if set at 15 minutes and you are only reading voltage and current. You can setup on on the feed for the three meters and it will record all phases simultaneously.

Depending on the equipment setup usually takes an hour. Then about another hour to remove and close up any holes. Going through the reports can be hours depending on what you’re looking for. These meters generate both graphs and table with your min/max volts and amps. It has been sufficient for any load readings that our engineers have ever wanted.


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ElectricMatt said:
Yes it is. Most of them can capture 30+ days of data if set at 15 minutes and you are only reading voltage and current. You can setup on on the feed for the three meters and it will record all phases simultaneously.

Depending on the equipment setup usually takes an hour. Then about another hour to remove and close up any holes. Going through the reports can be hours depending on what you’re looking for. These meters generate both graphs and table with your min/max volts and amps. It has been sufficient for any load readings that our engineers have ever wanted.


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Thanks.
 
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