Portable Cord

Status
Not open for further replies.
E

enosez

Member
I admit that I am at a loss.

We are doing a temporary power and have the following situation:

15kw portable gas generator that is rated at 125 amps.
We were looking to hook it up with so cord #2 3 conductor or 1/0 3 conductor Type "w" cable.

Homeowner wants it for temp power in the event of power failure. Originally spec it with a 200 amp double throw switch with pin and sleeve connectors but the price was way too high for him.

Second solution was to backfeed a 100 amp breaker on the panel and use the main breaker interlock kit for the GE panel. Is the #2 SO cord rated for 100 amps or do we have to go with the 1/0.

I've looked in the NEC but again, I'm at a loss.
 
enosez said:
Is the #2 SO cord rated for 100 amps or do we have to go with the 1/0.

I've looked in the NEC but again, I'm at a loss.
Click to expand...

2005 NEC...
Note 4 to T400.4 states:
Types G, G-GC, S, SC, SCE, SCT, SE, SEO, SEOO, SO, SOO, ST, STO, STOO, PPE, and W shall be permitted for use on theater stages, in garages, and elsewhere where flexible cords are permitted by this Code.
Click to expand...

400.8(1) does not allow cords to used as a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure or be attached to buildings(400.8(4)


T400.5(A) shows the ampacity of a #2 SO as 80A (Col A+)
 
celtic said:
400.8(1) does not allow cords to used as a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure or be attached to buildings(400.8(4)
Click to expand...
In other words, you can't land the cord in the panel. You need to change over to an approved fixed wiring method where the need for flexibility ends, such as a junction box or power inlet.
 
400.5(b)

400.5(b)

T400.5(A) shows the ampacity of a #2 SO as 80A (Col A+)[/QUOTE]

He asked about type "W" cord --- Table T400.5(B). I belive the correct ampacity would be 133A for a #2/3C.
 
hardworkingstiff said:
But if you buy a piece of #2 W cable, T400.5(B) lets you load it over 130-amps (75c column F). Go figure.
Click to expand...
AKELECT said:
He asked about type "W" cord --- Table T400.5(B). I belive the correct ampacity would be 133A for a #2/3C.
Click to expand...



enosez said:
We were looking to hook it up with so cord #2 3 conductor or 1/0 3 conductor Type "w" cable.

Is the #2 SO cord rated for 100 amps or do we have to go with the 1/0.
Click to expand...
SO & SOW are not listed in T400.5(B)

SO & SOW are in T400.5(A)
 
Correct me if I am wrong (and I know you will):grin: but a 15kw gen. works out to be 62.5 amps (240v.) It dose work out at 125 amp at 120v.
 
Thanks for your replies.

After a short conversation, we won't be doing this job but all of your help was appreciated.

Its amazing how much you realize that I dont know.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top