small 480 panel

[Open Neutral]

Have a case where an outbuilding ('the shed") will be ~800 ft from the main building, and needs routine generic power, i.e. say two 15 or 20A circuits. We have to run 480v to a building ("the barn") 300 ft of that distance, to run a VFD. I suggested we could extend the 480 the rest of the way to the shed, to reduce the conductors and voltage drop; and put a small stepdown in the shed.

The electrician says if we have more than that sole VFD 480 load, we'll need a 480V panelboard in the barn, and that's $800. I assume that's because most 480 panels are 3-phase, etc. Is there a less expensive solution for two single-phase 480v circuits; one for the VFD, the other for the line to the shed?

(This is in California, so the electrons must be politically correct....)

 

[augie47]

Each building must meet the requirements of Part II of Art 225.
I don't know of a reason that you could not tap off the 480v conductors outside of the barn and continue on to the shed.
How is the 480 terminating at the barn ? (Into a disconnect, etc).
In most cases the barn would have a distribution panel, etc for lighting, 120v supply, etc.

 

[tryinghard]

...(This is in California, so the electrons must be politically correct....)

LOL - that true; sad but true :grin: