Steris medical washer - breaker and disconnect size

[collier]

I have to run a circuit for a 208 volt 3 phase Steris brand medical washer, before i see the appliance. the cutsheet on the product only say 50 amps. The Steris company can only tell me it pulls a maximum of 50 amps and that they need a disconnect for the machine.

only knowing this small amount of information, i would assume
1. it is an appliance
2. it is not continuously loaded
3. it has a motor and a heater

what size breaker, wire, and disconnect do you think are required

would you assume it has a minimum circuit ampacity of 50 x 1.25 = 62.5, and assume it is suitable for 75 degree terminations, and assume it would require a 100 amp disconnect (sometimes it is 115% of full load or mca whichever is greater), and install on 70amp 3 pole breaker with #6 thhn/thwn?

 

[petersonra]

Re: Steris medical washer - breaker and disconnect size

Based on lack of solid information, a certain amount of conservativeness in selection of components might be in order. At least until one actually saw the unit in place.

I would not bet my last dollar that it will never run more than 3 hours at a time though.

 

[steve66]

Re: Steris medical washer - breaker and disconnect size

It will run for more than 3 hours, but the heater will probably still operate intermitentaly off a thermostat.

Still, I think your reccomendation of the 100A disconnect and all would be safe. Except it may have a maximum overcurrent protection size.

Steve