Tap Fire Pump Off Utility Transformer

[Fitzdrew516]

I'm trying to get an idea of what product/tapbox/etc. is typically used to tap existing service feeders at the utility's pad mount xfmr location (i.e. prior to the main). I assume it's some type of tap box, but can it just be run off the lugs of the secondary of the transformer (If there are extras available)?

Thanks,
- Drew

 

[iwire]

Anytime I have seen it done the fire pump circuit was tapped directly off the transformer terminals.

 

[Fitzdrew516]

Anytime I have seen it done the fire pump circuit was tapped directly off the transformer terminals.

Thanks, iwire. That's how I've seen it in the past too, but I wasn't sure if there was something else that could be done because I'm not sure if there are any/enough extra terminals.

 

[kwired]

Thanks, iwire. That's how I've seen it in the past too, but I wasn't sure if there was something else that could be done because I'm not sure if there are any/enough extra terminals.

Changing those terminals to ones with more ports is likely the best option. Will require a shutdown - but that really should be done anyway even if there were spare ports.

 

[Fitzdrew516]

Changing those terminals to ones with more ports is likely the best option. Will require a shutdown - but that really should be done anyway even if there were spare ports.

Yeah. I talked to the utility yesterday and they said they used to be able to add a tap box on the transformer itself for situations like this, but they don't do it anymore because it made the bushings too heavy. I'm going to call him this morning and see if there are any other options (like the one you are suggesting).

 

[kwired]

Yeah. I talked to the utility yesterday and they said they used to be able to add a tap box on the transformer itself for situations like this, but they don't do it anymore because it made the bushings too heavy. I'm going to call him this morning and see if there are any other options (like the one you are suggesting).

That is BS. Just had the POCO install a new transformer yesterday and I seen the transformer before they installed the secondary connectors - They have to choose which connectors they want to use - the transformer doesn't come with any.

Maybe your POCO only allows certain number of conductors on each connector - but they need to realize the larger the capacity the more conductors and/or larger they likely will be.

 

[Fitzdrew516]

That is BS. Just had the POCO install a new transformer yesterday and I seen the transformer before they installed the secondary connectors - They have to choose which connectors they want to use - the transformer doesn't come with any.

Maybe your POCO only allows certain number of conductors on each connector - but they need to realize the larger the capacity the more conductors and/or larger they likely will be.

I spoke with him this morning and he said there's no way to upgrade/modify the existing set up to make it work. It looks like at this point we have 2 options

1) Upgrade the existing xfrmr from a 1000kva to a 1500kva so I can get an extra 4 cables there.

2) Either a diesel or a gas operated fire pump.

That 1000kva transformer has only been there for about a month and a half. It really would have been nice to know that the client was going to change a bunch of crap that now requires us to put in a fire pump, but now I'm just ranting

 

[kwired]

I spoke with him this morning and he said there's no way to upgrade/modify the existing set up to make it work. It looks like at this point we have 2 options

1) Upgrade the existing xfrmr from a 1000kva to a 1500kva so I can get an extra 4 cables there.

2) Either a diesel or a gas operated fire pump.

That 1000kva transformer has only been there for about a month and a half. It really would have been nice to know that the client was going to change a bunch of crap that now requires us to put in a fire pump, but now I'm just ranting

I still think your POCO guy is full of it or has an agenda.

Adding a fire pump doesn't ordinarily create a need for larger supply - if the fire pump is called upon to do it's job then other loads usually get shut down.