temp genset to main SS

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mstrlucky74

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Have to get power from temp generator to a 1600A main service switch to temporarily power panels/loads. Would cam cables connect right from genset to service switch? Not sure of setup.Thanks.
 
If the temp gen comes with cam connectors, then it is a good choice.

If you need to connect, disconnect and connect again several times, then cam connectors are a good choice.

If you have a one time connection and disconnection, then just use regualr wire from end to end. The cam connectors at that ampacity will be costly.
 
mstrlucky74 said:
Have to get power from temp generator to a 1600A main service switch to temporarily power panels/loads. Would cam cables connect right from genset to service switch? Not sure of setup.Thanks.
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We use them all of the time for load bank testing. You can rent them, maybe even from the company providing the generator.
 
The swbd is 1600a, what size is the generator? If you're supplying the entire normal load (say, 400kva @ 120/208v), generator of that size may (is likely?) to have bus-bars (add your own lugs). One rental place told me I could assume that below about 200kva it'll probably have camlocks and above would be bars.

ron said:
If you have a one time connection and disconnection, then just use regular wire from end to end. The cam connectors at that ampacity will be costly.
Click to expand...

Buying or renting? Unless I had a continuing use, I'd rent the stuff (well, I almost always rent and have delivered to the job site). Also IMHO, fine-strand type SC with camlocks is easier to work with than THHN.
 
zbang said:
The swbd is 1600a, what size is the generator? If you're supplying the entire normal load (say, 400kva @ 120/208v), generator of that size may (is likely?) to have bus-bars (add your own lugs). One rental place told me I could assume that below about 200kva it'll probably have camlocks and above would be bars.



Buying or renting? Unless I had a continuing use, I'd rent the stuff (well, I almost always rent and have delivered to the job site). Also IMHO, fine-strand type SC with camlocks is easier to work with than THHN.
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Thanks.
 
mstrlucky74 said:
Obviously the cam end can't connect to the service switch, correct? So are there cams at the genset side only?
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I assume this is a short-term deal under Art. 590.

Rental cables are generally camlock at both ends (M & F). If the equipment at either end doesn't have camloks, you use bare-end-to-camlok pigtails of the appropriate gender (a standard item). You'll also need lugs rated for fine-strand cable (although I'm not sold on mechanically how necessary they are, I've also seen someone slip a penny under the set-screw....wasn't me).

An order for 600a running 100' from bus-bars to bus-bars might be (100' * 5 wires sets * 2 sets):
(10) bare-end to female camlok pigtail (aka "line-side tails")
(20) 50' 4/0 M/F camlok cable
(10) bare-end to male camlok pigtail (aka "load-side tails")
(lotsa) lugs & bolts :D (unless you lift any existing connections and use those lugs)
(color-marking tape; sometimes all you get is black cable)

If you're going along the ground, don't forget cable protectors where needed; would need two sets in the example since it's really hard to fit two 4/0's into one channel. Or you build a bridge over the cables.

Assuming that you're renting a "portable" generator for this and don't want the hassle, the generator company should have everything and you could just sub it all to them; doubtless they've done this sort of thing a time or two.
 
zbang said:
I assume this is a short-term deal under Art. 590.

Rental cables are generally camlock at both ends (M & F). If the equipment at either end doesn't have camloks, you use bare-end-to-camlok pigtails of the appropriate gender (a standard item). You'll also need lugs rated for fine-strand cable (although I'm not sold on mechanically how necessary they are, I've also seen someone slip a penny under the set-screw....wasn't me).

An order for 600a running 100' from bus-bars to bus-bars might be (100' * 5 wires sets * 2 sets):
(10) bare-end to female camlok pigtail (aka "line-side tails")
(20) 50' 4/0 M/F camlok cable
(10) bare-end to male camlok pigtail (aka "load-side tails")
(lotsa) lugs & bolts :D (unless you lift any existing connections and use those lugs)
(color-marking tape; sometimes all you get is black cable)

If you're going along the ground, don't forget cable protectors where needed; would need two sets in the example since it's really hard to fit two 4/0's into one channel. Or you build a bridge over the cables.

Assuming that you're renting a "portable" generator for this and don't want the hassle, the generator company should have everything and you could just sub it all to them; doubtless they've done this sort of thing a time or two.
Click to expand...

Thanks, very helpful.
 
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