Temperature termination for soow

[Jpflex]

How would I determine SOOW cord temperature per rated amperes?

I know the #2 AWG SOOW is rated between 80 to 95 amperes before temp correction derating and conductor bundling and our SOOW insulation is rated 90 degrees at these ampacities.

However, as boss wants to use SOOW as a feeder from 100 amp breaker main, according to code I must terminate on what the final breaker is rated for, whether it’s rated 60 degrees or 75 degrees Celsius or 60 degrees when circuit is 100 amperes or less.

This means I must use a larger size conductor to dissipate heat for 60 to 70 degrees.


Although SOOW doesn’t appear to go beyond 95 amperes how would I determine the right size SOOW conductor for a specific ampacity at either a 60 degree or 75 degree rating as I would with standard wire such as THHN per NEC table 310.16? Thanks

 

[jim dungar]

It is likely that a lug on a breaker is not rated for the fine stranding of flexible cords.

I think all breakers, in the past 30-40 years, have 75°C rated terminations.

 

[zbang]

how would I determine...

Table 400.5(A)(1)

But, do you really need 100 amps? If not, can you change the breaker for a smaller one or install a smaller one in separate box at the feed end? Then you can run a smaller (and cheaper) size. Depending on site conditions, you may be better off and spend less $$$ by running some S40 PVC and pulling THHN into it.

 

[Jpflex]

Table 400.5(A)(1)

But, do you really need 100 amps? If not, can you change the breaker for a smaller one or install a smaller one in separate box at the feed end? Then you can run a smaller (and cheaper) size. Depending on site conditions, you may be better off and spend less $$$ by running some S40 PVC and pulling THHN into it.

Yea I know but I work at a mine and boss is not an electrician so this was his brainstorming.

Apparently he assured me he had enough ampacity at service 35KVA to add 3 more 100 amp breakers at main panel load center to parallel out using SOOW as underground direct burial feeders (Not legal) to another 3 more sub panels.

A 35KVA Single split phase 240 volt service yields under 146 amperes total. So again he’s it appears he’s BS

 

[zbang]

Two things-
Do MSHA rules apply?
He can add as many 100 amp breakers as will fit, doesn't mean the main won't trip .

The boss ought to leave the electrical stuff to the electrician, but I think we all knew that.

 

[Jpflex]

That’s what i

Two things-
Do MSHA rules apply?
He can add as many 100 amp breakers as will fit, doesn't mean the main won't trip .

The boss ought to leave the electrical stuff to the electrician, but I think we all knew that.

That’s what I was going to ask next lol. Can msha override nec?

 

[kwired]

That’s what i


That’s what I was going to ask next lol. Can msha override nec?

With mining isn't MSHA what you follow in nearly all cases, NEC kind of non existent in mines AFAIK.

 

[roger]

That’s what i


That’s what I was going to ask next lol. Can msha override nec?

As you were told in this thread, the NEC doesn't have any say in mines. You need to get the MSHA codes to reference.

 

[Jpflex]

As you were told in this thread, the NEC doesn't have any say in mines. You need to get the MSHA codes to reference.

Ok I didn’t know there was an msha code book for electrical

 

[kwired]

Ok I didn’t know there was an msha code book for electrical

I don't know enough about how MSHA works, might just be an electrical section within what they have.

My understanding it kind of supersedes OSHA in many aspects as well.