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  1. nhcf

    Starting Large 480 VAC motors DOL with Switchgear Breaker

    Thanks for your response, this is consistent with my thinking. All of the motor applications where I've seen this design have been older (50+ year) installations and it was not clear to me that it was still a prudent design approach. Loads will not be stopped / started frequently, and 125 VDC...
  2. nhcf

    Starting Large 480 VAC motors DOL with Switchgear Breaker

    We are looking at project specs which are specifying new 480 VAC switchgear that will control several larger HP (125 - 300 HP) motors directly across the line using the switchgear breakers and not via an MCC with motor starters/contactors. I am more familiar with motor starter construction -...
  3. nhcf

    Distribution system voltage drop (480 VAC) during motor start

    Thanks everyone. Good info and feedback to review.
  4. nhcf

    Distribution system voltage drop (480 VAC) during motor start

    Is there an IEEE or similar standard for recommended max voltage drop on a 480 V distribution system during a motor start? I'm evaluating options for reduced voltage/soft start/VFD start for an existing installation - we can figure out what the transient voltage is, but I'm not sure of what...
  5. nhcf

    General question about customer owned transformer HV protection

    In the one primary metered configuration that I did a preliminary design for - I included gang-operated switch w/cutouts at the service point to comply with 230.205. The contractor disagreed that it was needed since most secondary metered services do not have that. Someone else ended up doing...
  6. nhcf

    Is there an issue supplying a 3-phase 4-wire service AND a 3-wire service from the same xfmr?

    Is the existing installation actually a service? Doesn't 250.24(C) require grounded conductor (neutral) pulled to service equipment? The Green wires accomplish this, but I'd think they would be 'white' wires up to the service equipment. If its a service.
  7. nhcf

    Low Voltage Small Motors in Hazardous Area - Anti condensation Heaters

    NEC 501.125 lists the requirements for motor heaters in hazardous locations (if is a Class I location)
  8. nhcf

    In an arc flash calc at an MCC - do you "Include Main" or "Exclude Main"?

    Even if you include the MCB - under what scenarios would you be assigning different labels to different buckets?
  9. nhcf

    "Free air" ampacities in the 2020 NEC are now not valid for wire internal to a panel?

    Is the interior of the panel governed by the NEC? Or is it a UL 508 panel. I am not fluent in UL508 to know if the ampacity limits are different
  10. nhcf

    Ground Grid Study for existing plant facility

    From the tagnames and configuration shown on the one-line I am pretty sure I know the plant this work is being performed at and agree that a grounding study requirement would be unusual for that size/type of plant, but there are many things unusual about that plant. Hopefully MCC upgrades are...
  11. nhcf

    Inserting vendor submittal drawings into overall design drawing package

    Our approach would be as mentioned by xnuke - keep vendor drawings as vendor drawings, and create interconnect/installation drawings for the field installation that reference the vendor drawings. In some instances the client may want loop termination drawings that end up duplicating information...
  12. nhcf

    Diesel Standby Generator - Life Expectancy

    Great feedback. Thanks everyone for your responses.
  13. nhcf

    Diesel Standby Generator - Life Expectancy

    Can anyone point to a good reference to evaluate life expectancy of diesel engine-driven generator in an industrial, standby application? We have a 750 kW unit. I have seen some reference suggesting 10000 - 20000 hours, depending on quality of maintenance, frequency of operation, loading...
  14. nhcf

    SIL2 motor interlocks

    Thanks Jraef - Are the safety contactors you describe the starters? Or interposing relays in the control circuit - i'm trying to determine the bounds of the SIL system - whether it stops at the control circuit, or at the motor contactor. I am used to seeing SIL applied to valves/solenoids...
  15. nhcf

    SIL2 motor interlocks

    We have an application which requires SIL2 motor interlocks - to prevent 2 pumps running simultaneously. My experience with SIL systems is limited to process instruments, not necessarily motor starters - is there such a thing as SIL-rated motor contactors/starters?
  16. nhcf

    Can someone think of a way to REDUCE the HIGH ARC FLASH numbers for this design?

    in the context of an arc flash study, how does the arc-shield MCC affect the IE levels? Does it allow you to credit the main circuit breaker? Does it allow for reduced IE levels at the bucket due to its construction? While it is likely safer, does it buy you anything when performing an...
  17. nhcf

    Generator Reactances

    yes, that makes sense. thanks, waross.
  18. nhcf

    Generator Reactances

    We have a standby generator - 480/277 V. The vendor has provided p.u. reactance data for a 139/240 configuration. I should be able to convert the p.u. to ohms and back to 480, correct? I am uncertain as to how the windings are reconfigured in the 480 application - is it as simple as doubling...
  19. nhcf

    Distance between overhead power line and hazardous (ATEX) area

    You might look in the standards associated with the propane installation rather than the electrical standards. For instance NFPA 58 in the USA says that a LPG container cannot be located within 6' of the vertical plane beneath overhead electric power lines that are over 600V.

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