MCC vs panelboard feed for pumps 1

[tapankatwala]

Hello,

I wanted to understand when to use panelboard to feed motor loads v/s MCC. There are about 10-12, fractional to 2 hp, 1-phase, 208V, pumps which needs power in a heating system design. These pumps have ECMs and hence wouldn't need starter, but would require control via BAS. The total motor load is around 9,000 - 10,000 watts. Each pump would require a dedicated disconnect switch within line of sight.

I wanted to inquire about the best practice feeding options for these pumps. I thought if I could consider MCC then all the disconnects (with hand-off-auto) could be installed in one location instead of running feeds from panelboard to separate disconnects. MCCs usually seem to have min. bus rating of 600A, so I wanted to inquire if such MCCs would have lug rating of approx. 60A or so I could feed the MCC via appropriately sized feeder (#6 AWG) and 60A breaker from a central distribution panel.

I'd appreciate your insights.

Thank you.

 

[resqcapt19]

I am sure you could specify the lug size when you order the MCC. They are typically mechanical lugs bolted to the bus.

 

[TugboatEng]

I think the most economical approach would be to utilize a distribution panel, mount all of your hand/off/auto switches on a single standalone enclosure, and install an IEC type enclosed disconnect switch at each motor location.

 

[jraef]

MCCs are for 3 phase motors, I don’t believe anyone makes them with single phase starters.

And yes, 600A bus is the smallest (with 309A vertical bus in each section). It’s very expensive to attain UL listing of MCCs, the market for smaller sizes does not warrant the cost to test and list them.

I would just use a panelboard.


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