3 phase distribution

[matt_i]

So I have 24 different machines in my shop requiring 240vac 3 phase. I started with a rotary but moved on to a digital converter.

I am curious what approved ways of powering them all would be, in a hardwired system? Practicality says I'm a 1 man shop and can only use 1 thing at a time. I could potentially run a CNC program unattended after its proven out and operate something else. But, thus far each individual machine can run on a 30a circuit or less. The Phase Perfect is capable of 60a output.

A possibility I thought of would be a 3 phase circuit panel fed by the phase perfect and then 24 circuits run in conduits out to 24 disconnects (etc). However this sounds like a holesaw into my bank account, but may be par for the course.

I'm familiar with more industrial distribution involving an overhead busway and bus-plugs going to individual needs, but that may be a little over the top as well.

Any other good solutions that meet electrical code?

 

[BillK]

How big is your shop ? Depending on the layout of your equipment you might be able to run a couple of rows of pipe or even MC or BX cable with SO cable drops to each machine ? Each of my machines are on a separate circuit but a couple of them are out in the middle of the shop and that's what I did with those. I will try to get a pic of one example later on.

 

[BillK]

Just wanted to add that I have 3 phase service so all of mine are run from the main panel.

 

[AntonLargiader]

How are you doing it now?

Seems to me that short of dragging a big extension cord around the shop, the least expensive way is to hardwire them to a 3-phase panel which acts as the disconnect for each.

 

[LXCam]

There ain't nothing says you can't run a multitude of machines off the one circuit. And as long as the breaker location adheres to the disconnect rules and or over current protection requirements then your limitation is strictly you managing your load.

Buss duct is nice but expensive. Another home made version of this is one higher amperage circuit that is tapped and then you can use the tap rules with over current protection/disconnection at each machine. I've build many a machine shop in this manor.

 

[matt_i]

Right now I have 1 circuit, PP to 3 pole fuse block armed with 30A fuses, then feeding a 3 pole distribution block (+ ground distribution also) which then feeds 4 other branches. There are a multitude of twistlocks and disconnects which all go hot at the same time in the whole shop. Everything is #10awg in conduits.

The multiple devices in parallel seems to be a code issue however I feel like it meets the test of the interrupting device (fuse block in my case) protects all of the downstream conductors.

Just looking to see if there's a better way that doesn't involve megamoney distribution hardware.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Have u talked to your poco about cost to get 3 phase??

 

[matt_i]

I never have. Its out at the county road. However since I moved 5x in the 20 years prior, all over the US I didn't want to spend big bucks for the next guy to wonder, what am I going to do with 3 phase? That's why I went with the Phase Perfect, it goes with me wherever.

 

[BillK]

The multiple devices in parallel seems to be a code issue however

Not sure exactly what you mean by this ?

 

[matt_i]

I thought that 240vac outlets/hardwired, in parallel, on the same circuit, aren't equivalent with the electrical code...

 

[wyliesdiesels]

There is no NEC code prohibiting multiple 240v outlets on the same circuit.

However, there is a code in the IBC that prohibitis doing so...

 

[matt_i]

Ok, then cool, my understanding is corrected, I'll carry on