Upsizing conductors for voltage drop

[checkthisout]

Hello. Breaker panel accepts 250mcm on feed-thru lugs but run requires 750mcm triplex aluminum wire.

What's the best way to adapt that size of conductor to those lugs?

I have found some ferrules that do just that but they are $120.00 each and would need 6 of them.

Is there any other way?

 

[Shiftless]

You must be running a hell of a lot of amps or have a super long run or both.

That wire is good for what? 300 amps?

 

[checkthisout]

You must be running a hell of a lot of amps or have a super long run or both.

That wire is good for what? 300 amps?

It's what is spec'd for 200 amps on a 350' run from the meter which will be 150' from transformer.

This **** gets expensive. I would rather do a primary extension but they won't use up the last remaining space in their junction box for a new transformer.

I would have to pay to extend the line to a new junction box, then from that box to a transformer on my property which then would also require giving them an easement which is more time, cost and headache.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

what are you running on this line? highly doubt you will be running it at max....

if you step the wire down to 500KCMIL, you will be at 3.56% VD @ maximum load (200a)

 

[alfredeneuman]

I'll bet your actual load will 100A or less.
What are you planning on running all at once?

 

[mike93lx]

A Polaris connector to get down to a smaller wire size for the connection.

Wow, looked up the pricing for that size and they may be what you already mentioned. $105 each

2-Port Black Multi-Tap Pre-Insulated Connector, 750 MCM - 1/0 AWG, Bag

Polaris Black Multi-Tap Connectors form secure connections between multiple conductors with a rounded design and UV-resistant insulation coating. Installs with a hex key and torque wrench…

www.nsiindustries.com

Polaris Insulated Multitap Connector, 3.48 In. L IT-750B | Zoro

Order Polaris Insulated Multitap Connector, 3.48 In. L, IT-750B at Zoro.com. Great prices & free shipping on orders over $50 when you sign in or sign up for an account.

www.zoro.com

Could do a split bolt and the right tape. That'll be a ton cheaper but more work

 

[Innovate1]

Wondering what size the utility ran for the 150' to the meter base... My understanding is they go by different rules and typically use smaller sizes.

 

[OccupantRJ]

Assuming this for a shop? I have had a 200 amp panel in my previous shop on it’s own meter, and now I have more equipment in play on my current 60 amp supply in my shop, and do just fine.
milling machine
lathe
drill press
6x48 belt sander
bench grinder
two vertical bandsaws
2x48 belt sander
240 volt blast cabinet
120 volt blast cabinet
TV
parts washer
horizontal band saw
2.5 ton heat pump
etc, etc.
One man can only run so much at a time.

 

[Dagny]

Business, one man show, largest motor?

 

[Dagny]

Quite often I will go with the wire that fits the lug. If there are large motors or electric heat your just gonna have to write a bigger check.

 

[alfredeneuman]

250' of 3/0 aluminum wire would be below the suggested voltage drop (3%) at 100A, but you might need 4/0 (the minimum size for 200A)

 

[wyliesdiesels]

250' of 3/0 aluminum wire would be below the suggested voltage drop (3%) at 100A, but you might need 4/0 (the minimum size for 200A)

OP said 350' not 250'

 

[rlitman]

A Polaris connector to get down to a smaller wire size for the connection.
Wow, looked up the pricing for that size and they may be what you already mentioned. $105 each
Could do a split bolt and the right tape. That'll be a ton cheaper but more work

Sure, but here's my question. What sort of panel has lugs that fit up to 250 MCM, that has enough space to handle 750 MCM and associated upsized conduit? And if you think $105 Polaris connectors are expensive, wait till you price out the upsized 1000A panel that has room for 750 MCM (not to mention the cost of breakers to fill it).

 

[mm08822]

Add an enclosure inside garage before main panel. In this enclosure add a power distribution block.

These 2 blocks shown accept 500 mcm. You could probably get away with 300 mcm.

Then connect to panel with 4/0 AL.

 

[Bert_]

At that distance I would (and have) used 350. You will either splice it in a box next to the panel or use pin reducers if you have space.

 

[alfredeneuman]

OP said 350' not 250'

Woops, I goofed again!
250kcmil for 100A, 2-250s in parallel for 200A