Wiring up a new shop - questions about sizing

[GoodStuff]

The structure is up for my new pole barn. 40x60 with an additional 240 sq ft in the rear to house my compressor/dust collector/etc. and so I can have a small area dedicated to spraying.

I plan to run a CNC router at some point and have a 25hp 3-phase converter and a step up converter to run 480v. I had 200 amp service in the past and it worked - but in the new shop I have added hydronic heat (electric - no natural gas in my area and propane is expensive here).

I am thinking of running 320 amp service to 2 200 amp boxes. Need to know what size wire I should run to carry the load. My electric company has already approved this, and are paying to switch the transformer, but I am responsible for the service wiring and etc. Any help is appreciated. I have pulled a homeowners electric permit and would rather spend money on supplies instead of hiring an electrician.

 

[GoodStuff]

Forgot to add. The trench is 130' so will need approx. 150' of service wire.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Geez the weez.

400a for home shop?

How many people you gonna have working in there at the same time?

Other than the CNC and heat what equipment will you have?

Is 3 phase available from the PoCo?

Have you done load calcs?

 

[Bretny]

Some times its not worth running or 3ph isnt available. And im sure he dosnt want to cut him self short right off the bat.

 

[Buickspec6231]

GoodStuff, I just ran the same setup. 320 amp meter, to two 200 amp disconnects. One disconnect into a 200 amp panel into the barn and the second 200 amp panel for my future residence. Secondary service from the pole to the disconnects was done in 500 aluminum and runs about 250' underground in 3" conduit. I'll go check what size wire runs from the disconnects up to the barn (an additional 150' underground).

 

[GoodStuff]

Thank you for the responses. Ran the cables in the ground yesterday. Went with 4/0 aluminum, ran parallel in 2 sets of 3" conduit. Purchased 2 - 200 amp boxes and a 320 amp meter base. In response to wyliesdiesels, Bretney is correct, it's not that I have to have the extra power right now, but at some point in the future I don't want to be wishing I would have. A little extra now may save me thousands later.

Next up - wiring the shop

 

[WIKDRacing]

Nice. I have a similar set up in my 40x60 as I wanted to squeeze as much power out of the electric company as they would allow the first time.

I have 200amp panels, one on each side of the shop with a main 200amp disconnect feeding the second from the commercial meter box on the exterior.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Thank you for the responses. Ran the cables in the ground yesterday. Went with 4/0 aluminum, ran parallel in 2 sets of 3" conduit. Purchased 2 - 200 amp boxes and a 320 amp meter base. In response to wyliesdiesels, Bretney is correct, it's not that I have to have the extra power right now, but at some point in the future I don't want to be wishing I would have. A little extra now may save me thousands later.

Next up - wiring the shop

how did you come up with parallel 4/0 al?

 

[jeepxj]

only 400a? I would have just gotta a 600a base. can't be too sure.

actually 2 - 600a units would be better for expansion needs.

 

[GoodStuff]

Would love to take credit for being smart enough to figure out what passes code - an electrician friend of mine recommended the two 4/0 lines

 

[wyliesdiesels]

only 400a? I would have just gotta a 600a base. can't be too sure.

actually 2 - 600a units would be better for expansion needs.

600a base?

You mean CT cabinet and ct meter pan?

Most PoCos switch to CT metering above 400a and some even do CTs for 400a.

 

[GoodStuff]

I can only assume Jeep is making a funny... I am pretty sure what I am installing already is overkill.

The shop guys finished leveling the gravel yesterday, and all is ready so if I can find time this weekend I will be installing 2"XPS and radiant! Excited to be making some progress on the new shop. One of my family members is an electrician and is coming in for Christmas... going to put him to work helping with the meter base, cabinets, and generally getting the electric on par.

 

[jeepxj]

600a base?

You mean CT cabinet and ct meter pan?

Most PoCos switch to CT metering above 400a and some even do CTs for 400a.

yea i'd have the POCO install 2 of them.