Wye 3 phase to single phase distribution woes

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges of converting a three-phase 240V circuit to three single-phase 120V circuits for field applications. Participants explore technical aspects of wiring, panelboard configurations, and load balancing in the context of a UPS system.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their setup involving a 125 amp, 240V three-phase circuit feeding a 30 kVA UPS through a delta/wye transformer, and seeks feedback on creating three single-phase 120V circuits.
  • Another participant suggests using single-phase circuit breakers in the panelboard to supply single-phase power from one of the phases brought into the board.
  • A participant mentions the need to run AWG 4 stranded copper wire over long distances to reduce voltage drop and inquires about panelboards that can accept a three-wire three-phase main while providing balanced single-phase outputs.
  • Another contributor confirms that the described configuration is common, noting that balanced loads depend on the timing of equipment operation.
  • One participant raises the concern about load balancing, suggesting that spreading loads as equally as possible is important, and mentions the potential consideration of three-phase equipment.
  • A participant discusses using equal transformers for the 120V feeds and questions whether a different UPS configuration would be more effective for their needs.
  • Another participant reassures that a 1 kVA load is unlikely to cause significant balance issues, acknowledging that some imbalance is always present.
  • A later reply confirms the existence of 208Y/120V panelboards with the necessary configurations for neutral and ground bus bars.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the best approach to achieve the desired single-phase circuits, with no clear consensus on the optimal solution or configuration. The discussion includes both agreement on common practices and differing views on load balancing and equipment choices.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the importance of balancing loads and the challenges associated with long-distance wiring, but specific assumptions and limitations regarding equipment and configurations remain unresolved.

three phase
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I have a 125amp, 240v three phase circuit feeding a 30 kva UPS through a delta/wye transformer, leaving 208/120v three phase entering my panelboard. I plan to use 50 amp, 3 pole breakers, with a neutral and ground, making 5 wire three phase.

My question is: When I bring the 5 wire, three phase out to the field, I want to make three, single phase, 120vac circuits. Can anyone provide feedback, parts that could make this happen, or tell me I am nuts and then offer another solution?

Thanks
 
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You won't bring the three phase out into the field, you will have single phase circuit breakers in your panel board that supply single phase (Active, Neutral and Earth) supplies to the equipment. The active is one of the phases that has been brought into the board. Each circuit can be on a different phase.
 
Im bringing the three phase because the runs are over 1000 feet. I am going to run awg 4 stranded copper wire to reduce voltage drop.

Is there a panelboard that will accept a 3 wire three phase main, provide a nuetral and ground bar, and have single phase breaker outputs that will ensure balanced loading through the phases?

A model number would be appreciated if this exists, or i may just be retarded
 
I can't help with a model number, I live in Australia, but what you have described is what happens most of the time in panel boards, 3 phase in/single phase out. If you are supplying 3 pieces of equipment then its easy to put each one on a different phase. As for balanced loads, it depends on when the equipment runs.
 
the equipment runs 24/7 but it has different loading at different times.

btw, is your name a jay and silent bob quote?
 
Yes it is, I have been using it for a very long time.

There isn't much that can be done about balance at the design phase other than trying to spread the loads as equally as possible. If it is going to be a problem, the use of 3 phase equipment should be considered (if possible).
 
the 120v feeds from the 3 phase sub panel are going to equal transformers, perhaps a 1kva 120v/24v transmformer. These are all identical.

Would it be better to run a different UPS? Possibly a 240v 2-phase (L,L,N,G, if that's even right) circuit to the distribution for 120v circuits?

I ultimately need 120v at the field locations, which are far from the UPS. What do you think?
 
Chances are the loads if only 1kVA aren't going to be much of an issue for balance. There is always inbalance.
 
Thanks, appreciate the advicer
 
  • #10
Yes, they make 208Y/120V panelboards. There are 3 line lugs (one for each leg of the 3 phase). There is also a neutral bus bar and a ground bus bar which should not be bonded together since, in your case, this will be a sub panel (this should only be done at the main panel).

They are quite common. All the major companies dealing with electrical distribution carry them (G.E., Square D, Eaton, Siemens, etc.)
 

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