How to calculate the Heat within a Panelboard
How to calculate the Heat within a Panelboard
(OP)
Hi to all.
I wonder if anyone there has a "rule of thumb" to calculate the Heat generated by a Panelboard.
I can't remember the formulas and I am presently out of books reach...!
Thanks to whomever wishes to help.
Giuseppe
I wonder if anyone there has a "rule of thumb" to calculate the Heat generated by a Panelboard.
I can't remember the formulas and I am presently out of books reach...!
Thanks to whomever wishes to help.
Giuseppe





RE: How to calculate the Heat within a Panelboard
1)Every thermal trip element in a circuit breaker puts off roughly 3 watts of heat per pole. Supposedly solid state trip elements don't do that any longer, but that would typically be only on big expensive 3 phase breakers anyway. I still use that rule even if the main is solid state.
2)Breaker contacts are considered to be 99.97% efficient, so look at the total connected kW load and multiply by .0003 for losses in the panel.
Combine the 2 for a total heat loss.
Eng-Tips: Help for your job, not for your homework Read FAQ731-376
RE: How to calculate the Heat within a Panelboard
225A, 42 circuit Panelboard - 300 watts
(Obviously this varies with load, probably basically as the square of the current.)
RE: How to calculate the Heat within a Panelboard
I have now sorted the problem. It's great to be part of a forum as this, and I sincerely wish to thank you all for the time spent in answering.
All the best.
Giuseppe
RE: How to calculate the Heat within a Panelboard