480V vs. 600V systems
480V vs. 600V systems
(OP)
I was wondering if there are any advantages/disadvantages to useing each of these input voltages ie) power saving, less heat, less chance of faults? Thanks
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RE: 480V vs. 600V systems
In practice, the differences are not huge and the decision is largely driven by local custom and compatibility with existing equipment. In the US, there are not many 600 V systems, while it is much more common in Canada.
If everyone was starting over, we'd probably go with 600 V.
RE: 480V vs. 600V systems
RE: 480V vs. 600V systems
RE: 480V vs. 600V systems
IF your going to carry a good supply of spares or in an area where there are other facillities with 600 volt systems -no porblem.
RE: 480V vs. 600V systems
Bottom line, if you are in Canada, 600V is OK because there are a lot of other 600V users there. If you are in most of the US, it will be problematic in terms of finding motors, drives, lighting fixtures etc. In fact with lighting, using a 480Y277V 4 wire system has advantages in that you can use 1 phase to neutral for much of your lighting equipment because lots of manufacturers provide 277V ballasts. With 600V, you need to buy a transformer to run your lighting systems in most cases, and transformers cost money plus drop efficiency. There are a few ballast manufacturers now selling 347V ballasts in the US, but again, limited options.
RE: 480V vs. 600V systems
Keith Cress
Flamin Systems, Inc.- http://www.flaminsystems.com
RE: 480V vs. 600V systems
JB
RE: 480V vs. 600V systems
Arcing faults could be another matter. It's an interesting question. I suspect 480 V might actually be worse for arcing faults since the 277V is right in the sweet spot for a self-sustaining arc that just keeps going and going. Both 480 V and 600 V having arcing ground fault issues that have to be dealt with. But there have been hundreds and hundreds of fires started by 480 V ground faults so I doubt that any differences are really dramatic. 600 V is used widely in the pulp and paper mills in Canada and even in the US.
RE: 480V vs. 600V systems
RE: 480V vs. 600V systems
RE: 480V vs. 600V systems
Keith Cress
Flamin Systems, Inc.- http://www.flaminsystems.com
RE: 480V vs. 600V systems
RE: 480V vs. 600V systems
I think that the sustained arcing issue is more an issue of improper protection rather than 480V/600V. I have seen pictures of similar damage caused by a sustained arc on 480 volts.
Such incidents are probably the driving incentive behind the NEC and CEC requirements for ground fault protection on large services and feeders. (CEC=Canadian Electrical Code for those of you in California)
respectfully
RE: 480V vs. 600V systems
Keith Cress
Flamin Systems, Inc.- http://www.flaminsystems.com