Best Diesel Generator Cable Sizing Tool Provided by Vendor

[CuriousElectron]

Hi Guys,

Is there a good online tool provided by any genset vendors(CAT, Cummings) that I can use to size my feeder? So far I've used Cummings Power Suite to size the generator, but there doesn't seem to be a way to size feeder.

Thank you,
EE

 

[waross]

Feeders are sized according to the National Electrical Code, based on ampacity, temperature rating and voltage drop.
Other factors may apply.
It is good practice to consider that a prime power set is allowed to operate and is capable of operation at a 10% overload for one or more hours.


Bill
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"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter

 

[7anoter4]

You are right,waross. See NEC 2017
445.13 Ampacity of Conductors.
(A) General. The ampacity of the conductors from the generator
output terminals to the first distribution device(s) containing
overcurrent protection shall not be less than 115 percent of
the nameplate current rating of the generator. It shall be
permitted to size the neutral conductors in accordance with
220.61. Conductors that must carry ground-fault currents shall
not be smaller than required by 250.30(A). Neutral conductors
of dc generators that must carry ground-fault currents shall not
be smaller than the minimum required size of the largest conductor. Exception: Where the design and operation of the generator prevent overloading, the ampacity of the conductors shall not be less than 100 percent of the nameplate current rating of the generator.
As waross said you have to choose the cable according to required ampacity ,conductor material ,insulation rated temperature , number of loaded conductors in a raceway, ambient temperature, type of ambient: air or underground and other. See NEC art 310