Panel Calcs.

[DonFleming]

We at Giles Electric have debated some of the fine points
of converting a single or three phase neme plate FLA into
a wattage for panel calcs. We have two versions of the "standard" formula and two trains of thought on estimating actual usage based on a FLA tag.
What do you think?

 

[PacificSteve]

Don,

I would suggest that by using nameplate data alone, and calculations, that the wattage calculated would need to be based on an assumed power factor. My experience with in field measurements (a few hundred each) of PF for various systems varyies significantly, even in the same type of system (pumping, or fans, or lighting circuits for example).

Therefore I think that unless you do a spot measurement of PF as installed, the data could be fairly meaningless, depending on what you want to use it for.

By the way, what do you want to use it for?

Steve