200 Amps enough for 8 unit Coop?
I’m curious about the Amperage we have in our Coop is sufficient for the load we draw from it. Do people have an opinion as to whether 200 Amps is enough for 8 2br units with computers, AC units, Sub Zeros or the like etc., does that strike anyone as an unwise risk?
I’m curious about the Amperage we have in our Coop is sufficient for the load we draw from it. Do people have an opinion as to whether 200 Amps is enough for 8 2br units with computers, AC units, Sub Zeros or the like etc., does that strike anyone as an unwise risk?
I ascertained that we each have 50 Amps in our 950 sq ft coop units (8 unit bldg). The wire to the individual boxes is 6 gauge so by changing out the breakers in these individual boxes (to 60Amp) and reconfiguring the main panel, we will instantly add 20 Amps per unit without ripping the place up and going to massive expense. I think this would make us all safer at roughly 2K bucks (including a repair to the building’s ground. Anyone want to weigh in on the wisdom of such a move?
Ok, while each unit may have say 60A 220v service, the main for all eight can indeed be not 8×60=480 but, say 300 or 400. Just like each unit may have 10 20A 110v breakers (which tot up to 10×20/2 = 100A 220v) but the main for the unit may be 60A. The individual breakers protect that circuit, but the assumption is (rightly) that ALL breakers will not simultaneously be at maximum load.
Just fyi, most people have no idea what appliances etc draw. A toaster, a microwave, and an iron may draw 1500w (14A); computers are way below that unless you have a HP MEGAMUX printer. Even gas dryers are low. Heating elements in d/w and washers (which should never exist, imo) are very high.
OP, do you have 200 amp 3 PHASE service??? Open the box and see if there are 3 200 amp fuses inside. If this is what you have then you have a lot more than 200amps. Electricians are loath to say 200 amp per phase but that is the layman’s rule of thumb.
You should have sufficient service to allow each unit to have a minimum of 60 amp service. Anything more than 100 amp service per unit would be overkill.
Call an electrician since none is responding here. A 200 amp main service will feed more than 4-50amp panels. It is assumed that not all the available electricity will be used at the same time., but 8? I don’t know, maybe ,call an electrician
Thanks to all of you – to impose on you even further – Here’s what puzzles me. Each unit’s respective breaker has two 25 Amp switches bound together and marked as 50 – ok no problem, but why then does the main panel say 200 Amps when there are 8 units. Is there a different relationship between these two numbers than simple math? Its either that, or something was mislabeled. There’s unanimity that its too low, but what do you think the number should be? cmu says 60-80 individually and oldmansam says 400 total. I confess I’m still a little confused. Anyone?
Call me flabbergasted.
I’m curious as to how a coop could be occupied and no one looked at the electric? How can a coop be offered for sale under these circumstances. Mentioning Subzeros indicates a fairly well heeled clientale. People who should know better.
25amps would be considered low for the worst walk up unrenovated tenement.
i have 45amps in an apartment which is 800 square feet. it is not enough. my power will be upgraded. Cooking is gas and no microwave.