How much power do I need for this ?

Question

I'm opening a business , manufacturing wire. The place I have right now has about 220 Volts by 100 amps. It has the ability to be upgraded to 600 volts by "something" amps. Now how much do I need if I'm going to be running 4 of the motors that are 15 hp each, specs are:

Horse Power : 15

RPM: 1750

Volts 230/460

AMPS: 40/20

Idle AMPs: 17.0/8.5

hz: 60

SF: 1.00

SF RISE: 80

DUTY: CONTINUOUS

Also I'm going to be using an industrial IdealArc 250 Welder from Lincholn Electric. Also, keep in mind that I will have an office area. I heard that If I get more power, than I will have to "step" the power down for regular stuff.

Please help!!

Answer 1

ok. lets see.

220 v @ 40amp. x4 you motor suck 160 amp.

now your electrical panel is 100amp. that mean 100 amp by phase. if you have  a mono phase panel then you probably have 240 volt.  if you are in a tri-phase system then you got 208 volt. that complex and should be another question if you want to understand how phase work.

anyway you miss 60 amp on your panel. even a 200 amp panel will be tight. because if you follow the 80% law, then your motor fit tighly your capacity.

the solution will be a new panel up to 400 amp/240 volt. you can also go for a 600/200 amp volt panel. look at the cost. 600 volt need smaller wire then 240 volt for the same motor. because the gage of a wire is determined by ampere not voltage ( voltage determine the insulation around the wire ). dont be fooled higher voltage dont mean lower power usage. the electricity bill will be the same.

just a small rule, power is determined by wattage. wattage is volt x amp.

230 v x 40 amp = 9200 watts. 600 x 20 amp=12000 watts. there is a power factor that change fact here to, that should be written on you motor. thats weirdly mean you motor suck more power on 600 volts. electricity compagny charge the wattage you use.

PS. a 240v/200Amp panel maybe barely fit  your need but not allow you for any other upgrade in your shop equipment.

you should consult an electrician anyway.

Answer 2

It is not the voltage but amperage that you want. $ motors each should have 40 amp fuse plus 30 amp for welding and another 5x6 amps for office (minimum) , so in all you need 200 amp s