JSL123 (Customer) asked a question.

February 3, 2022 at 1:42 PM
I would like to know how to choose a transformer, fuses and circuit breakers for a project machine.

Hey everyone,

 

I was given a list of items to order from ADC for a current project at our plant. However, the list didn't include supply power considerations, fuses or circuit breakers for the machine, and I know that we will need these to protect the machine. We have no electrical engineer at the moment, so as an Automation tech, I am on my own.

 

How do I choose the proper voltage from our plant infrastructure, the correct transformer to power my drives and DC power supplies, and the right circuit protection to keep all the different devices from releasing the magic smoke?

 

I'm pretty well lost, so any resources or advice would be welcome. I can also give a list of the powered devices for amperage considerations if necessary.

 

THANKS FOR READING

  • 4 answers
  • 344 views

  • RBPLC (Customer)

    You're in a tough situation. This is not something you should be doing alone if you're not qualified and comfortable. There are potentially serious consequences to people and/or facilities if circuit protection is not done properly in an industrial setting. I recommend that you voice these concerns in writing and inform decision makers that this is not something that you should be doing alone. Plant infrastructure can be all over the place so you could be working with both three phase and single phase power, delta and wye wiring, stinger legs etc. It's not something you should just be jumping into alone without qualified guidance.

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  • RBPLC (Customer)

    You're in a tough situation. This is not something you should be doing alone if you're not qualified and comfortable. There are potentially serious consequences to people and/or facilities if circuit protection is not done properly in an industrial setting. I recommend that you voice these concerns in writing and inform decision makers that this is not something that you should be doing alone. Plant infrastructure can be all over the place so you could be working with both three phase and single phase power, delta and wye wiring, stinger legs etc. It's not something you should just be jumping into alone without qualified guidance.

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    Selected as Best

    • JSL123 (Customer)

      Thanks for the message. I'm glad you said that, because it means I'm not alone in thinking this. My background is in industrial maintenance and automation, and I can wire up/troubleshoot machines like crazy, but incoming power is a little out of my wheelhouse at the moment.

       

      My boss is making it seem like it's no big deal, and that it should be an easy thing to accomplish. I'll make sure to get everything in writing and get some additional help.

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    • PouchesInc (Customer)

      We on the forum also have no way of knowing what power your facility runs or if you are on the main incoming voltage or already past a subpanel with its own transformer. You could have 600v AC, or 480, or 240, etc... As as RBPLC said knowing whether it is delta or wye configuration, etc. There are simply too many variables depending on where you are located, when the facility was built, where in your facilities power you are taking from.

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      • JSL123 (Customer)

        Agreed. I met with my boss and made sure he knew exactly what was at stake, and he's willing to contract out an engineer/consultant. I appreciate the comment and the support.

 

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