I think I've read just about every thread for how folks have wired their MEP-803A into their home. Lots of good threads but found some differing opinions. Two questions come to mind...
1 -
It seems some wire for 50 A and others for slightly above to get the full capacity out of the MEP, which puts you into 60 A connectors. I believe I can use a 50 A back feed breaker w/interlock, all 50 A connectors, call it day, and be safe because of the lower breaker rating. However, the MEP could output more current if not for that breaker.
I believe the cheapest way to get a 60 A inlet, receptacle, plug, and cord connector is SCAME's Hubbell compatible (pin & sleeve) stuff and that's still about $475 in connectors. ElecDirect seems to be the main source for this. Is that right or is there something more cost effective?
FWIW - Beyond the extra capacity, I do see some value in IP67 watertight gear but not sure it's worth an extra $150-$200.
2 -
For me, since I need to reach 75-100', I think my SOOW wiring choice will be the same whether I put 50 A or 60 A connectors/plugs on the cord.
The way I read this chart is that two current carrying 6 AWG conductors are only rated for 45 A at the extended distance, presumably due to voltage drop. But, I can't tell if that amperage is calculated at the cord rated voltage of 600 A.
If the cord rated voltage is irrelevant, then I am stuck buying a cord with 4 AWG conductors but I at least get a 55 A rating.
Does anyone know for sure? I think I found the NEC code for this and could not find anything about lower ampacity over 50' distances.
I've even seen some cable re-sellers list the 6/4 SOOW as 45 A max. Like these guys: http://www.sjoow.com/soow/6-4-soow-600-volt.html
1 -
It seems some wire for 50 A and others for slightly above to get the full capacity out of the MEP, which puts you into 60 A connectors. I believe I can use a 50 A back feed breaker w/interlock, all 50 A connectors, call it day, and be safe because of the lower breaker rating. However, the MEP could output more current if not for that breaker.
I believe the cheapest way to get a 60 A inlet, receptacle, plug, and cord connector is SCAME's Hubbell compatible (pin & sleeve) stuff and that's still about $475 in connectors. ElecDirect seems to be the main source for this. Is that right or is there something more cost effective?
FWIW - Beyond the extra capacity, I do see some value in IP67 watertight gear but not sure it's worth an extra $150-$200.
2 -
For me, since I need to reach 75-100', I think my SOOW wiring choice will be the same whether I put 50 A or 60 A connectors/plugs on the cord.
The way I read this chart is that two current carrying 6 AWG conductors are only rated for 45 A at the extended distance, presumably due to voltage drop. But, I can't tell if that amperage is calculated at the cord rated voltage of 600 A.
If the cord rated voltage is irrelevant, then I am stuck buying a cord with 4 AWG conductors but I at least get a 55 A rating.
Does anyone know for sure? I think I found the NEC code for this and could not find anything about lower ampacity over 50' distances.
I've even seen some cable re-sellers list the 6/4 SOOW as 45 A max. Like these guys: http://www.sjoow.com/soow/6-4-soow-600-volt.html
SOOW Ampacity
6 AWG, 55 A @ <50ft, 45 A >50ft
4 AWG, 70 A @ <50ft, 55 A >50ft
https://www.stayonline.com/reference-circuit-ampacity.aspx