Split Phase to three phase ?

[somersetsparks]

Well without seeing what you have Jemmajones its hard to say. But it sounds about right, basically nobody but nobody makes any specialist split-phase gear so even the DNO will use a 3-phase cutout and only connect two-phases, they will also use use 3-phase concentric cable etc. The same goes for sparkys, there is no split-phase gear available now so the most common solution is to use 3-phase gear and blank off every L3 way in the DB.

The easiest way to check for splitphase is to look at your incoming 11KV supply like this :
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...Marchouse_Hill_-_geograph.org.uk_-_106798.jpg

Then i'm afraid you only have 2 of 3 phases present, how far away 3 phase is is anyones guess could be 500 yards, could be 3 miles or more.

If you have 3 11kv lines coming over you probably have 3 phase readuy to connect.

If it does happen, do the job properly and go the 3-phase DB route, you may have to get more RCBO's but balancing 3 single phase boards properly will be a living nightmare !

 

[KEVINDOE]

Thanks somerset,
advice welcomed

Jem

 

[IQ Electrical]

Yes, Somersetsparks is spot on, you will have a 460/230V 1-phase 3 wire system-if you check between 'lines' at the main switch etc. you'll probably have around 480 Volts.

 

[somersetsparks]

The question always is with split phase, is the switchgear adequate when it is only rated at 415v, like IQ electrical says you would normally get 480v between the two live conductors and 240 to neutral but some places get 500v generally because the transformaer is sat on a pole 10 yards away.

Although I'm sure it would be fine I wonder if the manufacturer would pay out on any warranty claims etc. ?

Just food for thought!

 

[Engineer54]

Just wondering how your going to wire-up a 3 phase washing machine if you intend installing 3 seperate CUs??

 

[IQ Electrical]

The question always is with split phase, is the switchgear adequate when it is only rated at 415v, like IQ electrical says you would normally get 480v between the two live conductors and 240 to neutral but some places get 500v generally because the transformaer is sat on a pole 10 yards away.

Although I'm sure it would be fine I wonder if the manufacturer would pay out on any warranty claims etc. ?

Just food for thought!

If the devices are rated at 415v then this rating is per pole so there shouldn't be a problem, enclosures are as stated by the manufacturer and the answer from Schneider was 'not covered if the voltage is exceeded'

I didn't push them on U and Uo ratings!

 

[KEVINDOE]

Hi Engineer,

I dont intend to, think wires got crossed along the way if you excuss the pun!,,

jem