I am putting a micro hydro system in at Turtle Island and am learning about wire sizing.
It is less than 3 amps but the 1200w machine @ 480 volts produces 3-phase power. It is the hi induction power high voltage version of the Harris Hydro machine.
On the calculator suggested by woof it requests "load in amperes", I assume that is the amps from the machine ~2.5 (1200w and 480 volts). Doesn't really sound like a "load" to me, but I am in the learning process . . .
I really am trying to find some info on the math behind the calculation. I am teaching a class about microhydro and would like to have a well-advised process for determining this value. I understand to use the ohms per 1000' feet value to determine # of ohm's based on distance (mine is 2200 ft). But I was advised by an electrician to double that distance. Then multiply the ohms lost by the amps (~2.5) to get voltage drop. At this point I have been advised to divide by a correction factor for 3 phase of 1.732 for the final voltage drop. Then calculate the % of total voltage.
If someone (an electrician hopefully) could verify the doubling of the distance and also the correction factor and maybe a short description of why to do each of these things I would be greatfull.
Thanks,
Mike d