The Right Tool for Conducting a Connected Load Study to Confirm Panel Capacity
The METSyS Panel Capacity Analyzer (PCA) is a specially-designed instrument for measuring and recording 3- or 4-phase current to confirm the distribution panel's capacity in compliance with NFPA’s National Electrical Code (NEC) 2014 Article 220.87 and meeting the requirements for uniform load calculations in accordance with the requirements of the California Electrical Code (CEC).
The METSyS PCA packaged with POWERetc's proprietary macro-based Excel spreadsheet provides users with the capability of conducting connected load studies of various lengths to meet specific regulatory requirements. This provides a definitive and documented result enabling electrical contractors and facilities engineers to quickly obtain electrical inspection approval when adding new loads to a panel.
The process requires both the calculation of the average current over an extended period in order to confirm that - with planned load additions - will remain less than 80% of the breaker rating(s). In addition, the standard requires that MIN and MAX currents are also determined over the sampling period.
The METSyS logger samples every cycle using an 8-cycle "window" and calculates the average value of the 8-cycles. These readings are accumulated for the user-selected averaging period--10s, 30s, 1m, 5m, 10m, 15m, 30m, 60m--and the average of the averages is saved as the average value for the period and the minimum and maximum sample are saved as the MIN/MAX values. The PCA's MIN/MAX values are really a composite of 8-cycles which will result in understating the peak inrush but is probably more reflective of levels that might cause breaker tripping problems.
The information below details the Basic Portable METSyS 3-Phase Panel Capacity Analyzer package plus a special, permanently-installed Cabinet Current Probe Kit for 480V cabinets.
Package
Basic Package |
Pricing |
METSyS 3-Phase Panel Capacity Analyzer including:
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Purchase: |
METSyS 3-Phase Panel Capacity Analyzer including:
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Rental: |
Cabinet Current Probe Kit [CCPK-6] |
Pricing |
POWERetc METSyS Current Probe Kit Facilitates Safe 480V Panel Connected Load Studies.
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Purchase: |
Electrical Characteristics
Working Voltage | 600V ACrms or DC |
Current Range | 4000 A AC RMS |
Accuracy (45-65hz) | ±1% of reading ±1A. |
Physical Characteristics
Dimensions | 160 (L) x 80 (W) x 45 (D) mm |
Material | ABS |
Operating Temperature | -20 to +65 °C (-4°F to +149°F) |