Electrical advice needed

[davesl708]

I apologize for not responding promptly to all the well intentioned responses. I've been busy with quite a few things. It seems everyone has been curious about the machine in question. It is a planer molder and this is directly from the manual; Motor is 230 volt, 30 amps. Recommended receptacle is 6-30R.

My brother's son in law is a commercial electrician with around 20 years experience. He has agreed to help with the wiring, and I feel comfortable with his competence. Although I haven't talked to him yet, I will defer to his recommendations.

Again thank you for all the good responses. As always TBN is a treasure trove of knowledge.

TNhobbyfarmer, Could you please update us on what your nephew-in-law recommends for your wiring solution please?
I think it would be a benefit to other members.

Good luck with your project.

Dave :thumbsup:

 

[teejk]

I apologize for not responding promptly to all the well intentioned responses. I've been busy with quite a few things. It seems everyone has been curious about the machine in question. It is a planer molder and this is directly from the manual; Motor is 230 volt, 30 amps. Recommended receptacle is 6-30R.

My brother's son in law is a commercial electrician with around 20 years experience. He has agreed to help with the wiring, and I feel comfortable with his competence. Although I haven't talked to him yet, I will defer to his recommendations.

Again thank you for all the good responses. As always TBN is a treasure trove of knowledge.

That is one big machine! Will produce a big pile of wood shavings I think. Horse bedding?

 

[GregbkH]

Motor circuits are calculated based on horsepower of the motor. For single phase motors look in table 430.248 to get your circuit amperage. Conductors are then calculated at 125% of the table ampreage rating and the circuit breaker can be 250% of the table amperage rating. If the cb size falls in between manufactured sizes, you may select the size up.

I do this for a living.

 

[TNhobbyfarmer]

If FLA really is 30.0 Amp. The 6-30R is too small. The classic 6-50 welding receptacle and plug would be code compliant. Of course the 6-50R would work with just about an modern welder.

Not quite sure why welders got brought into the mix here. The machine is not a welder.

 

[buickanddeere]

Not quite sure why welders got brought into the mix here. The machine is not a welder.

Because it's the same plug as Welders use. Your shop will have he ability to operate a welder someday if desired . An electric car charger if so desired too.

 

[TNhobbyfarmer]

Motor circuits are calculated based on horsepower of the motor. For single phase motors look in table 430.248 to get your circuit amperage. Conductors are then calculated at 125% of the table hp rating and the circuit breaker can be 250% of the table amperage rating. If the cb size falls in between manufactured sizes, you may select the size up.

I do this for a living.

Based on the information I have supplied, can you recommend a wire size and amperage for the breaker? That's all I am asking.

 

[CobyRupert]

Read the manual for the machine - Section 2 - http://cdn0.grizzly.com/manuals/g8622_m.pdf

Dedicated 30 amp breaker - We recommend using a NEMA-style L6-30 plug and outlet (which is a 3 wire cord)

If FLA really is 30.0 Amp. The 6-30R is too small. The classic 6-50 welding receptacle and plug would be code compliant. Of course the 6-50R would work with just about an modern welder.

Motor circuits are calculated based on horsepower of the motor. For single phase motors look in table 430.248 to get your circuit amperage. Conductors are then calculated at 125% of the table ampreage rating and the circuit breaker can be 250% of the table amperage rating. If the cb size falls in between manufactured sizes, you may select the size up.

I do this for a living.

Greg is correct. The manual says 5 hp motor will draw ~25 amps, which makes a 30 amp circuit too small. Code (table 430.248) says it will draw 28 amps, and you must size circuit based on this, which also makes a 30 amp circuit too small.
Will a 30 amp circuit work?: Most of the time.
Will it be safe: Yes, even if it does trip out occasionally.
Will it be to Code? The answer is obvious, but let's pretend it falls under Article 90.4: "...the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) may waive specific requirements..."

 

[GregbkH]

Based on the information I have supplied, can you recommend a wire size and amperage for the breaker? That's all I am asking.

If it is indeed a 5 hp motor, you would be fine with 8 awg conductors with a 10 awg equipment ground run off of a 60 amp two pole breaker.

Motor circuits have their own rules.

 

[LD1]

I am not versed in electrical code, and cannot cite anything....but protecting a 8ga circuit with a 60a breaker for an electric motor dont sound right?

 

[CobyRupert]

Greg, Assuming OP does what you say, what about the plug/receptacle?
Do you know of anything in the Code that says you can't put a 30 amp receptacle on a 60 amp circuit?
On one hand, anything with a 30 amp plug shouldn't draw more than 30 amps (or hopefully 24 amps),
...On the other hand, it doesn't feel right, but I can't find anything explicit in the code that says you can't.