4/0 gauge wire, depending on its insulation type is rated from 230-260 amps. Assuming you are running a new power supply with the 4/0 wire, you will have a minimum or three 4/0 conductors and a ground wire for a single phase power supply and four conductors with ground for a three phase power supply.
Three 4/0 wires require a minimum 2 inch conduit. Four 4/0 wires require a minimum 2 and 1/2 inch conduit. These conduit sizes I'm quoting come directly from the NEC, the National Electric Code. These sizes of conduit are determined by the basic rule that all the conductors in a conduit are not to exceed 40% of the volume of the pipe. The other 60% of air space is required for heat dissipation.
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For a 0000 (4/0) wire, you would typically need a 2-inch conduit based on standard industry guidelines for safe and efficient wire installation. Always consult local electrical codes to ensure compliance with regulations in your area.
The sizing of conduit systems that wire has to be pulled into is dependant on the physical size of the conductor being drawn into the conduit. The second governing factor is the conductor count of the specific conductor that is needed. A 500 MCM copper conductor with an insulation factor of 90 degrees C is rated at 430 amps. This is where the conductor count is need by the service, as to whether the service is single or three phase. In this specific case, the electrical code will allow both single and three phase installations to use the same size conduit. A maximum total of four 500 MCM conductors can be drawn into a 78 mm diameter conduit.
To join sealtite and PVC conduit, you can use a threaded adapter to connect the two types of conduit. Make sure to use the appropriate size adapters and follow the manufacturer's instructions for a secure and watertight connection. It's important to ensure that the joined conduit maintains the integrity of the overall electrical system.
A needle with a size of 0000 (4 zeros), also known as a 0000 gauge needle, has the largest diameter. These needles are typically used for thick materials like leather or heavy-duty fabrics.
For a 4-wire setup including three phase conductors and one ground conductor, a common choice is to use a 1-inch conduit to ensure proper spacing and easy installation. However, it's always advisable to consult local electrical codes and regulations to determine the appropriate conduit size for your specific application.
In general, you should start to derate when you have more than 3 current carrying conductors in a conduit. The length of the conduit run itself does not determine when you should derate. Stick to the guidelines provided in the electrical code for derating calculations to ensure safe and compliant installations.