3 phase run of 1300 feet

[Davis PB]

Hello all. I am trying to get 125 amps 3 phase back to a paintball field to power an electric air compressor.

I have a 3 phase 120/240v PG and E feed, 200A panel about 1300' feet away from the desired location. I have 2 transformers, so we can transform up to 480 to make the 1300' run, and then transform it back down. My question is what size aluminum wire do I need to get the job done.

Please excuse me if I mis-used any terms, this is pretty new to me.

Thank you

 

[Megawatt]

Hello all. I am trying to get 125 amps 3 phase back to a paintball field to power an electric air compressor.

I have a 3 phase 120/240v PG and E feed, 200A panel about 1300' feet away from the desired location. I have 2 transformers, so we can transform up to 480 to make the 1300' run, and then transform it back down. My question is what size aluminum wire do I need to get the job done.

Please excuse me if I mis-used any terms, this is pretty new to me.

Thank you

1300 feet is a long way and I don’t use aluminum but I would have to say 200 MCM which is the next size wire to 4/0. You will waste a lot of money on transformers. You shouldn’t have any problems

 

[DPG]

Wouldn't it be better to use a compressor with a diesel engine?

 

[James]

Or even a pipe to carry the air instead of a wire for electricity?

 

[DPG]

Looks like the OP hasn't been back since.

 

[Megawatt]

Looks like the OP hasn't been back since.

Probably because of the price of wire. 1300 feet for a neutral, 2 hots and an equipment ground. That’s 5200 feet of wire. Not cheap

 

[Risteard]

Probably because of the price of wire. 1300 feet for a neutral, 2 hots and an equipment ground. That’s 5200 feet of wire. Not cheap

A standard mile of cable!

 

[davesparks]

Wouldn't it be better to use a compressor with a diesel engine?

Yes, much better/cheaper to use an engine driven compressor, or even a generator and compressor. Especially considering how much cheaper fuel is over there than it is here.

Or even a pipe to carry the air instead of a wire for electricity?

That would be a very large pipe to compensate for the pressure loss, this works much tbe same way voltage drop does.

 

[brianmoooore]

That would be a very large pipe to compensate for the pressure loss, this works much tbe same way voltage drop does.

If the air at the far end is being used intermittently, a decent size receiver tank at the paintball site would help.