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Topic: sizing CT can

User: AC\DC, Location: Florence,Oregon,Lane

Asked on: Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at 11:03 pm EDT
Answered on: Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at 11:03 pm EDT

Question: first one- Its for a regular customer so ill get the job, and don't want to overcharge them so two question. How do you size a CT can Power company guid lines areCT Service 20For 120/240V Service Only3 Wire6 JawRing TypeLower Section has Test Switch Mounting Provision*Minimum 30-inch by 30-inch CT enclosure with Reference Number 6019 CT Bracket required for this installation. Use 1.25-inch conduit.12146

Okay, let's break down how to size the CT can and a reasonable approach to pricing for your regular customer. Since I cannot give you exact pricing as it varies by location, cost of materials and your business overhead, I will tell you how to determine the appropriate components to quote your customer.

Understanding the Requirements

The power company's guidelines are pretty specific, which is good. Here's what we know: CT Service (Current Transformer)

This means you're dealing with a service that requires current transformers to measure the current flow for billing purposes. This is typical for larger services.


200 Amp

This is the rated capacity of the meter socket.

120/240V Service Only

This confirms the voltage configuration.


3 Wire

This indicates a single-phase, three-wire system.

6 Jaw, Ring Type

These are specifications for the meter socket itself.


Lower Section has Test Switch Mounting Provision

The enclosure needs to accommodate test switches for the CTs, to allow the power company to test the accuracy of the CTs.

Minimum 30-inch by 30-inch CT enclosure

This is the
minimum size of the enclosure. You might need larger depending on the size and number of CTs you're using and space to safely make connections.

Reference Number 6019 CT Bracket

You must use the specified bracket for mounting the CTs inside the enclosure.

Use 1.25-inch conduit

This is the minimum conduit size for the service conductors entering the CT can, check local codes for anything stricter

Sizing Considerations & Component Selection
1. CT Can (Enclosure)



Minimum Size

The power company is dictating a minimum of 30" x 30". Do not go smaller.



Depth

Consider the depth carefully. You need enough space to:
Mount the CTs on the 6019 bracket, with enough room for the CTs themselves. CT sizes vary. Consult with your supplier to determine dimensions. Make all the necessary conductor terminations safely and with adequate working space. Accommodate the test switches (if not integrated into the CTs) with enough room to work on them.

NEMA Rating

Choose an appropriate NEMA rating for the environment. Typically, NEMA 3R is suitable for outdoor use, providing protection against rain, sleet, and snow. If it's an indoor, relatively clean environment, NEMA 1 might suffice, but
check local codes and the power company's requirements.

Material

Typically, CT cans are made of steel or aluminum. Consider corrosion resistance and cost.2.

CTs (Current Transformers)



Ampere Rating

This is the
most critical part.

You need to select CTs that are appropriately sized for the expected load.
The power company uses these to measure your client's energy consumption. Never undersize the CT's. The 200-amp service only tells you the rating of the meter socket, not the actual expected load. Talk to your customer

Ask them about their existing load (if it's an upgrade) and any future load they anticipate. Review their past utility bills to get an idea of their peak demand.


Load Calculation

Perform a thorough load calculation based on the National Electrical Code (NEC) or your local electrical code. This is crucial.

Oversizing (Slightly)

It's generally better to slightly
oversize the CTs than to undersize them. Undersized CTs will saturate and provide inaccurate readings.

Ratio

The CT's ratio is important for the metering equipment. Common ratios are 200:5 (200 amps primary to 5 amps secondary), 300:5, 400:5, etc. Confirm the required ratio with the power company.



Accuracy Class

The power company will likely have a required accuracy class for the CTs. This ensures accurate billing.


Window Size

The window size must be large enough to accommodate the service conductors (typically 3/0 or 4/0 copper or aluminum for a 200 amp service, but confirm this based on the actual installation).3.

CT Bracket



Use the specified 6019 bracket. This is non-negotiable.4.

Conduit and Fittings



1.25-inch conduit (minimum)

Use rigid metal conduit (RMC) or intermediate metal conduit (IMC) as required by code and the power company. Appropriate fittings (connectors, couplings, etc.) to connect the conduit to the CT can and the meter socket. Sealing locknuts and bushings where the conduit enters enclosures.5.

Wiring

Appropriately sized conductors for the CT secondary circuits (typically #14 or #12 AWG). Terminal blocks for making connections inside the CT can. Wiring to connect the CTs to the test switches and then to the metering equipment.6.

Test Switches

Confirm with the power company whether they require separate test switches or if the CTs have integrated test points. If separate, select the appropriate test switches.

Pricing Strategy for a Regular Customer1.

Cost of Materials

Get accurate quotes from your suppliers for all the components. Don't guess. Factor in sales tax and any delivery charges.2.

Labor

Estimate the number of hours the job will take, considering: Mounting the CT can Installing the CTs and bracket Running conduit Wiring the CTs and test switches Making all terminations Testing the installation Multiply the estimated hours by your hourly labor rate (including overhead and profit).3.

Overhead

Include a percentage to cover your business overhead (insurance, vehicle expenses, office expenses, etc.).4.

Profit

Add your desired profit margin. This is where you can be flexible for a regular customer.5.

Discounts (Optional)

For a regular customer, consider offering a small discount on your labor rate or profit margin. This builds goodwill and encourages repeat business.

Example Pricing Approach (Illustrative Only)

Materials

$800 (CT can, CTs, bracket, conduit, fittings, wiring, test switches, etc.)


Labor

8 hours x $75/hour = $600

Overhead (10%)

$140


Profit (15%)

$231

Total

$1771

For your regular customer, you might consider

Dropping the profit margin to 10% or 12%. Rounding down the total price slightly. Offering a discount on a future service.

Important Considerations



Permits

Check if a permit is required for this work. Factor the cost of the permit into your price.


Inspection

The power company will likely inspect the installation.

Coordination with the Power Company

Maintain clear communication with the power company throughout the project. They may have specific requirements or preferences.


Documentation

Keep thorough records of all materials used, labor hours, and communication with the power company.

Warranty

Offer a warranty on your workmanship.

Final Tip:
*When presenting the quote to your customer, be transparent about your pricing. Explain the cost of the materials, your labor rate, and the reasons for any discounts you're offering. This will build trust and strengthen your relationship. Flag for review

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