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-   -   Is equipment cheaper to run on 480 VOLTS OR 220 VOLTS 3 phase (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=452506)

  • Feb 27, 2010, 09:02 PM
    mcgyver60
    Is equipment cheaper to run on 480 VOLTS OR 220 VOLTS 3 phase
    I have 2 refrigeration compressors. One 5 h.p. 480 volts, 3 phase @ 4.5 amps. One 5 h.p. 230 volts 3 phase @ 20 amps. Which one will cost less to run assuming electric costs are same?
  • Feb 27, 2010, 09:48 PM
    KISS

    This is a real tough question to answer because of a couple of variables we don't know:

    power factor - should be on nameplate
    % loaded
    Duty cycle

    On the surface a 5 HP might theoretically cost more to operate, but if they are equally loaded and not at the extremes then look at the difference in the power factors first. This would be a number between probably 0.7 to 0.9. In any event, between 0 and 1.

    The 480 V unit generally would require less cabling costs. The contactor would cost less too because the current is smaller.

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