One of the things I am starting to see much more of is plans that are just complete overkill. I understand if the client does not want MC or they want some room to grow later but some of the designs that come across my desk are a complete joke.
One in particular comes to mind, this project (yes I got the job) has a 1,600A service on it, and no matter how I did the load calcs I just cant come up with more than 790A; even with not de-rating anything and putting 125% on all motors it just does not go over 800A.
I don’t have a problem with selling the job, but when the owner asked for a VE, I told him about the issues and the engineer came un-glued. Then the city go involved because during the permitting process and service planning they saw the same thing I did and flat out said you are getting a 600A service, make it work. The city was not as generous with their load cals as I was and they were not amused as me either.
