Hi everyone,

I was wondering if anyone can tell me what are the typical
power supplies found in restaurants ? for example, do all restaurants have 208v 3 phase outlets or 460v 3 phase?

thanks in advance,
jason

 

The most practical system for a resturant is 3-phase , 4-wire , 120 / 208 volts. This provides---

120 volt 2-wire circuits for liting , receptacles , 120 volt appliances, and 120 volt single-phase motors.

208 volt 2-wire circuits for for 2-wire 208 appliances and 208 volt single-phase motors

120/208 volt 3-wire circuits for 3-wire 120 / 208 appliances

208 volt 3-wire circuits for 3-phase motors.

 

What's used around here is:
120Y208
120/240V Delta (most common)
120/240V Single Phase
480Y277V
240Y416 (no clue why)

 

I don't think there is such a thing as "Typical" in this case. You might find almost any voltage in a commercial kitchen. Some times you may find 480 volt air-conditioning, refrigeration and even coffee makers as well as 277 volt fluorescent lighting. I think the ideal would be 120/208 volt 3P4W for most small to medium size restaurants. That being said, I have also seen older restaurants with two services, a single phase service and a 240 volt Grounded "B" Phase 3 phase service.

 

I am on the same page as Joe is there is no specfic voltage requirement in the resuarant.

Now for the uilziation of the incomming power source will varies a bit depending on the POCO grid and what they will provide the supply to the place.

And service size will varies a bit as well they can be anywhere from single phase 120/240 volt 200 amp and up plus three phase service will typically go 400 amp and up depending on the layout and power requirement of that restuarnt.

I just have one done not too long ago by using the European specs that place have 630 amp service 415Y240 volt system

PATTBAA.,

I know you say "208 volt 3-wire circuits for 3-phase motors."

There is also a 208 3 Ph water heaters as well it a pretty common item if you have three phase power avaiable.

Justin.,
I will give you a straight answer that voltage is common used in European area., 415Y240 is proper term.

Merci,
Marc

 

Very good answer, Marc. If you are thinking of opening a restaurant, the important thing is to find out what service the POCO will provide you and give this information to the engineer designing your restaurant so the proper electrical system can be designed for the equipment. By all means, don't buy any equipment without consulting the POCO and engineer on the job as it all must have the proper voltages specified.

 

Thanks guys,

I'm in the drain cleaning business and have been looking at a piece of equipment that requires 3ph/460v. so now i know i can't rely on having adequate power being available.

thanks again,
Jason

 

You can pretty much make what ever voltage you need using transformers. Of course this will add to the cost of the equipment.

 

I have no idea what type of drain cleaning equipment would require 3 phase, but if it is also available in single phase 240 volt, I'd go that route. Even if a restaurant is supplied from the utility with a 277/480 volt service, you can be assured there will be a transformer providing 120/208 volt 3 phase service or single phase service within the restaurant too (to provide for 120 volt receptacles) and that either of those services would operate a 240 volt single phase piece of equipment.

 

And you can't rule out a small food establishment having only 120/240 single phase power with no good way to plug into 240v. If that equipment is really what you need best also consider a truck mounted generator, maybe powered by a PTO.