Final answer:
The ampacity of each of the four #8 XHHW copper conductors in a conduit above the dropped ceiling on a 4-wire, three-phase wye circuit where the load is all fluorescent lighting depends on multiple factors, including the length of the conductors, the material of the conduit, and the ambient temperature.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ampacity of each of the four #8 XHHW copper conductors in a conduit above the dropped ceiling on a 4-wire, three-phase wye circuit where the load is all fluorescent lighting depends on multiple factors, including the length of the conductors, the material of the conduit, and the ambient temperature. Ampacity refers to the maximum current carrying capacity of a conductor.
To determine the ampacity, you can refer to the National Electrical Code (NEC) or consult an electrical engineer. The NEC provides tables that specify the ampacity ratings for different conductor sizes and materials, based on specific installation conditions.
It is important to note that ampacity is not the same as the actual current that will flow through the conductors. The actual current will depend on the power consumption of the fluorescent lighting and other factors such as power factor and voltage drop.