Gavin Melville
New User
- Location
- New Zealand
Hi,
I'm trying to get a clear view of the NEC section(s) that would cover 48v DC distribution on top of a pivot irrigator. We wish to run 48volts DC, one side grounded, down a large part of the length of a pivot irrigator. In most countries this is legal and covered by the ELV directive allowing <50 volts DC with few sensible rules.
We use 4 sq mm 3 core mains cable, close to that designated UL SOOW, which is actually a waterproof heavy power cable, rated at 600 volts and 25 amps. It needs to be a cable this heavy/tough because of corrosive liquids (irrigators don't always spray pure water), wind, rain, UV....
We actually run approx. 250VA, 48 volts, limited to 5 amps. We clip / strap this cable to the main water pipe, well away from the 3 phase power cable also running down the same path. Total length typically 1500 feet. Minimum 15 feet above ground, ranging to 25ft, and accessible with a ladder only.
Our safety consultant tells us we are limited to 30 volts, 100va, and the cable must be screened. (Class 1 circuit, Article 725.41).
I'd appreciate any opinions from anyone here -- I just don't read 725 the same way he does.
I'm trying to get a clear view of the NEC section(s) that would cover 48v DC distribution on top of a pivot irrigator. We wish to run 48volts DC, one side grounded, down a large part of the length of a pivot irrigator. In most countries this is legal and covered by the ELV directive allowing <50 volts DC with few sensible rules.
We use 4 sq mm 3 core mains cable, close to that designated UL SOOW, which is actually a waterproof heavy power cable, rated at 600 volts and 25 amps. It needs to be a cable this heavy/tough because of corrosive liquids (irrigators don't always spray pure water), wind, rain, UV....
We actually run approx. 250VA, 48 volts, limited to 5 amps. We clip / strap this cable to the main water pipe, well away from the 3 phase power cable also running down the same path. Total length typically 1500 feet. Minimum 15 feet above ground, ranging to 25ft, and accessible with a ladder only.
Our safety consultant tells us we are limited to 30 volts, 100va, and the cable must be screened. (Class 1 circuit, Article 725.41).
I'd appreciate any opinions from anyone here -- I just don't read 725 the same way he does.
