Liquid Tubing In E-Chain with Electrical Wires

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Robert Hudon

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The mechanical engineers that I work with want to run liquid tubing inside a non-compartmented e-chain containing electrical wires. I can't see how this could be allowed by code and I am strongly recommending against doing this.

Can someone please point me to code regulating this practice?
 
Robert Hudon said:
The mechanical engineers that I work with want to run liquid tubing inside a non-compartmented e-chain containing electrical wires. I can't see how this could be allowed by code and I am strongly recommending against doing this.

Can someone please point me to code regulating this practice?
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you can't put them in a raceway together but I don't think what you are calling an e-chain is actually a raceway.

what exactly is your objection? it is a common practice on machines.
 
iwire said:
You can mix cables with other systems in things other than raceways
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I am concerned that the liquid tubes constantly flexing and rubbing over time will eventually begin to leak. The power conductors in the e-chain could also wear exposing conductors. Water & electric don't mix well.
 
petersonra said:
you can't put them in a raceway together but I don't think what you are calling an e-chain is actually a raceway.

what exactly is your objection? it is a common practice on machines.
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The e-chain will be in constant motion. Wires and tubes inside the e-chain will constantly be flexing. I am concerned with the flexible tube wearing and leaking over time. The power conductors inside the e-chain could also wear over time exposing conductors. Water and electricity don't mix well.
 
Robert Hudon said:
The e-chain will be in constant motion. Wires and tubes inside the e-chain will constantly be flexing. I am concerned with the flexible tube wearing and leaking over time. The power conductors inside the e-chain could also wear over time exposing conductors. Water and electricity don't mix well.
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This does not sound like an NEC application and as was mentioned very common on machinery. Often air, hydrulic and power wiring all in / on the same moving support system.

The power conductors, are they individual conductors or a cable assembly?
 
iwire said:
This does not sound like an NEC application and as was mentioned very common on machinery. Often air, hydrulic and power wiring all in / on the same moving support system.

The power conductors, are they individual conductors or a cable assembly?
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Conductors are in flexible cables.
I understand the need to run everything in a single e-chain but would expect each item (cables, air, liquid, etc.) to have a separate compartment. That is my recommendation.
 
It sounds like the OP is describing cable carrier.

If so, using 'reel and pendant cable' for the electrical conductors and 'anti-skive' hoses for the liquids will provide sufficient protection.

I have seen cable carriers using less than the above with no major problems related to the movement of the carrier. I don't recommend THHN/W as that is not designed for continuous flexing like reel and pendant cable.
 
Robert Hudon said:
Conductors are in flexible cables.
I understand the need to run everything in a single e-chain but would expect each item (cables, air, liquid, etc.) to have a separate compartment. That is my recommendation.
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The cable assembly is basically your separate compartment.

You are certainly free to feel otherwise, we just can't provide any code section to help support your view.
 
Robert Hudon said:
I am concerned that the liquid tubes constantly flexing and rubbing over time will eventually begin to leak. The power conductors in the e-chain could also wear exposing conductors. Water & electric don't mix well.
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Cables and tubing should be fasten to the e-chain so that they move in unison. There should be no appreciable rubbing.
 
K8MHZ said:
I am pretty sure that fastening is only done at the ends due to the changing radius and the need for the cables and hoses to creep a little as the carrier moves.
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Yes, but creeping is not likely to cause substantial abrasion.
 
K8MHZ said:
I have never seen cables or hoses secured to a carrier.
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Are we splitting hairs over the fastening occurring immediately inside or just outside of the carrier ends?
The point is, conductors are fastened so that they do not move appreciably.
by Dynatec: Cables that are not clamped can either pull against the inner radius, causing jacket and crossbar wear, or; they will pull cables into the carrier causing them to snake and bunch through crossbars at the radius.
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