I am looking for clarification on the use of single conductor 4/0 AWG DLO Portable Power Cable Type W in a industrial recycle crushing application. 150hp 3 phase induction motor wired to properly sized motor starter,overload,short circuit, and disconnecting means. The plant is a portable plant that moves approximately every 6 months or less. All equipment is on tractor trailers and the plant is powered by 600kw generator (no utility power). All motors are wired using multi conductor power cables. However, the large crusher motors are using individual portable power cables per phase plus seperate conductor for ground. Cords are hard wired at starter and the motor has a junction box with bulk head fittings. Cord bodies and bulk head fittings are UL listed and rated at 405 amperes, however, they do not have a hp rating and the small writing on the paperwork says not for use on motor loads. Contacted the manufactuer and was told that they are not rated to make and break motor loads, but if wired to proper motor starter as per NEC that this was a legal application. Customers are really happy with this type of hook up, but we are wanting to make sure we are within NEC code. I would appreciate any input on how to get a proper answer.
Portable power cables
- Thread starter McDonald
- Start date
- Status
- Location
- Bremerton, Washington
- Occupation
- Master Electrician
Is this a surface mine or gravel application? Is it under MSHA? They don't follow the NEC and have some odd rules.
John Valdes
Senior Member
- Location
- SC.
- Occupation
- Retired Electrician
If this is not an MSHA issue, go to article 400 in the NEC on cords.
Still looking for ruling?
Still looking for ruling?
Thanks everyone for the replys,
This is a recycle crushing plant which is not governed by MSHA. It is a "portable" plant which moves every few months. NEC 518,520,525,etc. seem to deal only with carnivals and entertainment/movie sets where individual conductors are allowed, (even though not mentioned for motor loads).
I do have a copy from the manufacturer that as long as the cables and connectors are attached to a proper motor starter (short circuit, overload, and disconnect) that their product can be used. They state that the "no motor load" comment is because they do not have a horsepower rating and are not rated to plug in or unplug under load (which makes sense).
Still trying to find an actual authority that can make this ruling though, because customers really like the set up and we are asked to do more and more plants this way. We want to make sure there are no violation issues.
Hard to find a ruling before an incident or citation, but I am sure there would be plenty of rulings after the fact.
Appreciate as much input and direction as possible,
Thanks.
Still looking for ruling?
Thanks everyone for the replys,
This is a recycle crushing plant which is not governed by MSHA. It is a "portable" plant which moves every few months. NEC 518,520,525,etc. seem to deal only with carnivals and entertainment/movie sets where individual conductors are allowed, (even though not mentioned for motor loads).
I do have a copy from the manufacturer that as long as the cables and connectors are attached to a proper motor starter (short circuit, overload, and disconnect) that their product can be used. They state that the "no motor load" comment is because they do not have a horsepower rating and are not rated to plug in or unplug under load (which makes sense).
Still trying to find an actual authority that can make this ruling though, because customers really like the set up and we are asked to do more and more plants this way. We want to make sure there are no violation issues.
Hard to find a ruling before an incident or citation, but I am sure there would be plenty of rulings after the fact.
Appreciate as much input and direction as possible,
Thanks.
- Status