Power for portable work platforms

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chad_355

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Hutchinson, KS
I could use some assistance regarding some receptacle installations.

At our facility (industrial setting) we have an assembly line for building a rather large product. On each side of the product there are tall, aluminum working platforms that the employees work from while assembling the product. The platform height is about 15-20 feet from the ground. They need 120V receps on the top of the platform to plug in some small power tools, chargers, etc. The stands have to be moved back about 20 feet from the work station about 3-4 times per shift to allow product and material movement, so hard-wiring the stands is not an option. Also, power from overhead is not an option due to overhead crane traffic. There is a dedicated circuit near each stand on the column of the building, which the operators have been plugging extension cords in to every time they start work. This creates a mess of cords, trip hazards, etc.

I would like to come up with a more permanent solution, such as some S.O. cord supplying a 4 square box with a couple GFCI's per stand. That way, the wiring would stay with the stand, and they could just plug the single cord into the building recep when the stand is in place. My concern is that the S.O. cord attachment to the stands would be considered 'permanent' wiring. Is this the case since the stand are moved around constantly?

Another option I have considered is mounting a cord reel to the stand that could be pulled out and plugged in to the building. I would then come off the back side of the reel and install the above mentioned box and GFCI's. Would this be permissible?

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
 
chad_355 said:
Another option I have considered is mounting a cord reel to the stand that could be pulled out and plugged in to the building. I would then come off the back side of the reel and install the above mentioned box and GFCI's. Would this be permissible?
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Could you be sure that whoever plugged the reel cord in would always extend it fully? Or could you use a reel which is rated to carry full current while still partially wound?
 
I would wire the stands in a suitable wiring method, ie EMT, IMC, GRC depending on the conditions and use of the stands, and tie it all into a flanged inlet that you could plug a cord into when the stand is in place and in need of power.
 
How much power do you need? Could you use a small UPS on each stand, and remove it and plug it in to charge while the stands get moved back? This will be an expensive solution unless you don't need too many watt-hours. And the UPS may not recharge quickly (don't know how much down time you have while the platforms are moved).

Otherwise, I think A/A Fuel GTX has the solution. Cords can be used for permanent wiring if you meet the exceptions (and movable equipment is one exception).
 
We have spent MILLIONS on these types of platforms around our aircraft. They have to move the stands out of the way anytime the aircraft needs to move locations. I know that all these stands have power and air hookups. The stands are plugged into floor mounted power boxes via a large SO type cord. Each section of stand also has a subpanel which supplies all the receptacles, lighting, etc. We've been working with these for a quite a few years now.
 
I can see where cranes really complicate matters.

I did one shop where the solution was bus duct around the perimeter, with power drops and disconnects every 10ft. This minimized the cord clutter.

Otherwise ... depending on the amps needed, maybe you can solve your issue by giving each platform it's own portable generator. Quality generators (Yamaha, Honda) are very quiet, and hardly use any fuel when running without a load. I expect any shop that can convert a golf cart to propane power can convert the generators as well.

I'd get rid of the SO. You use enough that you can order what you really want. I'm thinking in terms of festoon cable (it's flat), or at least STO. Maybe even SJTO. That thermoplastic jacket is slicker, tougher, and a lot lighter. I'll bet you can hang the festoon cable from a 'fire hose' box. (Just thinking outside the box here).
 
A/A Fuel GTX said:
I would wire the stands in a suitable wiring method, ie EMT, IMC, GRC depending on the conditions and use of the stands, and tie it all into a flanged inlet that you could plug a cord into when the stand is in place and in need of power.
Click to expand...

Chad, I was just in your facility today 1-11-13. Having seen your work stands A/A Fuel's method seems like the best method

to me. John
 
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