Wiring a piece of equipment that is meant to move as it functions

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crispysonofa

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Location
New England
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Electrical and Security Contractor
So I have never encountered this type of setup before, it's an automatic oven loader for a production kitchen. It is mounted on rails so it can slide back and forth. I am trying to decide what the best wiring method would be to keep everyone safe and be code compliant. It is a small load but requires 208v. I am waiting on a spec sheet but I am assured that the over-current protection will not exceed 20 amps. Is this a good time to use SJO or do I need to use LFMC or LFNC. Its range of motion is a good 8 feet horizontal and 3.5 feet or so of vertical motion. I am unsure what section of the code I should be looking in :?, any insight is appreciated!
 
crispysonofa said:
I am waiting on a spec sheet
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This will be the end of the story, the manufacturers instructions will be the only thing that matters, to wire it any other way will be on your nickel as far as problems and/or warranty issues

Roger
 
Well, the equipment should come with needed parts. Hard to imagine they would sell equipment like that without supplying all the hardware.

Typically moving parts that need power are routed in energy chains, like this. Or something similar. Lots of makes and brands out there I just
copied a pic I found. Then the cabling needs to be of the type that is meant to flex. It will be billed with some kind of nomenclature like continuous
flex cable. It will be tray rated but meant to be continuously flexed. Otherwise it will break. I have spent quite a bit of time soldering, rewiring etc
on machines that were built without using wire and cable to meant for the purpose. Back in the 90's that is. Seems like these days manufacturers use
the right stuff for the most part. As for NEC codes regarding this type of installation, I don't have a clue other than it would most likely fall under
tray rules.
croppedimage306175-Circular.jpg
 
Also called drag chain, or cable drag chain. Here's another pic that might be better for getting the idea.

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And if you have a really big oven...........

images
 
Thank you all for taking the time to respond. Much appreciated. I will have to see it when it comes and I will update on it. Thank you!
 
Sounds like you not only have flexibility requirement but possibly also need something designed for high temperatures.
 
I will evaluate the temperature adjustments when I see the machine, as far as I know the wiring will not enter the oven but be about 7'-9' feet away. I think it is a piece of equipment from Europe but I am not sure yet. I asked for a spec sheet and they said "its just 20 amps 3 phase" I insisted on a spec sheet and am still waiting for one.
 
The machine came with everything necessary I just had to feed a stationary box, All is well I was overthinking it!
 
crispysonofa said:
The machine came with everything necessary I just had to feed a stationary box, All is well I was overthinking it!
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That's often the case now, for the very reason you posted your question; it's not something electricians run into every day, so the responsible mfrs eliminate the guesswork and include the special wiring in the package. I ran into one a couple of years ago where the user purchased on price, turned out the price was lower because the mfr. didn't include the cable or track. Luckily the electrician had experience in this type of system and knew what to do, but the installed cost ended up being a lot higher.
 
Jraef said:
I ran into one a couple of years ago where the user purchased on price, turned out the price was lower because the mfr. didn't include the cable or track.
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I was concerned this was the case as well. Luckily it was very simple. Overall a good experience. Really appreciate the insight that this forum provides as I gain more experience.
 
Basically it was a piece of LFMC with a spring setup on a rail. It was a little different than american LFMC in that it seemed to have a lot more flexibility. It had supports and it would put tension on the springs as it needed length and the springs would relax and pull up the slack as it moved. It was a $20,000 automatic oven loader from France, I don't think it was UL listed and as I wired it up the technician had all sorts of trouble because the unit was not wired for the 208 poly-phase that was present at the building. He was moving jumpers on the motors and having to reconfigure the unit. I felt a little sorry for him. It was a good experience and I was happy to help the baker as he was generous with his pastries and breads.
 
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