Wiring An Auto Wash.

[R2006]

Hi Everyone.
I Have A Client Who Has A Do It Yourself Carwash. And Is Now Installing An Autowash Bay(just Pull The Car Through Type Thing).
The Auto Wash Co. Is Suppling And Installing All The Equipment And We Are Required To Pipe It Out And Pull The Predesignated Wires. We Have Never Seen One Of These Units Before. I Was Planning To Use Pvc On The Interior Of The Wash And Seal Tight Were Required For Flexability. Anyone Here Ever Wired One Of These Or Have Any Insight What To Watch Out For. Thanks For Any Help.

 

[mdshunk]

Yeah, they're a "kit", more or less. You're right, it's just a PVC and Carflex job. They come with pretty good prints and instructions. You might even be in my area. I did a bid recently for one of these. Maybe you're the guy who won it?

EDIT... some of what you'll run in those pipes is tray cable, so just a head's up to check conduit fills.

 

[Jljohnson]

You got it right, lots of PVC, carflex, PVC J-boxes, etc. We also use the Plastic "Quick-Clip" type PVC straps in these installationsso that our strapping doesn't rust away. Ussually find that a snowmelt boiler for the exit drive has been "Left off" of the blueprints as the Auto-wash salespeople don't sell this equipment to the owner so they do not include it in their schematic design. Heads up on that one. Good luck.

 

[memyselfandI]

I've done a couple of these "Touchless Car Wash" units and they are not to bad. I used PVC and Carflex because of some of the detergents they use can be a little harsh. Nothing explosive just harsh. When you mount things inside the wash, try to use stainless steel fasteners, they will be a little more expensive but they don't rust. Glue it and seal it well, it is almost like a 100% humidity in there and it is always wet.

 

[e57]

DIY carwash, I think vandels would have thier way with PVC IMO. Not to mention general abuse.... I would think RMC, and if worried about corrosives PVC coated RMC.

 

[mdshunk]

I would think RMC, and if worried about corrosives PVC coated RMC.

I would think that too, then I think about getting the job, then I switch back to PVC! We're talking about automatic bays here... not self serve bays. In self serve bays, all the raceway is run in areas under lock and key. In automatic bays, the door often doesn't even go up until you slip your five bucks into the bill acceptor. Not many people will pay money to vandalize your raceways. Next time you get an automatic car wash, take a look at how it's wired... PVC and Carflex.