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Two post lift electric supply
gregs - 9/10/15 at 03:54 PM

All - following previous query on lifts.. The various two post lifts seem very short on info for the electrical supply req'd. I'm going to be sceptical and assume this is due to the potential for surge current vs rcd's etc so keen to get a real world view.

So ... I'm Assuming 240v single phase, fed on a direct spur from the consumer unit in 6mm2 with a 16? Amp rcd.

What have others used - and do you get problems with it tripping out?.

I did contact a supplier but got email silence...

Thoughts welcome...

Greg

mark chandler - 9/10/15 at 04:20 PM

3hp will trip a 16amp MCB so I run a 32amp MCB directly wired, it's 3' from the consumer unit.

The control box on the lift has some very big relays.

[Edited on 9/10/15 by mark chandler]

blakep82 - 9/10/15 at 04:21 PM

Considering a household oven needs a 32a supply, I'd expect a lift to need more than 16a
Though you're right, info is a little sketchy

daniel mason - 9/10/15 at 06:13 PM

Ovens don't need a 32a supply generally.
Electric hobs on the other hand can need massive supplies now!

JoelP - 9/10/15 at 06:46 PM

You need an appropriately rated mcb as well as the rcd. Rcds do not protect against overcurrent. The rating is what they can take without melting, not a switching current.

blakep82 - 9/10/15 at 08:31 PM

quote:
Originally posted by daniel mason
Ovens don't need a 32a supply generally.
Electric hobs on the other hand can need massive supplies now!


well, you know what i mean... lol either way, if you don't know, get an electrician (i guess thats why they don't give that type of info out easily?)

coozer - 10/10/15 at 06:56 AM

I've got 3 x 3hp motors, lathe, compressor and my nasty bench saw. I run them off a blue 16amp socket with proper starters.

No problem with any of them and never had any trip out.

gregs - 10/10/15 at 08:30 AM

quote:
Originally posted by JoelP
You need an appropriately rated mcb as well as the rcd. Rcds do not protect against overcurrent. The rating is what they can take without melting, not a switching current.


You're right - should have been talking about mcbs - doing a bit more research it looks like I need an NBC with the right 'curve' to deal with / ignore the inrush. All mine are b curve and looks like I need a c or d curve one.

Hopefully the starter that's on the lift will be 'reasonable'.

JoelP - 10/10/15 at 09:32 AM

If I were you I'd upgrade the garage supply to a 32a c or d type mcb with an inline 40a rcd, via a 6mm cable, unless it's a huge distance from the supply, and then just connect the lift to your new garage supply. It's unlikely you'll ever use two big demands at once.

gregs - 20/1/16 at 05:16 PM

For info I went with a 16amp MCB but with a C curve - all functioning as hoped, no trippy moments yet.