Acceptable wiring methods for machine tool

[Wazzajnr]

You never know with some of these forums, I've just been lambasted for dragging up an old post oooppppssss!!!

 

[Engineer54]

I used to work for a machine builders up until about 18 months ago and the box sections are always used for routing cables.
3 things to note,

1)the machines were designed with rectangular cut-outs at regular intervals on the machine to facilitate wiring/maintenance
2)entry into the box section was made by drilling and tapping 32mm (or 50mm if box was big enoough) and then a short reach bush screwed in with threadlock
3)a seperate box was used for power and comms/analogue cable run to avoid interference.

The company has been making machines for 30+ years and to my knowledge, nothing has ever come back because of running in the box sections. at the end of the day, it is hardly any different to running in trunking or steel conduit

Hope this helps

Virtually every machine build i've seen of any size, has been built to use the fabric of the machine for it's wiring and air piping systems etc. A good many also use them for flush mounted switches and push button locations... Basic standard practice i would have thought. Only ever seen singles run in box sections etc in very old machines, and i guess many of them are still around today giving sterling service. They don't make em like they used too, those old machines were built to last and last they did!! lol!!! Think they call it ''Over Engineering'' today...lol!!!

 

[gnuuser]

actually i recommend trunking the cables in raceway or conduit.
(had to completely rewire a carton erector after someone welded safety rails on a frame section carrying cabling)
lots more smoke than they expected and stink quite a bit.:lol:
they were un-aware that cabling was run in the framework

 

[Engineer54]

actually i recommend trunking the cables in raceway or conduit.
(had to completely rewire a carton erector after someone welded safety rails on a frame section carrying cabling)
lots more smoke than they expected and stink quite a bit.:lol:
they were un-aware that cabling was run in the framework

That's fine if there is enough space/room on the machine to incorporate a conduit or trunking system. Most manufactures will use the framework to route cabling, air, hydraulics etc, around the machine. Generally you wouldn't use the fabric of the machine to house the incoming supply cable, though i've seen that done a few times too....