Advice Please

SKY · Jul 30, 2011

Hi Gents

I do commercial work in my factory daily which is never a problem.
I mainly connect up 3 phase machinery and run extra power for new areas as well as maintain older installations.

All my machinery has data plates.

I have a job to do on Monday where we are installing a 2nd hand painting booth which is ventilated and heated as a separate cell.
I can find no data plates on it at all so I don't know what it pulls, the only clue I have is that they have left the old cable inside the panel which is 3 phase 4mm cable.
There are also 3 breakers rated at 10A inside the booth panel which I would think are the motors for the extract/heat.

I hate assuming but I have 6mm and 10mm SWA in my workshop so I may just bang in some 10mm (I don't pay for it!!) - ramp it up to full heat/speed and measure with a ring meter the Amp draw per phase.

Honestly I have looked everywhere for a plate and cannot see one - even the motor is fully enclosed and riveted hidden.

Can anyone add to aid me? or am I correct in my plan?

Many Thanks

Des 56 · Jul 30, 2011

It seems you dont have the overcurrent for the loads to have to concern yourself with

If the supply cable is adequately protected for its ccc then your plan looks sound

What I would like to ask is in regard to you mentioning the location of the mcbs "in the paint booth"

If its an explosive area,the electrical equipment may have to be flameproof in order to be located in the booth itself and possible restrictions or zoning externally and you may have to have a permit to work on that equipment

I am looking at your question from a mining industry perspective only

Lighthouse Phil · Jul 30, 2011

We have a large painting/spraying booth at our depot.
As Des 56 has said, the location of the MCB's could be in an explosive atmosphere. The control panel we have at our site is outside the spray/painting area. The panel controls the heating and ventilation by switches on the door. All electricial connections are internal to this panel where access is only via a special key.