Car Ramp install

highspark · Apr 25, 2012

Need some advice on which way to go on a car ramp installation. Commercial Unit, Roof space and gurders about 40ft from ground, solid concrete floor throuout. No real access for cherry picker in area ramp is installed. My first consideration is that in honesty using the gurders to mount steel wired armour is not practical in this instance due to access etc. So I have 2 things in mind A) a catenary wire from one wall to the other with SWA cliped. Or B) run along outer wall then drop to floor space and use cable cover mats to reach the ramp? Problem I have is I am yet to find cable covers that will incorporate SWA? Any other ideas?

Engineer54 · Apr 25, 2012

In a garage set-up that this installation seems to be, i would strongly advise to consider chopping out the concrete floor. And use for the provision of cable ducts to each of the ramp installations/positions.

mogga · Apr 25, 2012

who says it MUST go across at roof level Could you go from ramp post to wall via tray ? even extend height so not to obstruct

mats or cable covers would IMO be a no no as mechanics are as nice and tidy,carefull as plasteres and plumbers
How far is post from wall at closest point Id go for crossing there OR dig out floor duct and infill

Kenny. · Apr 25, 2012

I done a similar job and had to cut the floor, two grooves with a stihl saw then kango out the middle, sunk a 25mm galv conduit about 100mm, a very dusty job but it was the only option available to me.

highspark · Apr 25, 2012

The problem I have is that closet wall to the ramps power has racking install right the way along so I can not clip cable to that wall. The opposite side has offices. i can clip directly over offices but the cable would then have to reach about 7m across and either drop in or go up to ramps power point.

Plonker 3 · Apr 25, 2012

Could you not get a joiner to build a timber ramp over the cables after laying them on tray on the floor or even running ducting with SWAs enclosed then concrete over them?

Engineer54 · Apr 25, 2012

As i said chop the floor out, once all installed and finished there is no obstructions to be hit and damaged. catenary wiring wouldn't last 5 minutes at ramp height levels before being brought down...lol!!!

Engineer54 · Apr 25, 2012

Dillb said:
Could you not get a joiner to build a timber ramp over the cables after laying them on tray on the floor or even running ducting with SWAs enclosed then concrete over them?

In a garage enviroment?? How long do you think that would last??

Plonker 3 · Apr 25, 2012

If built well enough it should last, obviously concreting would be a better option. Chasing out would be better option again I agree.

Just giving the OP ideas as they know the situation better than any of us.

Engineer54 · Apr 25, 2012

Dillb said:
If built well enough it should last, obviously concreting would be a better option. Chasing out would be better option again I agree.

Just giving the OP ideas as they know the situation better than any of us.

I doubt if it would get past H&S to be honest, as any raised flooring obstruction will be classed as an unacceptable trip hazard. The wooden ramp, just wouldn't last any time, in a working garage environment...

Plonker 3 · Apr 25, 2012

Meh bloody health and safety, cant build a small gradual ramp in a garage over obstacles but you can build a pit 6 ft deep and have no edge protection round it, bloody ludicrous.

Knobhead · Apr 25, 2012

Can’t see as you have any option other than chop the floor out. Catenary won’t survive, roof inaccessible, trip hazard if you go across the floor.
View attachment 12014
Get digging.

highspark · Apr 25, 2012

I don't fancyt choipping out with a bloody stihl saw. I have no idea where the main incomer is or what depth it will be at. Will the DNO know where it is?

snowhead · Apr 25, 2012

highspark said:
I don't fancyt choipping out with a bloody stihl saw. I have no idea where the main incomer is or what depth it will be at. Will the DNO know where it is?

The incomer won't be that close to the surface, and wouldn't be buried under the floor and if it is when the posts are bolted down for the ramp they would probably hit it with the bolts.

The incomer is usually on an outside wall.