Festoon cable system

[howardm]

Hi,
Is anybody using a roof mounted festoon cable type system instead of dozens of sockets scattered about the place. As there is only one machine likely to be working at any time I don't see any point in installing masses of wiring about the place.
I probably need just 2 13 amp and 2 16 amp sockets max.
If you have seen or have a good system/layout please share it.
Thanks
Howard

 

[Robotstar5]

Been a sparky for many years but had to look that one up

It came up with a system normally used for cranes/hoists where the cable is looped through trollies running in a track, is that what you mean?.

 

[shedfull]

The only Festoon I've seen is 110v lighting on site.

for your application I'm thinking metalclad sockets, flex, glands sounds like a glorified extension cable

 

[brightspark]

ove got link lights with sockets fitted but there 110 volt

 

[howardm]

Yup,
It's a glorified extension cable.
But, one you wouldn't trip over, or cut in half, when that lump of iron falls over.

I've had an idea.

 

[Turbo]

On the factory floor where I worked they has 3 phase drops from the ceiling for the production line, The cable was special stuff, coiled and springy like the connections on the back of an artic truck. Often thought myself that it would be a good idea for a workshop but from what I remember the coiled cable was very expensive.

My concern would be the chance of the drop getting stretched but you could always use some of the chain and hangers you use for a suspended light fitting and cable tie your wiring to that to reinforce it.

 

[bump]

Common in photo studios for lighting and power packs, both Elincrom and Bowens make a system.

 

[Jim Davey]

KES power and light do really nice festoon distribution systems too, with resin molded joints at all the intersections.

 

[thinfourth]

I had it in my workshop

Cable run up to the ceiling and was fixed there

Down again and round a counter weight (huge shackle) with the correctly selected pulley (old reel i found)

Back up again to another carefully selected pulley

Along a beam and them over another pulley with a travel limiting device (a knot) then the cable dangled just above head height.

To use the power reach up and grab the socket and pull it down, plug in and work away with the counterweight system ensuring the correct cable tension to keep it off the floor

No longer used as i fitted loads of sockets in the new workbench

 

[chunkolini]

I am considering something like this for when I eventually get my new place sorted out
http://brennenstuhl.info/index.php?...tails&index[products][data][products_id]=7242