Getting power to a 2 post lift

[ScD]

I have a new 2 post lift and I need to hook up the power. When I built the shop the electrician installed a 240V 30 amp circuit in the ceiling directly above where I am installing the lift. The box is 5 ft. above the top of the lift and 14 ft. above the power unit.

I am thinking about using either 10 gauge wire inside EMT, or MC 10-2 cable. Maybe I could use both by mounting a box to the top of the power side post with 10 gauge wire in EMT running down the column to the power unit and MC cable running up to make the connection to the box on the ceiling.

What would you use?

 

[Rod N]

I did mine last week and just used MC 10-2 cable from the switch box to the box on the ceiling. My understanding is there should be a disconnect of some type if the panel is not close to the lift. I think i will put a switch right beside the switch box so if anything ever happened I could kill the power instantly.

 

[pattenp]

I ran flex conduit up to box on ceiling and used 60A AC disconnect switch mounted to the lift column.

View media item 22466

 

[Rod N]

Nice and clean work there. What is the black box above it?

 

[dave*99]

I have a Rotary 2 post lift. There is a safety bar at the top of the lift that cuts power if the roof of the vehicle hits the bar. This switch is wired in series with the incoming power.

So it goes like this - I have a ceiling mounted box above the lift. I used a flexible whip to go from ceiling box to top of lift post. This whip is the type used for air conditioned condensing units. Bought it from the local home center. It has 10 gauge wire already threaded through a piece of sealtite. Threaded fittings were included.

The whip terminates in a junction box at the top of the lift where the safety switch wires enter and are connected in series. EMT runs from this box to a 4" square box on the side of the lift near the motor. A 2 pole disconnect switch is wired into that box.

Finally a short piece of BX connects from the disconnect switch to the lift pump motor.

I should mention it would be nice to have a convenience outlet on the side of the lift too.

 

[pattenp]

Nice and clean work there. What is the black box above it?

Safety locks. You raise the lift a bit and pull down lever to release locks to lower vehicle.

 

[ScD]

I like the idea of running either flexible conduit, or an AC whip down to a box mounted to the top of the post. I will run EMT down the post. I also like the idea of a safety disconnect switch on the post. Amazon has this 30-Amp 240-volt Two-Pole Light Duty Safety Switch for $30. I'm going to order one.

 

[pattenp]

I assume you are aware that switch has fuses. The AC disconnect switch I pictured is non-fused and is about $15 - $16 at Lowe's or HD. It's a QO200TRCP

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[Ironcrow]

What? My disconnect switch needs to be fused now?

 

[pattenp]

What? My disconnect switch needs to be fused now?

No. I was saying the safety switch the OP showed takes fuses. The disconnect does not need to be fused.

 

[Ironcrow]

Oh, good. I don't have to change anything

To the OP, I ran EMT straight up to the ceiling over 30 inches and down to the disconnect switch on the wall.

 

[toplessHO]

I would EMT it to a disconnect,then come out of that with flex to the motor.
too bad you didnt plan for 120v outlets on the pole too

 

[ScD]

too bad you didnt plan for 120v outlets on the pole too

A 120 outlet on the lift sure would be handy.

The electrician ran 3 separate 10 gauge wires in about 40' of 3/4 EMT to the ceiling box. I am thinking there is plenty of room in the conduit for three additional 12 gauge wires. I realize I would have to pull out the existing 10 gauge then pull all the wires at once.

Is it okay to run 120V and 240V in the same conduit? If yes can I use a common ground wire for both circuits? I have a spare single pole 20 amp breaker in my box so it would work on that end.

 

[mburrus]

i would personally drop SJ or SO cord down from the ceiling with a strain relief at the ceiling... thats the way i see it done most often around here. there is usually a twist lock plug from the supply cord to the motor right near the motor...

 

[DodgeMech]

whatever you do, consider putting a box with a couple plugs in it also, damn nice to have a spot that close to the car to plug in things...i guess so long as what you do is up to "code", anyway

 

[rburke65]

I know it doesn't help you now but I ran my lift feed, 120 v outlet power and air lines order the concrete in conduit to the side of the lift. Nothing hanging or coming down from the ceiling.