This is undoubtedly a stupid noob question, but before I go buying a lift: I have a 220V outlet for my compressor close to where my lift will be installed. I recognize that I will need to eventually use EMT to hardwire the lift to the panel, but is there any reason I can’t lift a vehicle, unplug the lift so I can plug in my compressor, then plug the lift back in when I’m ready to lower it? Of course, I know I need to leave the car on the stops when I do this. Just wanted to make sure there’s really no difference in this approach (from a safety standpoint) vs. leaving the unit plugged in.
Killing power while a vehicle is lifted
- Thread starter carl_694
- Start date
sberry
Banned
koditten
Well-known member
Same. I have the lift and welder with plugs. Can't use both at the same time.
Just install a second box beside your existing outlet, tie the two together (using approved methods), and plug both in....
But yeah, no reason you can't unplug a lift while it's up.
pattenp
Well-known member
In the US that's a residential building code violation if greater than a 20A outlet to have multiple outlets on a single circuit. If you care about code?
ace10
Well-known member
If you haven't done so already, you should watch some install videos of lifts so that you understand how to safely operate and, more importantly, understand how the locking mechanisms function.
If a lift is off the ground, and it's not moving, then the locks should be engaged and the weight should be resting on them.
If a lift is off the ground, and it's not moving, then the locks should be engaged and the weight should be resting on them.
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Hence why I added the approved methods...can't know code everywhere; heck I'm not even sure it's ok up here in Canada.
firebirdparts
Well-known member
It won’t hurt a thing.
I guess the gist of my question was whether the columns would provide a backup safety mechanism should the locks fail somehow. For example. I always keep my jack under the car when I'm working on stands, just in case.
sleek98
Well-known member
I have not seen a second locking mechanism built into any lift. I really can’t see how the locks could fail once the lift is set down on them, then again I have only really looked that closely/used 4 brands. Perfect park, advantage, forward and almi.
You can put pole jacks under the car if you want but I don’t. Except for my truck and that’s only to support the rear axle so it’s not free hanging.
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wyliesdiesels
Well-known member
Whats the HP rating on the compressor motor and lift motor?
sberry
Banned
I can't recall if mine even listed the hp. It wasn't bi though, only 240 and about 13A and 14/30 circuit.
I happened to have 10 and was filling the pipe and put in 10/30, it was only 60 ft. The welder I use on it is small feeder and is fine on 30.
I happened to have 10 and was filling the pipe and put in 10/30, it was only 60 ft. The welder I use on it is small feeder and is fine on 30.
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If the locks did fail how would having the motor plugged in help?
minytrker
Well-known member
Wont hurt unplugging it, I have emergency cutoff levers on my lifts and turn them off all the time. I would just wire both up so you dont have to keep unplugging them, especially if tis just you working in ther. In my shop I have everything ran on its own circuit BUT if it was possible to to turn on all my lifts and other equipment at once it would overload my service.
nsula_country
Well-known member
OP did not state if this was a resi garage or a shop.
Personally I'd mount another box beside the current one and run them off the same breaker. Use a deep box to splice with split bolts or Polaris connectors. Not likely to be raising lift and welding at the same time...
Pretty sure that its code if not resi. If not, I'll retract the statement.
CT
sberry
Banned
My breaker is local and when I did it couldn't find a DP switch I had was. My 10 wire runs by a jbox where it's tapped with 12 for the motor which is spliced to the 14 motor cord. The 10 continues to the welder outlet. Hoist is essentially hard wired.
nsula_country
Well-known member
Seems and Sberry and I have ran our 240 circuits similar.
CT
CT
sberry
Banned
Yes, the hoist is hard wired, the recept is added. The wire is big enough and the breaker small enough it cant be overloaded. Both items could actually use a smaller wire if they were dedicated but since I had it and it was shared matched it.
alfredeneuman
Well-known member
In only the few States that have adopted the International Residential Code is it a violation.
The overwhelming majority of States have the NEC as their adopted Code, in which there is no such restriction.
sberry
Banned
In my case I use this judicially if that describes it.
as I mention got really intentional dedicated outlet and its not a random convenience outlet. If it was a welding outlet could have been breakered to 50 but its only for a specific machine. I don't need to future proof it, add to it,,, its mature as they say and on a wire 2 sizes larger than it requires and a size bigger than it needs.
as I mention got really intentional dedicated outlet and its not a random convenience outlet. If it was a welding outlet could have been breakered to 50 but its only for a specific machine. I don't need to future proof it, add to it,,, its mature as they say and on a wire 2 sizes larger than it requires and a size bigger than it needs.