spray booth electrical

[1930]

I would like to add a second switch to the inside of my spraybooth to control the lights and fan motor.

At this point I have the two switches mounted outside the door and I have mounted a second switch box to the opposite side of the wall.

Can someone explain to me in the dummiest terms the easiest way to do this.

Looking on-line I do not see pictures of my identical scenario.

If someone is able to draw a crude picture than that would work best. Thanks

 

[LXCam]

There's a reason you don't see that configuration. That's because anything within the booth needs to be explosion proof rated. It's not worth taking a chance bud. You should purchase either class one division one enclosure and switches as well as a seal off for the booth penetration. It's not worth explaining all the ins and outs since what you want to do is not cost effective. But I do suggest you do a little reading, here's a real basic explanation of the code requirements.

http://gfsboothblog.com/2013/04/08/codes-standards-electrical-area-classifications-for-paint-booths/

There are other methods of achieving your goal that are safe but it would be irresponsible for anyone to outline a solution that does not meet code tooth and nail.

If you truly want to go down this road Appleton publishes a very comprehensive catalog for their rated products that outlines every situation including detailed pictures of the assemblies you'd need. I'm not sure if it's offered online, but any electrical wholesaler that sells their products can get you one.

 

[rlitman]

There's a reason you don't see that configuration. That's because anything within the booth needs to be explosion proof rated.

Here's a thought: what about a non-electrical switch inside that controls the actual switch outside? Kind of like the the air controlled switch on a spa or garbage disposal.

 

[readhead]

I have a spray booth that is inspected every year. There are all kinds of rules in the electrical code and fire codes covering paint booths. They all boil down to one thing, no electrical devices within the booth or exhaust system.

 

[rlitman]

I have a spray booth that is inspected every year. There are all kinds of rules in the electrical code and fire codes covering paint booths. They all boil down to one thing, no electrical devices within the booth or exhaust system.

What, you don't have lights? There's a reason that explosion proof electrical devices exist...

 

[readhead]

No, we use a flashlight when we paint. Of course there are lights. All the lights are mounted outside behind tempered glass so they are explosion proof.

I think I know what the OP is after. He doesn't want to open the door with the fan running. I get that, but most guys put the door close to the filter rack so anything coming in goes right into the filters. I doubt if there is an air switch that would handle the current requirements for the fan motor.

Our booth has an interlock that requires the fan to be running before the air supply is available.

I know that there are a lot of spray booths out there that don't have the stuff that I am describing and nobody has died. But if something did happen I am pretty sure that the insurance company will give you the boot and tell you that you are on your own. Explain that to the guy you just called to tell him that his 80K mustang just burned to the ground.

 

[K13]

Somebody either on here or the HAMB had built a slick mechanical switch that allowed them to turn the fan on and off from inside the booth but I can't seem to find it. Hopefully they will see this thread and respond.

 

[1930]

Somebody either on here or the HAMB had built a slick mechanical switch that allowed them to turn the fan on and off from inside the booth but I can't seem to find it. Hopefully they will see this thread and respond.

Now that everyone mentions it I did know that I was not supposed to have a switch in there, just forgot.

A booth I sometimes use in Tampa at a friends shop has a machette looking lever inside the spray booth that activates the switch outside the booth, Im going to have to go over there and check out how all that works.

 

[LXCam]

Boy am I glad you're not one of those guys that would just say "screw it", I'm doing it anyhow. There are many intrinsically safe methods of doing what you want to do, pneumatic switches, low voltage controls/relays. The problem is the assemblies and installation must meet code or if something were to happen, you'd be on the hook.

 

[jdieter]

Would a wireless remote switch be code approved?

 

[nadogail]

Would a wireless remote switch be code approved?

The whole idea is to contain any possible spark inside the Explosion Proof electrical enclosure. So just as wireless ( Cellular) telephones are not allowed while pumping gas into your car; I personally would have problems with any non-approved wireless device in an explosive atmosphere.

 

[jdieter]

The whole idea is to contain any possible spark inside the Explosion Proof electrical enclosure. So just as wireless ( Cellular) telephones are not allowed while pumping gas into your car; I personally would have problems with any non-approved wireless device in an explosive atmosphere.

Here is a link that disputes gas pumps & cell phones, I think these situations where somebody is talking or the cell phone rings have been attributed to static electricity and not the cell phone.

https://www.fcc.gov/guides/wireless-phones-gas-stations

But anyway I'm curious where the NEC is regarding a wireless remote inside a paint booth.