How do we rig and wire an energy chain on a two stage elevator? Pictures of set ups would really help.
Hi! My team used energy chain last year and this year for our elevators. We found using that using this one from Mcmaster-Carr is really nice and easy to use. That specific version has links that can open flaps, making installation of the chain really convenient. All you have to do is to open all the flaps, set the chain down, and lay your cables on it. Then just close the flaps and you are done!
When figuring out how to mount it, remember that the energy chain only moves in 1 dimension. It is rigid in 1 dimension and flexible in the order. You want to mount it in a way that its dimension of movement is vertical parallel to your elevator. If you don’t, it will torque and maybe snap (that has happened to us.) The way that we calculate this position is by following these steps:
- First, pick a spot where your chain is going to start.
- Next, find a second spot DIRECTLY above or below your first spot. This is where your cable chain will end. This has to be perfectly above or below or else it will torque.
- Take some energy chain and have someone hold both ends at the two spots you chose.
- Have another person slowly run the elevator up and down. Keep close attentation at how the chain moves and bends, ensuring that it doesn’t torque or get in the way of anything.
- Once you have a good length and position, disconnect the extra links and put the cables in.
Keep in mind that the amount of cables you put in your chain will affect it’s flexibility. This year we have so many that we are actually running two chains! If you are having problems with too many cables, I would recommend buying stranded, silicone wire, which is slightly more expensive but is much more flexible then standard wire. Additionally, try to be efficient with what you are sending up there. I would recommend always sending up a USB extension cable in case you ever want to put a camera up there. If you have sensors you need to run, try to use multi-conductor cables to save space. We bought this one from Digikey and it has been doing us wonders. If that is unavailable, ethernet/UTP cable has 8 conductors and can work really well too. Remember that the more cables you run up, the heavier it will weigh! We found that each run of wire up our cable chain is about half a pound, and when you have 20 of those, it adds up quickly. Don’t underestimate the weight of a wire.
Hope that helps! If you have any questions, feel free to ask. I don’t have immediate pictures of our chain but I hope my explanation was effective.
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