How to acquire 3 phase power!
Don't know how to get the correct power?
Not a problem! Our step by step guide will show how you can get the correct power on your site!
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1. Identify the power source
The first and most important part of using the Eseries equipment is your power! Many contractors worry about not having the correct power source on site, which can be daunting if you have never used or powered any other 3 phase equipment. The great thing about 3 phase is that it's very safe, and is the site standard across the UK. You CANNOT run a modern construction site without it, and it therefore is available one way or another.
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The Eseries equipment utilises a 5 pin plug. This is a red and white plug with 5 pins rated at 415v, 32amps. The Epots utilise a 63amp system.
Plug diagrams shown here, show the type of socket you need. You cannot step up from a 110v or 230v socket!
32amp
5 pin socket identified by its red and white colour. It will also have a rating on its side which should say 415v 32amp!
63amp
The 63amp socket will have what looks like 6 pins and is a larger socket. This is still wired the same as the 32amp.
Whats in the sockets?
We won't get too technical with the power and how it works, but their are some important bits of knowledge you need to know!
The lines inside the sockets and plugs are one of these.
When you identify the type of socket you need (as above), you need to know the power lines which are required.
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We refer to each line of power as a Phase. So L1, L2 and L3 are refered to as Phase 1, Phase 2 and Phase 3.
You will require an EARTH and a NEUTRAL in order to run the equipment! This is for safety and compliance.
These lines are colour coded and shown below. When wiring the sockets on site, these must be wired correctly and to site standards.
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L1
L2
L3
NEUTRAL
EARTH
2. Where can I find the power?
As previously mentioned the power on most modern construction sites requires 3 phase.
This is due to the fact that sites with cranes, site cabins, on site facilities and plant equipment all rely on 3 phase to keep the daily operations running.
On the occasion where 3 phase is not available, a generator is the next necessary step to run the equipment.​
On site power
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3 phase power can be located easily from on site power points already installed. These run directly to the distribution board. If a distribution board is available but no socket, these can be installed very easily using an on site electrician, and will allow you to run directly to the site power.​​
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Crane power point
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Just like with on site power, cranes also use 3 phase power points. If there is a crane there is 3 phase on site!
You can trace back the power to the source and get an extra point installed.
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Generators
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Generators​ are a very versatile way of getting 3 phase power on any construction site. These can be hired in as static units, or you can hire road towable versions. Regardless of what people may say, generators are regularly available and very affordable to
hire and run.
You will require a minimum of 28KVA.
Plant equipment
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3 phase can normally be found on a roof area if plant and equipment is located there. Alternatively ask the main contractor to provide an isolator and socket in this area. It is most unlikely that 3 phase power is not present on the site, remember you can't run a site or commercial building on a single phase supply.
If in doubt consult an on site electrician
for advice.
3. I've got the power,
how do I know its working!?
Once the power is installed, we now need to see if it works!
The obvious and safest way to check the power is working, is to consult a qualified electrician so they can check the supply.
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When you plug in the equipment and turn the machine/s on, you may find that there still is no power.
Below are some troubleshooting tips incase you run into these issues.
Mains Monitor Relay​
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All the equipment features a Mains Monitor Relay. This device allows the user to know if the power supply is wired up correctly when the equipment is turned on. Two lights will appear, a GREEN and ORANGE light. If there is only a GREEN light there is something incorrect with the incoming power.
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This could be a missing phase, phase rotation, over-voltage or under-voltage.
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RCCD Trip
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The equipment and the power supply will feature what is called an RCCD trip.
This device protects indivduals from electrical currents passing through the equipment.
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On occasion these devices can trip by error. This device stops any incoming current so the trip needs to be on in order for the equipment to work.
If it continues to trip, contact us direct for technical support.
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Make sure the isolator is off before you open the cabninet and reset the trip.
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Emergency stop button
Although it may sound obvious, the emergency stop button needs to be released in order for the equipment to work. It may be it has been pushed in by accident when storing or moving across the site.
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Additional help
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If you still require help or assistance we are happy to assist with locating and sourcing power where it's required
We have contacts for national generator hire companies and we can provide over the phone assistance to electricians and operatives if you require help.
Call us direct on 01376330582 or email info@imperialthermal.co.uk
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