HMI CONSENSUS
NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE –2014
HMI’s GOAL IN DEVELOPING THIS CONSENSUS
The 2014 National Electrical Code has a number of paragraphs affecting electric chain and
wire rope hoists. Some of these paragraphs are subject to varying interpretations.
Therefore, acting through the electrical engineering subcommittee of the HMI engineering
committee and with the approval of the HMI Board of Directors, the Hoist Manufacturers
Institute has developed and authorized the publication of the consensus contained within
this pamphlet. It is hoped that this HMI Consensus will be mutually helpful to users,
manufacturers and sellers of electric chain and wire rope hoists. For specific commentary
with respect to individual brand hoists, users and sellers should contact the
manufacturer(s) of their electric chain and wire rope hoist(s).
GENERAL
Article 100
Definitions
BRANCH CIRCUIT – The circuit conductors between the final
overcurrent device protecting the circuit and the outlet(s).
FEEDER – All circuit conductors between the service
equipment, the source of a separately derived system, or other
power supply source and the final branch-circuit overcurrent
device.
IN SIGHT FROM-Where the code specifies that one equipment
shall be “in sight from”, “within sight from”, or “within sight of”,
and so forth, another equipment, the specified equipment is to
be visible and not more than 15m (50ft) distant from the other.
OVERLOAD – Operation of equipment in excess of normal,
full-load rating, or of a conductor in excess of rated amapcity
that, when it persists for a sufficient length of time, would
cause damage or dangerous overheating. A fault, such as a
short circuit or ground fault, is not an overload.
READILY ACCESSIBLE – Capable of being reached quickly
for operation, renewal, or inspections, without requiring those
to whom ready access is requisite to climb over or remove
obstacles or resort to portable ladders, and so forth.
Article 110
Requirements for Electrical Installations
Section 110.25 – Lockable Disconnecting Means:
Where a disconnecting means is required to be lockable open
elsewhere in this Code, it shall be capable of being locked in
the open position. The provisions for locking shall remain in
place with or without the lock installed.
Article 240
Overcurrent Protection
Section 240.1 – Informational Note: Overcurrent protection for
conductors and equipment is provided to open the circuit if the
current reaches a value that will cause an excessive or
dangerous temperature in conductors or conductor insulation.
Article 430
Motors, Motor Circuits, and Controllers
Part I. General
Section 430.1 - Covers motors, motor branch circuit and feeder
conductors and their protection, motor overload protection,
motor control circuits, motor controllers, and motor control
centers.
Part III. Motor and Branch-Circuit Overload Protection
Section 430.31 - Part III specifies overload devices intended to
protect motors, motor-control apparatus, and motor branchcircuit conductors against excessive heating due to motor
overloads and failure to start.
NOTE: For the means of protecting against overload, see
Sections 430.32, 430.33, 430.40, 430.72 and 610.43.
Part IV. Motor Branch-Circuit Short-Circuit
And Ground Fault Protection
Section 430.51 - Part IV specifies devices intended to protect
the motor branch-circuit conductors, the motor control
apparatus and the motors against overcurrent due to short
circuits or ground faults.
Part VI. Motor Control Circuits
Section 430.71 - Part VI contains modifications of the general
requirements and applies to the particular conditions of the
motor control circuit.
Part VII. Motor Controllers
Section 430.81 - Part VII is intended to require suitable
controllers for all motors.
Part IX. Disconnecting Means
Section 430.101 - Part IX is intended to require disconnecting
means capable of disconnecting motors and controllers form
the circuit.
Section 430.109 - The disconnecting means shall be a type
specified in 430.109(A), unless otherwise permitted in
430.109(B) through (G), under the conditions specified.
Article 610
Cranes and Hoists
Section 610.1 - This article covers the installation of electrical
equipment used in conjunction with crane, monorail hoists,
hoists, and all
runways.
Section 610.2 - Festoon Cable: Single and multiple conductor
cable intended for use and installation in accordance with
Article 610 where flexibility is required.
Informational Note: Festoon cable consists of one or
more insulated conductors cabled together with an
overall jacket. It is rated 60°C (140°F), 75°C (167°F),
90°C (194°F), or 105°C (221°F) and 600V.
HMI CONSENSUS
NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE – 2014
A.
B.
C.
Part II. Wiring
Section 610.13 - Conductors shall comply with Table
310.104(A) unless otherwise permitted in 610.13(A) through
(D).
Section 610.14 - Ratings and size of conductors.
Part IV. Disconnecting Means
Section 610.31 - Runway conductor disconnecting means.
A disconnecting means that has a continuous ampere rating
not less than that calculated in 610.14(E) and (F) shall be
provided between the runway contact conductors and the
power supply. The disconnecting means shall comply with
430.109. The disconnecting means shall meet conditions (1)
through (4) unless installation meets the exceptions (1) or (2).
Note condition (2): lockable open in accordance with 110.25,
and condition (4) Placed (Disconnect) within view of the
runway contact conductors. (see definition “in sight from”).
Section 630.32 - Disconnecting means for cranes and monorail
hoists. (Note exceptions (2) through (3).) Where a
discontenting means is present it must comply with 430.109
and 110.25.
Part V. Overcurrent Protection
Section 630.41 - Feeders, runway conductors.
Section 630.42 - Branch circuit short circuit and ground fault
protection.
Branch circuits shall be protected in accordance with
610.12(A). Branch circuit taps, where made shall comply with
610.42(B).
Section 610.43 - Overload protection
CIRCUITS REQUIRED
1. A single hoist either lug, hook or base mounted in a fixed
location, i.e., not part of an overhead crane or other
traveling member. Refer to circuit A on page 4.
A. Branch Circuit Disconnecting Means (B.C.D.M.)
B. Branch Circuit Overcurrent Protection (B.C.O.P.)
C. Motor Overload Protection (M.O.L.P.) Optional.
See Notes 1 & 2.
2. Two or more individual hoists either lug, hook or base
mounted in a fixed location as in 1 above. Circuit B is
acceptable in all situations and preferred over Circuit C,
which may be used if the requirements of 430.53 are met.
2.1 Preferable for all conditions. Refer to circuit B on page 4.
A. Branch Circuit Disconnecting Means (B.C.D.M.)
B. Branch Circuit Overcurrent Protection (B.C.O.P.)
C. Motor Overload Protection (M.O.L.P.) Optional.
2.2 Refer to circuit C on page 4.
3.
Branch Circuit Disconnection Means (B.C.D.M.)
Branch Circuit Overcurrent Protection (B.C.O.P.)
Motor Overload protection (M.O.L.P.) Optional.
Optional or mandatory - see Note 4.
See Notes 3 and 4 on use of Single Disconnect.
A single monorail hoist with plain, hand geared or
motorized trolley. If only a plain or hand geared trolley is
used omit those items feeding only the trolley motor.
Refer to Circuit D on page 4.
A. Runway Conductor Disconnecting Means (R.C.D.M.)
B. Runway Conductor Overcurrent Protection (R.C.O.P.)
C. Branch Circuit Disconnecting Means (B.C.D.M.)
See Note 5.
D. Branch Circuit Overcurrent Protection (B.C.O.P.)
See Note 4.
E. Motor Overload Protection (M.O.L.P.)
Optional See Note 4.
4. Two or more plain, hand geared or motorized trolley
mounted hoists on same runway. If a plain or hand
geared trolley is used omit those items feeding only the
trolley motor. Refer to Circuit E. on page 4.
A. Runway Conductor Disconnecting Means (R.C.D.M.)
B. Runway Conductor Overcurrent Protection (R.C.O.P.)
C. Branch Circuit Overcurrent Protection (B.C.O.P.)
See Note 5.
D. Branch Circuit Overcurrent Protection (B.C.O.P.)
E. Motor Overload Protection (M.O.L.P.)
Optional See Note 2.
5. Overhead cranes, single or two motor hoists for use on any
bridge crane with bridge either hand propelled or
motorized. Refer to Circuit F page 4.
See CMAA Consensus.