Steam & Excursion > ORHC Turntable- more electical

hoping for another flip.......photo today of the Oregon Rail Heritage Center contractor Photo Eletric's work below the track on the turntable bridge.     Nice day in Portland, Oregon but guiet contractor day as the RFC crew is awaiting boiler tubes and no contractors on site.      tomorrow train rides pulled by the UP 96.   Yesterday as part of my 64th high school reunion we visited an automated fruit packing plant in Odell, Oregon.  absolutely interesting use of technology.  pm me if you want a picture.   Arlen     

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Arlen
       Here you go.

ST2K

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BAB Wrote:
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> Odd seems the open box doesnt look waterproof also
> left open with conduit too would have thought it
> would be water tight.

Maybe,,,,,,,,,,,,,just maybe, it isn't finished yet!

HotWater Wrote:
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> BAB Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Odd seems the open box doesnt look waterproof
> also
> > left open with conduit too would have thought
> it
> > would be water tight.
>
> Maybe,,,,,,,,,,,,,just maybe, it isn't finished
> yet!

Yes, not complete yet. The large grey box is a transformer that will step down the voltage from what I think was 480/277 to 120/208. The higher voltage will be for the three phase motors actually contolling the turn table and to feed the transformer. The lower voltage will be for the controls, a light in the operator "house", and the 120v convienence outlet barely visible on the right where you can see the black, white, and green wires. The open 12 x 12 can is a NEMA 3R enclosure meaning that it is raintight on 3 sides once the cover is installed. Inside it you see the terminal blocks most likely for the control circuits. The black cabling coming out of it is likely the feeders yet to be terminated through the conduit into the transformer. The conduit looks to be rigid that is appropriate for this installation.

Your mileage may vary, all info above based on this picture alone. 

Rob, 24yrs IBEW

It's a drip proof box that is missing the lid.  It'll be fine when they are done.

I'd suspect that the electrical work is subject to
inspection by the city's electrical code regs?

It looks like the lid is temporarily laid across the top of 
the open electrical box.

​W.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/16/23 10:21 by wcamp1472.

Everything in the photo complies with outdoor/wet location rated use,  a NEMA 3R collection can, Meyers hub conduit entries, a weather rated transformer. The collection can cover is sitting on top of the can as they work on the interior. They know what they're doing up in Oregon.

Dave 



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/16/23 10:31 by kilroydiver.

I figured there were some experts here on TO's that would clue me in to what all this "stuff" was, and sure enough....thank you all for your expertise.   Our contractor, Photo Electric, seems (and you guys have confirmed) that they know what they are doing.   I enjoy them and GREATLY appreciate how they deal with a work site.   Arlen (the upside down guy)

It's still being worked-on...

The open box is not energized, yet... 
So while it's 'under construction', its OK to work on it,
with the cover removed --- and to repeat: the cover is lying
on top of it's box, while connections are being completed.

Typically, at the close of the work-day, the cover is replaced,
pending future work.

Drip proof and Explosion Proof are two distinct descriptors:
Drip-proof rating means it's OK to be exposed to the elements;
but, under cover, so storms can't easily blow rain water into the junction
box.  Since, in this box, there are only screw-terminal connector strips, 
'Drip Proof' rating is perfectly suitable protection.

'Explosion-Proof' has to do with work areas that have explosive gasses
in the electrical equipment location: typically found in underground 
coal mines.  Explosion-proof has to do with any contained, internal,
electrical devices like contactors and electrical relays, with 
open electrical components --- that may generate electrical 
sparks, in their normal operation.

Explosion-proof boxes are sealed & very substantial, and are fitted with
seals and gaskets at all openings and penetrations of the box walls.  
In mines, flour mills, natural-gas installations, and fuel handling facilities,
an explosive atmosphere is created when explosive fumes, or dust, might
accumulate at a barely perceptible level ( low ability to alert the sense of smell).

At very low, but diffuse, concentrations ---- any spark can cause an 
explosion at the facility.   Explosion-Proof ratings are very specific and require 
all components used to contain electrical equipment, all fittings &
equipment must meet those very spectific, Explosion-Proof requirements----
thus, they are very costly to obtain and install.

However, this installation is does NOT constitute an "explosive environment". 
"Drip-proof" rating is perfectly suitable.

​W.
 



Edited 12 time(s). Last edit at 09/17/23 17:19 by wcamp1472.

Two more pics:

Pic #1 - Pic down Garden Track #1 if going from left to right.  Stood right there at the end of the track to take the picture but, even though I can measure roughly by pacing, for some reason I didn't and so don't have an idea of the track lengths.  I was the only person around at that time and could have done it easily.  Might be able to squeeze in two cars but suspect only one.
Pic #2 - another view, straight on, of the signals on the Harp.

JOHN

 

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If I remember correctly, at one time there was talk of a track extending from the turntable along the MAX side that would connect with the track along the UP side of the property. Is that still in the works?

Posted from Android

About three years ago when folks were starting to talk about the TT and possible track layouts, I threw together the idea shown here.  It is not especially well done and was just a quickie.  I showed it to a few people and some thought "no way", some had  "no opinion" and one person who I think has some sway thought it was a "cool idea".  That's as far as it went and that's fine with me as I am not privy to funding and what else it would take to accomplish the goal.  Plus, there probably would be intense discussion about the value of having the one little additional access.

As a volunteer greeter on Sundays I often get the question, "can we get in and tour see the inside of the passenger cars" and my answer is "not right now" because of where and how they are stored.  I'm assuming that the way the three garden tracks are  set up there will be good access around and allow people to be in the area safely.  STORAGE, DISPLAY, and ACCESS to them is the best idea.

Despite my suggestion, I've now come to the conclusion that the way it is being done is best.

JOHN
A-1 Wrote:
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> If I remember correctly, at one time there was
> talk of a track extending from the turntable along
> the MAX side that would connect with the track
> along the UP side of the property. Is that still
> in the works?
>
> Posted from Android



Edited 4 time(s). Last edit at 09/20/23 10:02 by Jsporseen.

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