[sudo-discuss] Electrical detail draft

[Jake]

Hi Whit,

Sorry I didn't write back to your previous post!  I am super glad you're 
here, your skills are exactly what is needed.  I would say that you have 
more experience running pipe and wire and installing outlets than I do, so 
I will call you the lead on making this happen.

I looked at the attached PDF (I hope you saw the spreadsheet I made too)

and I think that your map is very complete.  I had been thinking of about 
half as many outlets, but you are right to suggest we do the job right the 
first time, rather than rushing to get it done.

That said, if we find ways to leave some outlets for later (after the 
upcoming fire inspection) we should keep in mind that the priority right 
now is to eliminate use of extension cords, and do so ASAP.  We can always 
add more service later.

As for service levels, I believe the standard 20 amp breaker for each leg 
of outlets (shared by two boxes of two duplex sockets each) will be plenty 
for all outlets.  we will not be running more than one 20A circuit worth 
of servers or anything else, and the only high-power users are temporary 
things like occasional power tools.

About the robot:  the breaker labeled for it (in the middle on the right, 
at the balcony panel) is connected right now!  you can see the wire 
running down to its control box.  It is "temporary" but has been very 
important in working on the robot to figure out what we need next.

I would like for us to add service (red black white and green) to the area 
you listed as "Plug J" for the robot, since it will be located there 
according to consensus.  The building does not have 3-phase power though, 
so I will be doing some electronics magic to make the thing run anyway.

I looked into the hanging outlets phenomenon (the ceiling beams are pretty 
high in sudoroom) and I don't think we should hang extension cords.. are 
you familiar with the "correct" way to make power drops?  I believe one is 
supposed to use twist-lok cord-mounted sockets on tension-rated cords, 
grabbed by special strain reliefs when they leave the junction boxes high 
up.  Then one can make regular outlet boxes with twist-lok plugs to 
connect to the hanging service.. but i really don't know what's "right".

Anyway, since you're the lead on this project, please let us (sudoroom and 
the omni) know what your budget is (consider editing the spreadsheet I 
made) and when you are available to start.  Also, please tell us how many 
helpers you want and when, and what skills are desirable.

I volunteer myself both for electrical work (i do have those skills) and 
for helping coordinate other volunteers.  I can also help get supplies, 
when we know exactly what to get.

After we complete the installation, we will hire a professional 
electrician to inspect our work and sign off on it, so we can be partially 
reimbursed by the landlord.

thank you
-jake
415-533-3699

On Sun, 17 Aug 2014, Whitney Lawrence wrote:

> Jake,I understand you are the Lead for the electric install. Please look at the attached .pdf, I made a first pass on the locations of outlets. I think we should use the 3 free
> breaker spaces in the Balcony breaker box, in addition to the abandoned "marquee" breaker. Looking at the front of the Sub-panel above the stage it looks like the plan is to
> power the robot arm directly from there, with a 30A breaker. 
> 
> Also we need to figure out the plan for the conduit runs after the outlet type and locations are finalized. We will need volunteers to help with prepping the space for install
> (moving shelving etc away from walls), and for doing the installation. 
> 
> Let me know what else I can do to get power to the people! The draft should be reviewed by everyone to be sure we are planning for all needs. 
> 
> For example- what are the immediate power needs for the server? Can we build in the potential for up-sizing? Similarly for the robot arm- where will it be located? It requires
> 3phase 240 correct?
> 
> Thanks,
> Whit
> 
>