[sudo-discuss] Electrical detail draft

[Torrie Fischer]

On Sunday, August 17, 2014 09:31:06 PM Jake wrote:
> 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.

I'd be cool with helping out when I can as well. I probably don't have the 
time to do massive coordination on a daily basis anymore, but I certainly do 
have the skills of an electrician.

> 
> 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