Controlled Products Systems Group 222X383 - Manual (Page 69)

Installation and Maintenance Manual
61
D0119, Rev. F
Wire Size Schedules
For 1/2-hp through 5-hp motors
Supplying a gate operator with the right electrical service is crucial to the performance of the operator and the
life of its electrical components. If the wire size used is too small, the voltage loss, especially during motor
starting, will prevent the motor from attaining its rated horsepower. The percentage of horsepower lost is far
greater than the percentage of the voltage loss. A voltage loss could also cause the control components to
chatter while the motor is starting, substantially reducing their life due to the resultant arcing. There is no way to
restore the lost performance resulting from undersized wires, except to replace them; therefore it is much more
economical to choose a sufficient wire size at the initial installation.
The tables on the following page are based on copper wire and allow for a 5% voltage drop. The ampere
values shown are the service factor ampere rating (maximum full load at continuous duty) of the motor. At a
minimum, a 20 amp circuit (protected with a 20 Amp Inverse Time Breaker) should be provided.
Always connect electrical power, a “safety ground”, and an NEC/NFPA “Earth Ground” to the operator in
accordance with the National Electrical Code, article’s 430 and 250 plus other local codes that may apply.
Earth ground requires a solid ground rod,( normally copper), 10ft long, and 5/8” in diameter (diameter and
length depend on location, check local codes) driven into the earth and bonded to the operator with a single
piece of #6 wire, not more than 3 ft long.
The maximum distance shown is from the gate operator to the power source; assuming that source power is
from a panel box with adequate capacity to support the addition of this motor load. The values are for one
operator, with no other loads applied to the branch circuit. Avoid placing more than one gate operator to a
circuit, but if you must, be certain to reduce the maximum allowed distance by half.
Low Voltage Control Wiring
:
The Smart Touch controller has very sensitive control inputs so the wire size of the control wiring is not a
significant issue. The following is a chart of maximum distances for the controls:
Wire Size
Maximum Distance
18 ga 7.0 miles
20 ga 3.5 miles
22 ga 2.7 miles
24 ga 2.0 miles
26 ga 1.0 mile
28 ga 3700 feet (.7 miles)