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Ace Industries, Inc. Cranes and Hoists
Figure 8 bar electrification
Figure 8 bar appeared on the scene as an electrification method for hoists and cranes over 50 years ago. It remains an industry standard in the U.S. for electrification of overhead crane runways and monorail systems.  Below is an illustration of a standard figure 8 bar.


At this point in time and for the forseeable future Ace recommends the use of insulated figure 8 bar systems for the electrification of most bridge crane runways, and longer monorail systems, especially those where two or more cranes and/or hoists operate, or might ever operate at some future time, on the same runway or monorail. Our recommendation is based upon (1) system cost, (2) immediate availability of repair parts if the runway is ever damaged or parts need replacement for wear, (3) proven product performance, (4) ease of installation, (5) flexibility of application by allowing any number of cranes or hoist units to be operated on the same electrification system as long as the amperage capacity is sufficient, (6) availability of a broad range of amperage capacity systems to meet system requirements, and (7) customer and installation personnel familiarity with the product.

Estimate of components required for normal figure 8 bar electrification system system

Estimate of figure 8 bar components required for SOME systems
Description Quantity 3' Loop Depth (System Length in feet) Comments
Bar (10' Sections) [System length divided by 10 (round up to the whole number)]times 3 or 4 Use 4 if ground conductor required.  Ground conductor  recommended for inverter applications.
Joint Cover 10' Bar quantity times 1  
Hanger 10' bar quantity times 2 for vertical entry Multiply by 3 for lateral entry
Hanger Bracket [System length divided by 10 (round up to the whole number) times 2] + 1 Same formula but multiply by 3 for lateral entry
Anchor Hanger 3 per system ( 4 if ground conductor used)    Center on each side of any expansion sections
Power Feed 3 per system (4 if ground conductor used) Verify voltage drop is within required limits.  Call for help.
End Cover 6 per system (8 if ground conductor used)  
Expansion Section Often not needed in systems less than 200' copper or 300' steel ** Call for assistance.  Manufacturers recommendations vary widely.
Collector 3 per system (4 if ground conductor used) Use tandem shoes for inverter application
*   Figures are not exact but usually provide  sufficient  quantities for most applications.  For exact system requirements refer to manufacturers installation instructions or call Ace.  Manufacturers recommendations vary widely - call for assistance.