Installation and Maintenance Manual
62
Wire Size Schedules
For 1/2-hp through 5-hp motors
Supplying a gate operator with the right electrical service is crucial to the way the performance of
the operator 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
percent 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 reduc-
ing 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.
Always connect in accordance with the National Electrical Code, article 430, and other local codes
that may apply.
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
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