Who connects an overhead crane to the building?

By Marc-André Martineau
Director & Partner at Premium Industrial Group

You have purchased a brand-new overhead crane.  

Everything is ready: the motors are waiting for their signal, and only one thing is left to do to start it up: connect it to the building's electrical system.  

This is often when questions arise : 

Is it the manufacturer's responsibility to connect it?  

And if not, who takes care of it... and how much does it cost? 

In this article, you will find out who actually connects an overhead crane to the building, what is included, and how to plan this step to avoid unpleasant surprises.  

This will put an end to any concerns that may accompany these questions! 

Does the manufacturer connect the overhead crane, or is it up to you to have it done? 

The manufacturer does not connect the overhead crane to the electrical panel. Only a certified master electrician can do this. Why?  

The overhead crane manufacturer's team is responsible for : 

• Manufacturing 
• Installing
• Maintaining
• Repairing  

Installers are qualified to perform internal electrical connections to the overhead crane : motors, controls, conductor bars, etc. 

The only task they cannot perform is the final connection between the building's electrical panel and the overhead crane's conductor bars, and that is where the  master electrician comes in. 

But that said, is this work included in the installation price? 

Is the cost of the electrical power supply installation included in your purchase? 

NO 

The electrical connection to the building's network, carried out by a certified master electrician, is never included with the purchase of an overhead crane. 

It is a separate step that you must plan for in : 

• Your budget 
• Your project schedule 

Besides, how much does it cost ? 

How much does it cost to connect an overhead crane to the power supply? 

In general, connecting a crane to the power supply costs between $1,000 and           $2,000, depending on the complexity of your installation. 

What factors influence the cost of the electrical power supply installation?

Disconnect switch: role and obligations 

A disconnect switch is a safety switch that completely cuts off the power supply to the overhead crane before any work is carried out. 
It is mandatory, must be visible, accessible and installed near the conductor bars. 
Requirement of the Canadian Electrical Code (CSA C22.1, art. 40-008) 

Now that you know the potential cost of including a master electrician in your budget, when should you contact them ?  

When should you contact a master electrician for your overhead crane project? 

Right at the start of your project, when planning the purchase of your overhead crane.  

This will allow you to :

• Provide the master electrician with the technical information supplied by your manufacturer. Here is the information they will need :
  • The specifications of the motors (voltage, power, amperage) and other overhead crane accessories, if applicable
  • The type of power supply (e.g., 600 V three-phase)
  • The presence of a grounding conductor
• Validate the electrical panel's capacity to power the overhead crane
• Coordinate their work with that of the installation team
• Ensure that the equipment will be powered during commissioning

The connection to the electrical panel must be made in advance, as it allows installers to perform commissioning tests as soon as the installation is complete. 

Without this connection at the right time :  

• A second visit by the installers might be necessary 
• additional fees and costs may be incurred 

Discussing this with the manufacturer's project manager from the outset is the best way to avoid surprises and ensure smooth commissioning. 

Is your electrical panel ready for an overhead crane? 

Even if your building already has electricity, this does not guarantee that your electrical panel can electrically support an overhead crane. 

The master electrician will need to : 

• Check whether the building's main electrical panel can supply the power needed to operate the overhead crane's motors. 
• Make any necessary additions, if applicable 

How to choose a qualified master electrician for an overhead crane? 

At Premium Industrial Group, we do not refer master electricians, as needs vary depending on your region, type of installation, general contractor, or the professionals already working at your company. 

Here are a few criteria to help you make the right choice : 

• Choose a certified master electrician in your area 
• Specify that it is an industrial power supply installation 
• Verify that they have the appropriate licenses and insurance 

Summary: who connects an overhead crane? Key takeaways 

Some buyers believed that the electrical power supply installation of an overhead crane was included in the purchase or covered by the manufacturer.  

You now know that this step must be performed exclusively by a certified master electrician and be planned at the outset of the project. 

By coordinating with the overhead crane manufacturer and master electrician from the planning stage, you can avoid delays and unexpected costs and ensure smooth commissioning. 

What you need to remember as a buyer 

• Obtain technical specifications (motor and other accessory specifications) from the manufacturer 
• Involve a master electrician from the start of the project (budget and schedule) 
• Verify that your electrical panel can handle the new load 
• Plan the work before the installers arrive 

This approach ensures a compliant, fast connection with no surprises and guarantees that your equipment will be ready and powered up for commissioning. 

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