Products · Crane Power Supply Systems
Cranes and power supply
Festoon Cable Systems
Festoon cable systems are mechanical systems used to carry power and control cables in an orderly manner along the operating path of cranes and moving industrial equipment.
Cable trolleys with bearing-mounted wheels travel along the C-track, supporting the cables and accommodating the forward and backward movement of the crane trolley. The system consists of support profiles, cable trolleys, hangers and connectors, and a towing trolley arrangement suited to the application.
HENDL offers festoon cable systems and alternative cable carrying solutions according to the layout conditions of crane bridges and moving equipment.
How Does It Work?
The C-track is mounted on the crane bridge or the relevant supporting structure. Power and control cables are secured to the support clamps of cable trolleys travelling along the profile.
As the crane trolley moves, the towing trolley advances and the cable carriers change position along the line. The cable loops formed between the cable trolleys open out or move closer together depending on the travel distance.
This operating principle allows the cables to move with the equipment while remaining supported along the route.
System Components
C-Track Support Rail
The C-track is the support rail system along which the cable trolleys travel.
C-profiles formed by roll forming are mounted on the crane bridge or supporting structure using suitable hangers and rail joining elements.
Line length and mounting arrangement are determined according to the crane geometry and travel distance.
Cable Trolleys with Bearings
Cable trolleys travel along the C-track on wheels with bearings. Power and control cables are secured to the trolleys' support sections and supported along the line.
The number and spacing of cable trolleys and the size of cable loops are determined by cable characteristics, travel distance and system layout.
Towing Trolley
The towing trolley creates a mechanical connection between the crane trolley and the cable carrying system.
The movement of the crane trolley is transmitted to the cable carrying arrangement through the towing trolley. The supporting trolleys and cable loops therefore move in line with the equipment's direction of travel.
Fixed Cable Trolley and Connection Elements
A fixed cable trolley or fixed-end connection is used to secure the cables at the starting point of the cable carrying line.
Hangers, rail joint elements and connecting parts enable the line to be mounted on the supporting structure.
Independent Control Cable Carrying System
A separate C-track may be used where the crane control cable needs to move independently of the power cable.
In this arrangement, the pendant control can move along the crane bridge using its own cable trolleys and towing trolley system.
The independent control line is assessed according to the operator's working arrangements and the needs of the work area.
Alternative Solution: Cable Chain Systems
As an alternative to festoon cable systems, cable chains may be used where cables must be guided along a defined path without sagging.
Cable chains are systems in which moving cables are carried inside the chain and guided by suitable guide channels.
Cable Chain Operating Principle
The cable chain bends and straightens in a controlled manner as the moving equipment travels forwards and backwards. The cables are guided inside the chain.
Depending on the application arrangement, power may be fed at the midpoint. In such configurations, chain movement may be planned in both directions along the operating path.
Remote control systems may also be considered on cranes using cable chains, depending on control requirements. However, remote control is not a mandatory component of the cable chain.
System Selection
The following information is considered when selecting a suitable cable carrying system:
- Total length of the power supply line
- Required electrical current
- Crane trolley travel distance
- Number, type and external dimensions of cables
- Indoor or outdoor operating conditions
- Crane bridge and power supply route layout
- Need for the pendant control to move independently of the crane
- Application requirements concerning the choice of C-track cable trolleys or cable chains
Request a Quotation
If you need a festoon cable system for your crane bridge or moving equipment, you can share your technical information with HENDL.
A quotation suited to your application is prepared by evaluating C-track cable trolleys, independent control cable arrangements and alternative cable chain solutions according to the line length, travel distance, cable characteristics and mounting layout.
Quotation