Electrification For Power & Control

Regardless of the application, your overhead crane or hoist will need some form of electrification for power and control. While many applications are similar, no two applications are identical and many factors can come into play when determining the correct system.

Most of the cranes in use today are either powered with rigid conductor bar, festoon systems or cord reels. Williamson & Wilmer has access to the major manufacturers in today’s industry and can get everything from contactors to complete control panels.

Motor Controls
Just like any other technology, the drives and systems that overhead cranes are using are changing year to year. Systems are becoming more efficient and cost effective which in turn yields a safer operating environment at your facility.

With lower costs for adjustable frequency drives, more customers now have access to the benefits at close to the same cost as two speed magnetic controls. Many times, your existing crane can be upgraded so that the motions are now controlled through a VFD.

Radio Controls
There are many brands of radio receivers on the market today. Some can control multiple cranes at once; some can be programmed from the operating floor without needing access to the receiver on the bridge and some even have the capability to have one backup on the shelf that could be programmed for any of the cranes in a facility.

There are many important items to consider when looking for the correct system. Some of the questions which will help us narrow down your choices are:

• How many motions and speeds is the equipment you are trying to control?
• Do we need to operate multiple units simultaneously?
• Are there any environmental restrictions (i.e. classified environment, outdoors, etc.)?

While this is a just a starting point, with these answers, many options are eliminated and we will have a better starting point.