Rigging & Lifting Metal Enclosed
Capacitor Banks

Introduction
Due to size, Northeast Power Systems, Inc. (NEPSI) metal enclosed capacitor banks and harmonic filter banks are often shipped on a flatbed trailer to their final destination. These banks are typically off-loaded with either a forklift or crane, which is usually dependent on their size and/or weight. 

A contractor with access to the proper equipment and expertise is typically hired to rig and lift the bank into place and perform the installation when in-house expertise and equipment is not available. Rigging and hoisting the bank into place is a simple matter, with the technical details typically left to the contractor.

This technical note provides a basic overview of rigging and hoisting NEPSI's metal enclosed banks with a forklift or a crane and recommends actions that can be taken to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment. Since a crane is commonly used and is more complex than a forklift in terms of rigging and hoisting, crane use and the associated rigging is discussed in greater detail.

This technical note is not intended to serve as a complete guide to rigging and hoisting. Federal, state, and local regulations must be complied with, which are beyond the scope of this technical note. Only qualified personnel who have adequate training in the operation and use of rigging and lifting equipment should perform these operations. 

How NEPSI's Equipment
is Shipped
NEPSI's capacitor and harmonic filter banks are shipped on wood supports, called dunnage, (usually 4” x 4”) or are placed directly on the bed of a flatbed trailer (see pictures below). This is primarily dependent on the size and weight of the equipment, with larger banks being placed directly on the bed of the truck. All banks are chained and strapped to the trailer, and then fully tarped.

Lifting and Offloading
With a Forklift 
Lifting and offloading NEPSI's capacitor and harmonic filter banks from a flatbed or covered van with a forklift is a common and relatively simple task. When using a forklift, keep these points in mind:

• Only qualified, trained, and experienced operators should use a forklift. Many of these requirements are contained in OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1910.178.

• Make sure the forklift has adequate lift capacity (refer to equipment nameplate). Forklift equipment is rated for a maximum lifting capacity at the load center on the forks. If the weight center of the load is further out on the forks, lifting capacity is reduced. Charts showing load capacity versus weight center distance are usually posted on the forklift.

• Survey the path the forklift will take, look for terrain conditions or obstacles that pose a safety risk. Use extreme caution on grades or ramps. 

• Prior to lifting or transporting the equipment, forks should be spread as wide apart as practical. “Square up” to the load. The forks should extend completely under the equipment, with the load as far back on the forks as possible. Lift the equipment just high enough to clear the trailer. The back wheels of the forklift should be in firm contact with the ground, if not lift capacity may have been exceeded. Make sure the equipment is stable, and then tilt the mast back for better stability. 

• Once clear of the trailer, immediately lower the equipment to the lowest height possible while still maintaining enough clearance above the ground for driving (2-6 inches). Do not raise or lower the load while you are traveling. Go slow as rough terrain can causing bouncing which can lead to dynamic load conditions that may exceed your forklift capacity.

Rigging and Hoisting
With a Crane

Planning & Safety
Before the capacitor or harmonic filter bank equipment arrives on-site, it is important to consider and plan for the following:

• Conduct a site survey to access safety concerns and ensure there are not any restrictions or conditions that may impede the use of a crane. Before the crane arrives, determine where it will sit and where it will travel. Look for overhead lines and structures and ensure adequate clearance. See table below for minimum clearances for power lines. This clearance applies to all areas around the power line, above, below, and to either side. Note rough terrain conditions such as ditches, trenches, excavations, holes, rises, and railroad tracks. 

Minimum Power Line Clearance
Power Line Voltage		Minimum Clearance
Up to 50 kV		10 feet
50kV to 75kV		11 feet
75kV to 125kV		13 feet
125kV to 175kV		15 feet
175kV to 250kV		17 feet
250kV to 370kV		21 feet
370kV to 550kV		27 feet
550kV to 1000kV		42 feet

• Be aware of underground vessels and storage tanks that may pose a risk for heavy equipment.

• If a crane will be used, determine how close the crane can get to the equipment to be hoisted. As the horizontal reach of a crane increases, crane capacity decreases rapidly.   

• Most cranes companies charge by the hour with a minimum of two to four hours (for budgeting purposes, assume $400 to $600). Others may charge for an entire day regardless of time actually spent. Charges are typically based on crane time from port-to-port, so select a reputable company that is local and keep track of your equipment while it is in transit to minimize unforeseen delays. 

• In general, NEPSI provides the trucker delivering the equipment with customer contact information.  NEPSI can inform the driver to contact the customer 24 or 48 hours in advance to help crane scheduling. It is important that this request be made to NEPSI on the equipment purchase order or prior to shipment.

• To minimize crane cost and unanticipated delays, NEPSI recommends that the customer monitor the shipment once it has left our manufacturing site. NEPSI provides trucking company contact information and when available the mobile phone number of the driver that will deliver the equipment. NEPSI provides the best estimate of when the equipment will arrive, but due to circumstances beyond our control (e.g., weather, traffic), delays can occur.

• In order to minimize crane charges, provide NEPSI drawings of the equipment to be lifted prior to the crane arriving on site. NEPSI provides drawings with various views, including lift points, weight, and dimensional information. Providing these in advance will help ensure that a crane and rigging equipment of the correct capacity arrives. 

• Lift equipment slightly off ground until slings are taunt, examine rigging (shackles or hooks, lifting eyes, wire rope) to ensure there are no problems. Visually examine for structural damage. Always know….never guess. No one should be positioned under a suspended load. Use tag or guy lines to guide the unit into position.
  
  

Basic Rigging
Equipment
The following are some definitions and pictures related to rigging and rigging hardware. All rigging hardware has a rated capacity that must not be exceeded. 

Typical Rigging
Configurations
The pictures below show rigging configurations that are typically utilized when lifting NEPSI capacitor and harmonic filter banks with a crane. The rigging configuration used is usually determined by the crane operator. 

Conclusion
Rigging and lifting NEPSI metal enclosed capacitor and harmonic filter banks with a forklift or a crane is a simple matter, but should only be performed by qualified individuals. Planning in advance of equipment arrival can minimize costs involved and reduce the risk to personnel and equipment.