At the start of 2009; Washington State Labor & Industries (Electrical Inspection Division) has required that all Tower Cranes be inspected at time of erection. The requirements that UL ratings be visible on all electrical equipment installed by the crane manufacturer are mandatory. In addition, the electrical contractor must coordinate power cable suspension from the control cabinets in the operators cab to the fused disconnect at the base of the crane. In addition the crane tower base must be grounded in two places.

General Contractors are requiring “Task Lighting” be installed on tower cranes also. We have found that 1000 watt – 480V fully enclosed NEMA 3R flood lights mounted up 40 feet AGL provide ample illumination with a 100 foot diameter from the tower.

To minimize down-time waiting for L&I Inspections to occur, the electrical contractor should be sensitive to the need for tower crane service and assure the L&I Inspector maintains a coordinated schedule.