nVent HOFFMAN SYSPEND VL-Motion Arm

Product Overview

The SYSPEND VL-Motion Arm from nVent HOFFMAN is designed for mounting enclosures and equipment. It is engineered to maintain the Type 4 enclosure rating when installed according to these instructions.

Installation and Adjustment Procedures

1. Step 1: Mounting End Installation

   This section details how to attach the mounting end of the VL-Motion Arm.

   1. Prepare Mounting: Remove the access cap. Pass the Flange Axle through the plastic bushing and then through the Arm.

   2. Install Bushing: Place the bronze bushing between the Arm and the Mount. Screw the Flange Axle into the Mount.

   3. Tooling: Use a 3/8-inch drive socket wrench extension with a spanner wrench.

   4. Initial Tightening: Use a 1/8-inch Allen wrench to tighten two side set screws. Note: "Locking" set screws should be installed only after the final friction adjustment.

   5. Initial Torque: Initially, the Flange Axle should be "finger tight." Final adjustment will occur in a later step (refer to Figure 4).

2. Step 2: Enclosure Installation

   This step involves attaching the VL-Motion Arm assembly to the enclosure. The process typically involves securing the arm's mounting plate to the enclosure using screws.

   (Diagram Description: A diagram illustrates the VL-Motion Arm being connected to an enclosure. The arm attaches via a mounting plate to the top of the enclosure, secured by screws.)

3. Step 3: Release Handle and Cable Adjustment

   This procedure covers the installation and adjustment of the release handle and its associated cable.

   1. Cable Function: The cable is routed internally within the arm to enable remote operation of the locking mechanism.

   2. Cable Adjustment: Adjust the cable length using the threaded element located at the cable's end. No tools are required for this adjustment.

   3. Setting Free-Play: Turn the black cable adjuster screw until the free-play in the release handle is approximately 3/8 inch (9.5 mm).

   4. Proper Play: Ensure correct free-play: too much can prevent the locking spring from releasing, while too little can prevent it from locking.

   5. Cable Stretch: Be aware that the cable may stretch over time, necessitating periodic re-adjustment.

   Handle Dimensions:

   • Handle Hole Width: Overall Handle Width - 35 mm
   • Tube Length: Overall Handle Width - 72 mm
   • (The factory tube length is 491 mm, designed to support an overall handle width of 563 mm.)

4. Step 4: Swivel Friction Adjustment

   This section details how to adjust the rotational friction of the arm's swivels.

   1. Swivel Functionality: Each end of the arm features a swivel that permits rotation and passage of a cable.

   2. Friction Adjustment: The swivel's friction is regulated by the tightness with which the Flange Axle is threaded into the Arm End.

   3. Locking Mechanism: Set screws located on the side of the Arm End secure the Flange Axle in position.

   4. Procedure Overview: The swivel friction adjustment process is consistent for both arm ends, although the Flange Axles are oriented oppositely.

   5. Adjustment Steps:

   • Remove the locking set screws using a 1/8-inch Allen wrench.
   • Loosen the inner set screw by approximately 3 turns using a 1/8-inch Allen wrench.
   • From inside the enclosure or above the Arm Base, use a spanner wrench to turn the Flange Axle. Continue until the desired force for swinging the arm or rotating the enclosure is achieved.
   • Temporary support for the enclosure's weight on the arm might be necessary during this adjustment.
   • Ensure the axle is tightened sufficiently to properly support the arm's cantilever load.
   • The Flange Axle thread is right-hand; turn clockwise to increase friction.
   • Re-tighten the inner set screws to 30 in-lbs (3.4 N-M).
   • After manipulating the arm, re-check the torque of the set screws. Then, install the second locking set screws and torque them to 30 in-lbs (3.4 N-M). Follow the same procedure for the opposite end.

5. Step 5: Counterbalance Adjustment

   This section explains how to adjust the counterbalance system, which uses gas-charged springs.

   1. Support System: The arm is supported by internal gas-charged springs. These springs exert their maximum force (approximately 100 lbs/45 kg lifting force) at the time of installation.

   2. Reducing Force: The counterbalance force can be reduced to approximately 30 lbs (14 kg) by releasing gas from the spring. ⚠️CAUTION: Adjusting the springs requires care. Once gas is released, it cannot be reversed, and a replacement spring set will be needed. Always wear safety glasses during this adjustment. The release system is designed to protect against expelled debris, but gas pressures are very high (2200 psi/1.5 kg/sq mm), so adhere to proper safety precautions.

   3. Pre-Adjustment Checks: Before adjusting the counterbalance spring force, confirm that all intended weight (including wires and accessories) is within the HMI enclosure. The arm, enclosure, and release handle must be installed, and the enclosure must be free to articulate up and down.

   4. Spring Orientation: The springs are charged with lubricating oil and gas. Angle the springs downward so the oil settles at the bottom of the springs and does not release with the gas. This is achieved by lowering the arm before adjusting the spring.

   5. Operating Procedure: Squeeze the release handle and lower the enclosure about halfway. The counterbalance force is at its maximum and will require additional downward force on the handle to overcome. With the arm lowered approximately 25 degrees, release the trigger. The arm should remain in place.

   6. Gas Release Mechanism: Insert a #2 Phillips screwdriver (or a similar 1/4-inch diameter tool) into the valve actuator hole (refer to Figure 5). If the arm is not lowered sufficiently, the valve actuator hole may be inaccessible. Operate the valve by gently moving the screwdriver towards the enclosure, then gently back, mimicking a pump jack action (refer to Figure 6). You will hear the gas escaping.

   7. Force Reduction Rate: Each burst of gas reduces the counterbalance lifting force. Approximately 10 pumps are needed to reduce the lifting force from 100 to 90 lbs (45 to 41 kg). As the gas spring pressure decreases, more pumps are required to reduce the lifting force (e.g., approximately 150 pumps may be needed to reduce the lifting force to 50 lbs/21 kg).

   8. Testing the Adjustment: Remove the screwdriver from the actuator hole. Hold the enclosure down to prevent it from rising too quickly. Squeeze the release handle to operate the arm up and down and test the adjustment.

   9. Iterative Adjustment: Repeat the adjustment process as necessary until the counterbalance force is optimal.