Short answer: the P1500 and P3000 mast climbing work platforms run on a three-phase supply with neutral and earth, 380 to 415 V at 50 or 60 Hz. The P1500 needs a minimum supply of about 15.5 to 19.4 kVA and the P3000 about 31 to 39 kVA. Cable cross-section depends on distance, and the chassis must be earthed.
ALPMAKSAN, an İstanbul-based manufacturer of mast climbing work platforms and construction hoists, lists the electrical data in the user manual of its P1500 and P3000 platforms. This guide helps electrical contractors and site engineers plan the temporary supply before delivery. Final design stays with a qualified electrician and the manual for your machine.
What supply does a mast climbing work platform need?
| Parameter | P1500 (single mast) | P3000 (twin mast) |
|---|---|---|
| Number of motors | 2 | 4 |
| Rated motor power | 2 × 2.2 kW | 2 × 2 × 2.2 kW |
| Power consumption (S1) | 12.94 kVA | 2 × 12.94 kVA |
| Minimum power supply | 15.53 to 19.41 kVA | 31.06 to 38.82 kVA |
| Supply | 3 phases + neutral + earth, 380 to 415 V | same |
| Frequency | 50/60 Hz, depending on national supply | same |
| Recommended circuit | 50 A | 50 A |
| Breaker | 3P 50 A (power) / 10 A (control) | same |
Check these values against the manual and the nameplate of the machine you receive. The 50/60 Hz range depends on the grid where you work. Sites with a generator need one sized for the minimum supply figure, not the motor rating alone.
Which cable size should be used for long distances?
The manual lists the following cross-sections for the cable feeding the machine:
| Distance | Conductor cross-section |
|---|---|
| Up to 100 m | Normally 5 × 4 mm²; may vary with the distance to the main power source and the installation length |
| Up to 150 m | 3 × 12 mm² + 2 × 6 mm² |
| Up to 200 m | 3 × 16 mm² + 2 × 10 mm² |
The cross-section can vary with the distance to the main power source and the installation length, so have a qualified electrician confirm it for your site. Longer cables lose voltage, so place the supply point as close to the platform as practical. The manual also asks that the site supply be located near the machine to limit voltage drop. If the distance is more than 200 m, ask the manufacturer before ordering cable.
How is the platform connected and protected?
The site cable plugs into the control box through a main power input with a circuit breaker above it. A separate signal cable links the main unit and the control box. All electrical equipment has an IP56 protection rating, and connections that are disconnected for transport use waterproof plugs and sockets. A phase-sequence monitoring relay and residual-current devices are fitted in each control box, and each control box has an emergency stop.
How is the platform earthed?
An insulated copper bonding cable with a cross-section of 16 mm² is fixed to the main unit chassis and run to the grounding point. The manual also describes a connection to the site grounding line. Have the earthing checked by a qualified electrician and verified for your site's grounding system.
What else should the electrician know?
- Keep the platform and its cables away from power lines. Placement in prohibited proximity to power lines is one of the hazards OSHA lists for mast climbers, and new lines erected near the platform must be recognised as a site change. OSHA eTool
- The permitted operating temperature is -10 °C to +40 °C. Below -10 °C, consult the manufacturer before commissioning.
- If the platform is left unattended, the main switch is turned off. During any interruption it is locked.
- During a storm, power is switched off and the plug disconnected.
For site layout items that come before power, use our site preparation checklist.
Does a twin-mast machine need a bigger supply?
Yes. The P3000 has four motors and about twice the power demand of the P1500, which is why its minimum supply figure is about double. If a project is choosing between the two, include the temporary power upgrade in the comparison. Single-mast vs twin-mast MCWP covers the other trade-offs, and buying or renting covers the commercial side.
Frequently asked questions
Can I run the platform from a generator?
Only if the generator can deliver the minimum supply figure for the model, at the right voltage, with neutral and earth. Confirm the generator rating with a qualified electrician.
Is 380 V mandatory?
The manual specifies a supply of 380 to 415 V, three-phase with neutral and earth. Do not run the machine on a different supply without the manufacturer's written confirmation.
Does the platform work on 50 and 60 Hz?
The manual lists 50/60 Hz, depending on the national power supply conditions.
What cable do I need for 150 m?
The manual lists 3 × 12 mm² + 2 × 6 mm² for up to 150 m. Have your electrician check it for the actual installation.
Does the site need a separate earth?
The machine must be earthed through its bonding cable to a grounding point. A qualified electrician should confirm the arrangement for the site.
Plan your power supply with ALPMAKSAN
Tell us your site voltage, frequency and cable run and we will check it against the platform you plan to use.
Sources
- OSHA eTool: Mast climbers
- IPAF: Guidelines for the safe use of mast climbing work platforms
- ALPMAKSAN P1500 / P3000 user manual (electrical parameters)
Updated: 2026-10-28
This guide gives general planning information. Electrical installation must be designed and approved by a qualified electrician under local regulations.