Planning Space for Pipe Organs: Electrical Requirements

Pipe organ systems which require electricity are the blower, work lights, console lights, work outlets, and action current rectifier. Since these components and current ratings vary significantly from instrument to instrument, specific electrical questions must be directed to the organ builder. Blower motors range from 1/4 to 10 horsepower depending upon the size of the instrument.

Preliminary planning for electrical service should take the following into consideration:

1. Blower(s): One dedicated circuit per blower; normally 110v. for small organs, 220v. for medium to large instruments. Three phase power preferred for blowers over 1 h.p.
2. Light Fixtures: (at pipes/windchests) One or two dedicated circuits.
3. Duplex Receptacles: (at pipes/windchests) One or two dedicated circuits (may share a circuit with #2 above in small instruments.)
4. Light Fixtures: (at console) One dedicated circuit.
5. Rectifier: (usually located with main blower) One to four dedicated circuits required. (Some mechanical action organs do not require a rectifier.)
6. Rectifier: (at console) One or two dedicated circuits. (Some organs do not require a console rectifier.)

The rectifier runs on A.C. current and provides the 10-30v. D.C. current to operate internal components of the console and windchests. The organ builder will normally provide any necessary rectifiers and all D.C. wiring in the organ. The purchaser is responsible for the hookup of all A.C. wiring during the organ installation.

Most electric action organ builders require that the purchaser install conduits between the major components of the organ (console, pipes/windchests and blower) in which A.C. and D.C. wiring can be run. Here are some general guidelines, although requirements vary significantly.

1. Provide a 3" empty conduit from the console to each area where pipes/windchests are located (including remote locations such as antiphonal or echo divisions.) These will be used for the organ's D.C. wiring
2. Provide a 1/4" conduit (with wires) from the console to each blower location (including any remote locations.) These will be used for switching the blower(s) and rectifier(s) on and off from the console.
3. Provide one or more 1/4" conduits from an A.C. source (panel board) to the console for lights and/or rectifier.
4. Provide a 1" empty conduit from the main blower to the main area of pipes/windchests. This will be used to bring D.C. power from the rectifier to the organ's internal components.