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A friend of mine operates a vending machine in a school. Oftentimes, there are issues when a snack gets stuck in the machine, the students will rock the machine. Rocking the machine is an issue, because when the (very heavy) machine comes down on the wire, the wire can get cut. My friend has gotten people to patch it up a few times, most recently myself (simple job -- snip, strip, twist, and tape everything together).
However, the current situation is definitely not optimal -- I don't think we have a lot of wire to use :P

Therefore, I ask -- how can I protect the wire to prevent this from occurring again?

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    Bolt the machine down? Tape the wire so it's not hanging on the floor?
    – BlueRaja - Danny Pflughoeft
    Nov 6, 2014 at 1:34
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    How is it that the cords are arranged so that this is even possible?
    – Mazura
    Nov 6, 2014 at 1:39
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    This question appears to be off-topic because very few houses have vending machines in them.
    – Niall C. ♦
    Nov 6, 2014 at 1:53
  • @NiallC. I didn't realize that that would be the case; my impression of the site was that all DIY (as the URL implies) would be on-topic. Thank you for explaining the close reason. [ As an aside, I do know at least one person who has a functional vending machine in their basement -- but you're right, very few :) ]
    – Shokhet
    Nov 6, 2014 at 2:11
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    (simple job -- snip, strip, twist, and tape everything together). Do not do this with flexible cable, or anything at mains voltage. Taping and twisting does not ensure a secure connection, especially when the cable is pulled. Tape is not a rugged method of insulation. NZ rules forbid joins of any sort in flexible cable; I would assume the US is the same.
    – SomeoneSomewhereSupportsMonica
    May 12, 2018 at 8:48

1 Answer 1

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Even if the cord is protected by FMC (flexible metal conduit), once the unit falls on it, it'd best be inspected anyway.

Install an Anti-tip Bracket on top of the unit: (intelligentvending.co.uk)

enter image description here

If the owner of the building will not let you secure a vending machine to the wall (which has fallen over multiple times) it's time to find a new place to put it; neither of you should want the liability of not having an anti-tip. And then never set foot in the building again; who knows what else is going on in there...

-Note, use a purchased replacement cord, wired inside the machine (no splicing outside the unit) and cord strain reliefs (grommets).

Also, you need the sticker where the machine eats you if you shake it.

enter image description here

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  • The cord is not protected by FMC -- I might suggest that to my friend. Thanks for the answer!
    – Shokhet
    Nov 6, 2014 at 2:16

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