This article summarizes baseline electrical power requirements for common Kardex Remstar systems used in North America ONLY, specifically:
- Kardex Shuttle Vertical Lift Module (VLM)
- Kardex Megamat Vertical Carousel Module (VCM)
It is intended as a quick reference for facility, maintenance, and engineering teams planning power for new installations or verifying requirements for existing equipment. These values are starting points only and do not replace official machine documentation or stamped electrical drawings.
Important Disclaimer
The power requirements in this article represent typical baseline values for standard Kardex Shuttle VLM and Kardex Megamat VCM configurations.
Actual electrical requirements for your equipment may differ based on options, configuration, and site conditions.
Features such as temperature or climate control, cleanroom packages, LED navigation and light pointer systems, automated tray extraction devices, integrated cranes or hoists, conveyor interfaces, and other machine modifications can increase total power demand.
Always refer to the machine data plate and official project documentation for the exact requirements of a specific unit. Before planning new power, modifying existing electrical connections, or adding equipment to a circuit, contact your Kardex representative or Kardex Life Cycle Services to confirm the correct voltage, current, and protection requirements for your installation.
How To Use This Guide
Use this article as a high-level reference when:
- Evaluating power needs for a new Kardex Shuttle VLM or Kardex Megamat VCM
- Discussing infrastructure requirements with facilities, IT, or external contractors
- Performing an early feasibility check before engaging Kardex for a detailed design
Do not use this article as your only source when:
- Designing or modifying electrical panels or distribution
- Ordering electrical hardware (breakers, disconnects, cabling, etc.)
- Submitting plans for permitting or inspection
In those cases, always rely on official drawings, submittals, and machine data plates.
How To Verify Power Requirements For Your Existing Machines
If you are looking to verify the power requirement of your existing machine, this information is located on the Nameplate.
How to Find Your Kardex Nameplate
On most Kardex Shuttle units, the nameplate is located:
- Below the access opening
- On either the left or right side of the opening
The location of the nameplate may vary slightly depending on the year your Kardex Shuttle was manufactured, but most modern Kardex Shuttles have the nameplate below the access opening.
On most Kardex Megamat units, the nameplate is located just below the opening work counter or posting board.
Kardex Shuttle with Controls 3000 Nameplate Example
- Designation: name of the unit: Storage Lift
- System Type: product name, model number and tray size (wxd)
- Drive Type: unit drive system description
- Serial Number:
- Year of Construction: the year the unit was manufactured
- Permissible Total Load Gross: the sum total or tare weights of the trays and their payload
- Imbalance Load: the value only for vertical carousels; blank for Kardex Shuttle Vertical Lift Modules
- Max. Payload per Tray Evenly Distributed: the maximum load that can be stored when distributed evenly across the surface area; the payload depends on the width of the tray.
- Branch Circuit Protection: recommended mains fuse protection in [A] (US only)
- Rated Operating Voltage: connection voltage eg 3/N/PE 400V
- Frequency: mains frequency in [Hz]
- Short-circuit Power: maximum short-circuit current in [kA]. Short-circuit Current Rating (US only)
- Rated Operating Current: mains current in [A]
- Motor Power: connection value in [kVA] or [hp]
- Production address information
Kardex Shuttle with Controls 2000 Example
- Model Number: Product name, tray size (wxd)
- Type: unit drive system description
- Serial Number:
- Year of Construction: the year the unit was manufactured
- Total Permissible Load: the sum of all individual tray loads
- Permissible Tray Load: the maximum load that can be stored when distributed evenly across the surface area; the payload depends on the width of the tray
- Electrical Power Supply: installed power [kVA], rated frequency [Hz], voltage [V], and power supply [A]
- Rated Frequency [Hz] and Installed Power [kVA]: prior to installation, these values are checked against local voltage rates
Options That Impact Power Requirements
The tables below cover standard configurations of Kardex Shuttle VLMs and Kardex Megamat VCMs. Many real-world installations include options and modifications that affect power requirements. Examples include:
- Environmental or temperature control (climate-controlled or insulated units)
- Cleanroom or special environmental versions
- LED navigation, light pointer, and pick-to-light technologies
- Automated or semi-automated tray extraction devices
- Integrated cranes, hoists, or other material handling equipment
- Conveyor interfaces, transfer tables, or other external equipment powered from the same supply
- Any non-standard or customer-specific machine modifications
When any of these are present, the actual required current and recommended circuit rating may be higher than the baselines shown here.
That is why it is essential to always validate against machine-specific documentation.
Kardex Shuttle Vertical Lift Module (VLM) Baseline Power Requirements
Kardex Shuttle VLMs are vertical lift systems that store inventory in trays and automatically present them at an access opening. Power requirements vary with machine height, tray load class, and options, but standard units typically share similar electrical characteristics within a given region.
Kardex Shuttle 500 Electrial Requirements (North America Only)
| Power | 208 / 3 / 60 (Volts / Phase / Hz) | |
| Maximum Power Consumption | 8.6 kVA | |
| Connection Voltage - Recommended mains fuse | 35 Amp Per Machine | |
| Connection Voltage - Mains current (FLA) | 32.7 Amp Per Machine | |
| Power | 240 / 3 / 60 (Volts / Phase / Hz) | |
| Maximum Power Consumption | 8.6 kVA | |
| Connection Voltage - Recommended mains fuse | 30 Amp Per Machine | |
| Connection Voltage - Mains current (FLA) | 28.3 Amp Per Machine | |
| Power | 480 / 3 / 60 (Volts / Phase / Hz) | |
| Maximum Power Consumption | 8.6 kVA | |
| Connection Voltage - Recommended mains fuse | 15 Amp Per Machine | |
| Connection Voltage - Mains current (FLA) | 14.2 Amp Per Machine | |
| Power | 600 / 3 / 60 (Volts / Phase / Hz) | |
| Maximum Power Consumption | 8.6 kVA | |
| Connection Voltage - Recommended mains fuse | 15 Amp Per Machine | |
| Connection Voltage - Mains current (FLA) | 11.4 Amp Per Machine | |
Kardex Shuttle 700 Electrial Requirements (North America Only)
| Power | 208 / 3 / 60 (Volts / Phase / Hz) | |
| Maximum Power Consumption | 15 kVA | |
| Connection Voltage - Recommended mains fuse | 50 Amp Per Machine | |
| Connection Voltage - Mains current (FLA) | 44 Amp Per Machine | |
| Power | 240 / 3 / 60 (Volts / Phase / Hz) | |
| Maximum Power Consumption | 15 kVA | |
| Connection Voltage - Recommended mains fuse | 40 Amp Per Machine | |
| Connection Voltage - Mains current (FLA) | 38 Amp Per Machine | |
| Power | 480 / 3 / 60 (Volts / Phase / Hz) | |
| Maximum Power Consumption | 15 kVA | |
| Connection Voltage - Recommended mains fuse | 25 Amp Per Machine | |
| Connection Voltage - Mains current (FLA) | 19 Amp Per Machine | |
| Power | 600 / 3 / 60 (Volts / Phase / Hz) | |
| Maximum Power Consumption | 15 kVA | |
| Connection Voltage - Recommended mains fuse | 20 Amp Per Machine | |
| Connection Voltage - Mains current (FLA) | 15.5 Amp Per Machine | |
Kardex Shuttle 1000 Electrial Requirements (North America Only)
| Power | 208 / 3 / 60 (Volts / Phase / Hz) | |
| Maximum Power Consumption | 15 kVA | |
| Connection Voltage - Recommended mains fuse | 50 Amp Per Machine | |
| Connection Voltage - Mains current (FLA) | 44 Amp Per Machine | |
| Power | 240 / 3 / 60 (Volts / Phase / Hz) | |
| Maximum Power Consumption | 15 kVA | |
| Connection Voltage - Recommended mains fuse | 40 Amp Per Machine | |
| Connection Voltage - Mains current (FLA) | 38 Amp Per Machine | |
| Power | 480 / 3 / 60 (Volts / Phase / Hz) | |
| Maximum Power Consumption | 15 kVA | |
| Connection Voltage - Recommended mains fuse | 25 Amp Per Machine | |
| Connection Voltage - Mains current (FLA) | 19 Amp Per Machine | |
| Power | 600 / 3 / 60 (Volts / Phase / Hz) | |
| Maximum Power Consumption | 15 kVA | |
| Connection Voltage - Recommended mains fuse | 20 Amp Per Machine | |
| Connection Voltage - Mains current (FLA) | 15.5 Amp Per Machine | |
Notes For Kardex Shuttle VLM Installations
- Values in Table 1 represent baseline power requirements for standard units.
- External devices such as conveyors, labelers, robots, or integrated cranes typically require separate power feeds and are not included in these currents.
- Some options, such as automatic tray extraction, LED navigation, or additional safety devices, may add minor incremental load. Always verify when designing circuits.
When in doubt, contact your Kardex representative with the serial number of your unit and request the official electrical documentation for that machine.
Kardex Megamat Vertical Carousel Module (VCM) Baseline Power Requirements
Kardex Megamat VCMs are vertical carousel modules that rotate carriers in a loop to present stored items at a fixed access opening. Like VLMs, their power requirements depend on unit height, carrier load, and options, but standard North American configurations tend to fall within a predictable range.
Kardex Megamat 180 Electrial Requirements (North America Only)
| Power Supply: | 3/PE 208V (50/60 Hz) | Rated Operating Current: | 7.5 A |
| Motor Power: | 1.5 HP ; 1.1 kW | Fuse Protection: | 15 A t |
| Power Consumption, max.: | 2.7 kVA | ||
| Power Supply: | 3/PE 240V (50/60 Hz) | Rated Operating Current: | 6.5 A |
| Motor Power: | 1.5 HP ; 1.1 kW | Fuse Protection: | 15 A t |
| Power Consumption, max.: | 2.7 kVA | ||
| Power Supply: | 3/PE 480V (50/60 Hz) | Rated Operating Current: | 3.3 A |
| Motor Power: | 1.5 HP ; 1.1 kW | Fuse Protection: | 8 A t |
| Power Consumption, max.: | 2.7 kVA | ||
| Power Supply: | 3/PE 600V (50/60 Hz) | Rated Operating Current: | 2.6 A |
| Motor Power: | 1.5 HP ; 1.1 kW | Fuse Protection: | 8 A t |
| Power Consumption, max.: | 2.7 kVA | ||
Kardex Megamat 350 Electrial Requirements (North America Only)
| Power Supply: | 3/PE 208V (50/60 Hz) | Rated Operating Current: | 13.3 A |
| Motor Power: | 3 HP ; 2.2 kW | Fuse Protection: | 20 A t |
| Power Consumption, max.: | 4.8 kVA | ||
| Power Supply: | 3/PE 240V (50/60 Hz) | Rated Operating Current: | 11.5 A |
| Motor Power: | 3 HP ; 2.2 kW | Fuse Protection: | 20 A t |
| Power Consumption, max.: | 4.8 kVA | ||
| Power Supply: | 3/PE 480V (50/60 Hz) | Rated Operating Current: | 5.8 A |
| Motor Power: | 3 HP ; 2.2 kW | Fuse Protection: | 8 A t |
| Power Consumption, max.: | 4.8 kVA | ||
| Power Supply: | 3/PE 600V (50/60 Hz) | Rated Operating Current: | 4.6 A |
| Motor Power: | 3 HP ; 2.2 kW | Fuse Protection: | 8 A t |
| Power Consumption, max.: | 4.8 kVA | ||
Kardex Megamat 650 Electrial Requirements (North America Only)
| Power Supply: | 3/PE 208V (50/60 Hz) | Rated Operating Current: | 22.9 A |
| Motor Power: | 5.2 HP ; 3.8 kW | Fuse Protection: | 30 A t |
| Power Consumption, max.: | 8.25 kVA | ||
| Power Supply: | 3/PE 240V (50/60 Hz) | Rated Operating Current: | 19.8 A |
| Motor Power: | 5.2 HP ; 3.8 kW | Fuse Protection: | 30 A t |
| Power Consumption, max.: | 8.25 kVA | ||
| Power Supply: | 3/PE 480V (50/60 Hz) | Rated Operating Current: | 9.9 A |
| Motor Power: | 5.2 HP ; 3.8 kW | Fuse Protection: | 15 A t |
| Power Consumption, max.: | 8.25 kVA | ||
| Power Supply: | 3/PE 600V (50/60 Hz) | Rated Operating Current: | 7.9 A |
| Motor Power: | 5.2 HP ; 3.8 kW | Fuse Protection: | 15 A t |
| Power Consumption, max.: | 8.25 kVA | ||
Notes For Kardex Megamat VCM Installations
- Values in Table 2 represent baseline electrical requirements for typical Megamat configurations.
- Options such as integrated pick-to-light devices, additional access openings, or specialized safety equipment can slightly increase total power consumption.
- External integrations such as conveyors, external hoists, or robotic handling systems usually require their own power circuits.
As with VLMs, always confirm machine-specific values via your project documentation or Kardex representative.
Options That Impact Vertical Carousel Power Requirements
The tables above cover standard configurations of Kardex Shuttle VLMs and Kardex Megamat VCMs. Many real-world installations include options and modifications that affect power requirements. Examples include:
- Environmental or temperature control (climate-controlled or insulated units)
- Cleanroom or special environmental versions
- LED navigation, light pointer, and pick-to-light technologies
- Automated or semi-automated tray extraction devices
- Integrated cranes, hoists, or other material handling equipment
- Conveyor interfaces, transfer tables, or other external equipment powered from the same supply
- Any non-standard or customer-specific machine modifications
When any of these are present, the actual required current and recommended circuit rating may be higher than the baselines shown here. That is why it is essential to always validate against machine-specific documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the supply voltage on an existing Kardex Shuttle or Megamat machine?
No. Supply voltage and configuration are defined at the time of manufacture. Any changes to supply voltage or internal wiring must be evaluated and performed by Kardex or an authorized service provider.
Can I power multiple Kardex machines from the same circuit?
In most cases, each machine should have its own dedicated circuit sized according to its rated load and local codes. Do not share circuits without consulting your Kardex representative and an electrician familiar with local regulations.
Do conveyor systems or robots connected to a VLM or VCM share the same power feed?
External equipment such as conveyors, robots, or labelers are typically powered from separate feeds. Always check the electrical drawings for your project to see how loads are divided.
Who should I contact for stamped electrical drawings or detailed load calculations?
For project-specific electrical documentation, stamped drawings, or detailed load information, contact your Kardex sales representative or Kardex Life Cycle Services. Provide your machine serial number, site location, and a brief description of your planned changes.