120 volt to 240 volt supply, CAN IT BE DONE???

[nobel12]

Ok, Don't say " why didn't you just buy a 240 volt welder " spare me already.

But, I am curious if it can be done? to change from 120 volt AC to 240 volt AC? Is it just a change in tapps on the trans or a complete waste of time?

Haven't even got my hands on the welder yet, but I'm just wondering anyway.

Thank you much. Ray

 

[rtbcomp]

Some welders have adjustable taps and some of the modern inverter types will accomodate a wide range of input voltages, you'll just have to consult the manual or the rating plate.

 

[piman]

Hello Ray,

it is very easy to change 120V AC to 240V AC, just by using a transformer. You will need to size the transformer to suit the load you want to put on it. They are normally rated in VA or KVA which is simply the current times the voltage. So welder that needs 240V input and takes a full load current (input) of say 15 amps will need a transformer of at least that, 3.6KVA.

Alec

 

[nobel12]

I've been an electrician for 17 yrs now, so I understand how to use a step-up transformer and how to size accordingly.

I think you missed the point to the question, I have a 120 volt AC mig welder, can the welder be converted to 240 volt.

Or did I miss the point to the answer?

 

[HOUNDMAGNET]

I've been an electrician for 17 yrs now, so I understand how to use a step-up transformer and how to size accordingly.

I think you missed the point to the question, I have a 120 volt AC mig welder, can the welder be converted to 240 volt.

Or did I miss the point to the answer?

Sorry and no disrespect,but an electrician would know how and where to check the welders internal transformer or invertor circuit board for a voltage change tap.
If there isnt one,the only way would be to either change the internal transformer (expensive) or to do as said in a previous post and add an external step up transformer

 

[shenion]

If you are talking about modifying the welder, then you would need to rewind the transformer.

 

[nobel12]

I guess it can be said then, If you cant change the taps inside the welder than NO, it cant be done without changing(expensive) internal transformer.

Electricians at least this one actually know more than what people tell you they know, BUT, hey go ahead and use a step transformer to change 120 to 240, then plug the welder into it. Bet you end up with a peice of scrap!! Think already.

 

[the snooper]

Electricians at least this one actually know more than what people tell you they know,.

hmm the above sentence beats me not just this bit all of it really
anyone got clue

 

[nobel12]

 

[piman]

Hello Nobel,

I'm sorry but the way you phrased the original post misled me.

However if the machine hasn't got an external connection for both 120v and 240v then the chances are that the machine's transformer will not have that option.

So you can change the machine's transformer, get an external transformer as I said earlier (but step down rather than up) or buy a new machine, with the latter being the best option.

Alec

 

[Pete.]

I've been an electrician for 17 yrs now, so I understand how to use a step-up transformer and how to size accordingly.

I think you missed the point to the question, I have a 120 volt AC mig welder, can the welder be converted to 240 volt.

Or did I miss the point to the answer?

A rather rude response considering your thread title clearly contains the term 'supply':

120 volt to 240 volt supply, CAN IT BE DONE???

Using a step-up was my first thought from reading your opening post.

 

[nobel12]

Pete there isn't anything rude about my answer. I think my answer is to the point, and completely unbias, I even left room for myself missing something, I hope you noticed.

I speak my mind, but sometimes people get "sensative" and well, it happens.

I love a good forum, and the help you can find, like this one. To everyone out there that answered my questions, thank you. I hope I can return the favor sometime.

 

[Justme]

I think the issue here (UK) is that to us 240v ac is the normal set up but to you in the USA 110v ac is normal. We have readily available site transformers to run 110v ac tools on 240v ac supply. Your post looked like you wanted to run a 240v ac tool on a 110v ac supply, not the other way round.

Justme

 

[HOUNDMAGNET]

A transformer is available for either purpose.
It can be made for any voltage either way around.

Either a step up 110 - 240v or step down - 240 - 110v is a common transformer.

The op is an electrician and should know this.

 

[voipio]

It is possible to use an autotransformer to step up or step down
between 230V and 115V

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autotransformer

Voi

 

[nobel12]

guys, I do know this, as far as step transformers go. I think Justme answered the question as far as the confusion goes.

But again the only thing I was wondering is " if the welder is 120 volt a/c when you plug it into the wall, CAN the welder be changed (taps) so it can be plugged into a 240 volt a/c " at least small 130 amp migs go.

That's all I was wondering, so perhaps I need to be a little more accurate in my questions. Also, if I asked the same question to another electrician they would have understood it, and that may also be a short coming on my part.

Again thanks everyone!

 

[voipio]

If it's an inverter-based welder then the chances are slim of it being a simple job to internally alter the welder for a different supply voltage. Although there are plenty of examples out there of "universal" switched mode power supplies which will happily work all the way from 90V to 250V without alteration, these are generally low power devices and it would add significantly to the cost of an inverter-based welder to factor in the necessary design changes to make it "universal". It could be done, though!

Voi

 

[piman]

Hello Nobel,

as said if the internal transformer was capable of being connected 120v or 240v then the chances are there would be some sort of selector on the welder case, as why would a manufacturer fit a dual supply transformer and not make it selectable outside of the case?
Do you not have handbook?

Alec,
Time served electrical fitter and over forty years experience.

 

[rtbcomp]

....... as why would a manufacturer fit a dual supply transformer and not make it selectable outside of the case?
........

To prevent the voltage setting being tampered with.

 

[Jake SS]

Dont know what sort of electrician you are, but yes it can be done.

But you have to look at the whole picture as in is the fan motor, contactor, pcb, gas valve, etc, etc supplied by the existing supply?????
If so you would have to factor in these as well !

There are electricians and there are electricians.