Bridgeport VFD Recommendations

[sako243]

My Bridgeport's electrical cabinet took a knock when I was moving workshops a couple of years ago. It's currently set up as a 3 phase system which is a bit inconvenient because of having to fire up the generator etc.

I hadn't noticed before but the data plate on it specs hi volts and lo volts but appear to be stamped 10 and 20V... Has anyone seen this before? I had assumedit was 440 but now I'm wondering if it's 110 and 220V instead?

I will chase through wiring (not in a stage to fire it up and measure) but wondering if someone might shed some light on it?

So for convenience as I've got to rewire things I'm thinking about setting up stuff to work off a single phase.

With that any particular recommendation for a VFD to run it. I don't mind spending a couple of hundred on a VFD but equally if one of the cheap chinese ones works well enough I'm happy to use that. It is a varispeed head so I've got speed control from there anyway. The main aim is to get it running off single phase so it's more convenient to use.

 

[Martin-Sy]

That's very odd. I have no idea what they meant by '10' and '20' for volts.
The motor is clearly designed for export as its 50Hz whereas US is 60 with the corresponding speed change from circa 1500 to 1800 rpm.

Can you post a picture of the way it's currently configured?
If that corresponds to their 'Hi Volts' setting I'm pretty confident that the 'Lo Volts' configuration will be OK for 230V 3ph from a single phase inverter.

 

[fizzy]

Not cheap but if you want to run several 3 phase machines get a rotary phase convertor. Easier than having to wire a VFD to each and every machine.

 

[Guineafowl]

Found this photo on the ME forum. Looks like 210V and 420V with some missing digits on yours.

LoVolts should do it.

 

[sako243]

Found this photo on the ME forum. Looks like 210V and 420V with some missing digits on yours.
View attachment 499837

LoVolts should do it.

That looks like that solves that then I'll take a look later at the wiring.

Now for VFD recommendations.

 

[Guineafowl]

That looks like that solves that then I'll take a look later at the wiring.

Now for VFD recommendations.

Good VFD = good manual. I didn’t regret splashing out a bit on an Invertek, or an MS.

 

[Richiew]

Cheap and cheerful AT1 did me. As you have said already, you have the varispeed head, so the VFD has very little to do.

R

Thread 'Bridgeport wiring for VFD'

Dec 2, 2023

I need to rewire my Bridgeport for a 220v 3 phase VFD. It is currently wired for 380v. There's a simple wiring diagram on the motor (See the black part at the bottom of the data plate.) and the wires are clearly numbered on the black insulation. I think it is going to be straightforward but I thought I'd ask anyway.

I don't fancy reusing the wire nuts much. They are old, loose and need replacing. I'm thinking of using Wagos instead.

Is it the case that I require 3 way Wagos and connect wires 6,5,4 to one. 9,3 and L1 to another, 8,2 and L2 together and finally 7,1 and L3 ? Swap any two...

• Richiew
• Replies: 61
• forum: Electrical Installations

• 

 

[fizzy]

Good VFD = good manual. I didn’t regret splashing out a bit on an Invertek, or an MS.

Invertek are made in Wales

 

[Guineafowl]

Invertek are made in Wales

… but we can’t hold that against them

(Somerset born and bred)

 

[timgunn1962]

I'd be pretty reluctant to run the motor shown in the OP on a VFD: it looks pretty old and shows classB insulation.

I'd expect to need a sinusoidal filter between a VFD and that motor, which isn't cheap.

It's worth talking to a decent VFD supplier and picking their brains.

 

[Smouser]

That looks like that solves that then I'll take a look later at the wiring.

Now for VFD recommendations.

If you want to go super cheap, you can get a 2.2kW AT1 VFD for £35.
UK stock so you should get the VFD in 3 or 4 days.

Mine will be arriving today or tomorrow.

Variable Frequency Drive 2.2KW Single Phase Input 3 Phase Output VFD Inverter Frequency Converter VFD 2.2KW Variable Inverter - AliExpress 13

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

a.aliexpress.com

 

[Guineafowl]

I'd be pretty reluctant to run the motor shown in the OP on a VFD: it looks pretty old and shows classB insulation.

I'd expect to need a sinusoidal filter between a VFD and that motor, which isn't cheap.

It's worth talking to a decent VFD supplier and picking their brains.

I think most of us quietly ignore that and hope for the best…

Voltage spikes can be 3x the line voltage, but he is using a 420V motor, with presumably 1000V insulation, on 230V, so that’s a bonus. Also, a short lead between VFD and motor reduces the standing wave effect, which should be the case too.

Hobby use vs industrial…

I’m not sure, but it seems that for the price of a sine wave filter, you could probably get the motor rewound with modern insulation.

 

[Smouser]

I agree.

Most of the motors I am running in my workshop are 'not suitable' for VFD use. Old motors/insufficient class insulation, etc, etc.

However, thus far, I have not had any problems. If a motor were to fail, I would have still been financially better off compared to getting a sine wave filter/new VFD rated motors for all my machines.

In summary: Risk it for the biscuit!

 

[Seadog]

I agree.

Most of the motors I am running in my workshop are 'not suitable' for VFD use. Old motors/insufficient class insulation, etc, etc.

However, thus far, I have not had any problems. If a motor were to fail, I would have still been financially better off compared to getting a sine wave filter/new VFD rated motors for all my machines.

In summary: Risk it for the biscuit!

I'm running a 1953 motor from a Raglan lathe on my Boxford. It's often overrun and frequently run at low rpm. I've not had a problem in the 12 years since installing it.