Can this welder be run on 220V single phase?

[Gerula]

The left column on the voltage panel clearly says 3 phases 50/60Hz but the right column lists parameters for 200V, 220V, 240V, 250V, 380V, 415V, 440V and 500V input. Does this mean that the box can be wired to use single phase 220V?

I was considering the purchase of this old workhorse and being able to use it at home (220V single phase) would be a big plus.

 

[brightspark]

-its 3 phase at given voltages 3 wire not single phase 2wire

 

[Gerula]

So the only way to run it on single phase would be to disconnect one of the transformer windings and run it at a reduced output?

 

[mike 109444]

NO

 

[Gerula]

http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/threads/three-phase-to-single-phase-domestic.14024/

Why do you say that? Have a look at post #3 from this tread.

If the machine is a true 3-phase machine, requires 3 phases for power, then running it on single phase requires a rotary converter. Some can be modified for single-phase with reduced output. My Miller is 330A on 3-phase, It will run about 250A on single phase. There is also a loss in arc stability.

 

[mike 109444]

I am not saying it is completely impossible but as the winding's are usually inter linked (not 3 separate transformers) but if you go to scotts home page and read up on the work involved in converting the machine he did then you will see there is a LOT to it !

 

[WorkshopChris]

Until you get inside to have a good look you can never say for sure. The miller 330 referred to is not true 3 phase machine it just uses 2 phases, the same as some oil cooled oxfords and also has windings for 1 phase at a lower voltage. A problem with running less primary windings is how it affects the auxiliary secondary's used for control voltage as well as the reduced voltage on the welding output. With a mig this would probably affect the feed motor and gas solenoid operation as well.

 

[Wendelspanswick]

I always look at these things as if it was an easy option to get it to run on single phase the manufacturer would advertise the fact to open up a bigger market, a bit like the Powcon units.

 

[Wedg1e]

The multiple voltages are due to the fact that 3-phase supply is different in various countries. For example here in the UK it's 415 or 440 whereas Switzerland is (or used to be) 380V.

 

[Gerula]

Yes I know that. But since it's also capable of running on 220V 3 phase it should still be working (at a reduced output) with 220V single phase and one of the transformer windings disconnected.

The major problem could be the welding current stability. Some of those doing such conversions appear to use capacitors to smooth things out, so to speak. Perhaps one of the members who did such conversion cares to comment? I can take a trip to the seller tomorrow and take some good photos of the machine's guts.

 

[rikrobson]

Yes I know that. But since it's also capable of running on 220V 3 phase it should still be working (at a reduced output) with 220V single phase and one of the transformer windings disconnected.

you need to think of it as 3 seperate transformers, which are then rectified to DC.

The bottom Line is no it wont work, unless you use a converter.

 

[Jim Davey]

Sell it and buy a 230v machine, it will work out better value for money than throwing time and effort into trying to make an unsuitable machine fit your requirements.

 

[Gerula]

Yes, I know.

What I'm tempted to do, after checking that A. the electronics and wire feed motor have their own single phase transformer and B. The primary windings are wired separately, is to buy it and run it as described above. Worst case scenario it's just not going to weld properly. The modification should be fully reversible and since the transformer primary windings are capable of being powered at 230V they shouldn't be harmed in any way.

 

[Jim Davey]

It better be cheap, a 415 volt 3ph set that only makes 180 amp is'nt exactly much use is it?

 

[Gerula]

It's cheap already and I'll try to get it as cheap as possible.

What matters to me is the lower range, 25A is quite good.

 

[rikrobson]

.6 wire and 30 amps is fine for car work

 

[Wedg1e]

Yes I know that. But since it's also capable of running on 220V 3 phase it should still be working (at a reduced output) with 220V single phase and one of the transformer windings disconnected.

The major problem could be the welding current stability. Some of those doing such conversions appear to use capacitors to smooth things out, so to speak.

So try it and see, then; what's the worst that can happen? It's only money...

 

[dannyp]

i wouldnt bother with it TBH

if it dose 220v 3 phase that means you can use it in america in some of the states where they have 220v 3 phase.

if you just put 220v ( our singel phase domestic supply ) across say l1 and l2 of the machene you will get very littel output. if it's set in a delta confuruation inside you'll only actualy power 1 winding of the transformer. 1/3 of the power

the supply to work droped a phase the other year and the welders would attempt to weld but wouldn't in any usefull way. if it was possible to run a 3ph machene on 2phases you'd think a 480 amp capable mig would have managed to stick some 3mm together. nope we dug out an old 200 singel phase mig and that had more go in it