single phase converter

[johnakay]

not sure where to put this .
so I'll ask on here
the single phase converter's that I've seen on eBay,it mention hp etc.
what I want one for is in case I get a good 3 phase weld at a local auction,
are these any good or am I looking at the wrong ones?
http://shop.ebay.co.uk/i.html?_nkw=...orcycle_Parts&_odkw=helmet+lock&_osacat=14780

 

[toddy]

now assuming that all the power is converted(which is never reality)
5.5kva would be
230v @ 24A
415v @ 13A
so unless you plant is less than 13A it would be ok, but since most welding plants want as much power as they can get, it is problly not good enough.

and depending on what welder you have some of the interverters you can change from 110-230-415V by a switch inside the case

 

[zzr1200]

I understand these converter's are only good for motors, if you what to run a welder I believe you need a rotory converter, which I suspect is based on an electric motor opposed to solid state...

 

[Shox Dr]

I would buy the welder first and then buy the RPC (Rotary Phase Converter). The reason been unless you want to supply more than one item, it can be costly just running the RPC, that is producing more power than you require.

I'm toying with the Idea of building a 15HP RFC but that's because I can and I'm as mad as a hatter, also I want 415v 3ph, and them type of RPCs are BIG bucks

 

[steve202]

I have been through this problem. It is easier and cheaper to buy another welder than to fork out nearly 700 quid and hump around 80 kgs of rotary converter everywhere.

 

[Shox Dr]

I understand these converter's are only good for motors, if you what to run a welder I believe you need a rotory converter, which I suspect is based on an electric motor opposed to solid state...

True VFI (Variable Frequency Inverters) are for Motors. Also most Welders although require 415v 3ph supply usually only use 2 of the 3 phases

And 230v>415v RPC are as I said a lot of pennys

 

[zzr1200]

True VFI (Variable Frequency Inverters) are for Motors. Also most Welders although require 415v 3ph supply usually only use 2 of the 3 phases

And 230v>415v RPC are as I said a lot of pennys

I understand the bit about using 2 out 3 phases, but the rest go's high above my head, a bit like the difference between star and delta......

 

[piman]

Hello John,

as I have said before, the terminology is confusing, just because a welder needs 415 volts doesn't make it three phase. If it require two out of the three phases it is single phase. Now to get 415 volts single phase does not need a rotary phase covertor, merely a 240v \ 415v transformer of adequate size.

Alec

 

[Shox Dr]

All the welders 415v welders I've wired up have required 2 phases. I that case you will require a 240v> 415v 3ph

To do this you need a 240v>415V transformer running a 415v RPC

 

[johnakay]

none the wiser but thanks any way.
I'll stick to single phase.
been checking eBay there are welders over 200amp on single phase.
what I've got is a Clarke 150 amp turbo but I don't like the puny torch.
I want some thing more professional.
my friend has a 150 amp sip welder and that has the larger and replaceable torch.
OK its still a 150 amp.
the Clarke is OK but the wire feed control is too light a slight knock and its out of sequence too much or not enough wire etc and its temperamental at times.
I don't its not the same like you have in a workshop.OK its a DIY I know.
and at times I want to weld 1/4". my welder will do but it soon clogs the nozzle up.even though it can weld it but I don't think this is really suitable. john

 

[chunkolini]

SIP welder? Nooooooooooooo

They have an awful reputation for just about everything, especially wire feed problems.
Chunko'.

 

[Thinphil]

I agree, the Clarke wire feed motors are smaller than the motors you find in a three pound plastic toy car !

 

[stormin]

I agree, the Clarke wire feed motors are smaller than the motors you find in a three pound plastic toy car !

But still better than SIP ones!

 

[johnakay]

what about sealy are the good?