amp usage

[Bobj2015]

I have a syncrowave 350 that works fine. My problem is that the building I'm in has 208 v / 3 phase and the syncrowave 350 requires single phase hookup and I am maxing out the amperage draw for the building when welding with the other equipment being used. Is there any type of adapter to convert the welder over to a 3 phase that will allow me to draw less amperage?

[T Red]

A phase converter will not help you, you will still be using the same wattage or even a little more because of losses in a phase converter. How do you know that the service is maxed out? It is possible that one phase is overloaded. Have an electrician check the amperage on each phase. You will probably need to move loads from one phase to another to even the amps out.

[WillieB]

An inverter. For example a Dynasty is happy with single phase, or three phase 207-575volts. A 280, at 575 uses less amperage than 10 light bulbs.

[raferguson]

A phase converter will not help you, you will still be using the same wattage or even a little more because of losses in a phase converter. How do you know that the service is maxed out? It is possible that one phase is overloaded. Have an electrician check the amperage on each phase. You will probably need to move loads from one phase to another to even the amps out.

I think that T Red has it right. Maybe one of your phases is heavily loaded, while the other two are not. If your Syncrowave is hooked up to the heavily loaded phase, that would explain your problem. It might also be possible to reduce the load on the phases that the Syncrowave is using, move things around inside the panel. Clearly an electrician is called for, or at least someone with a clamp on ammeter who really understands electricity.

Of course, if your overall building power is inadequate, you would need to upgrade it, or buy an inverter welder.

[Bobj2015]

Thanks

Thanks to everyone who responded. I will talk with my electrician and let him know what has been discussed and see if things can be moved around.