Electrical Question

[GaryM]

What is the best method of powering you welder. As in voltage and phase?

Gary

[JWELD]

It all depend on the welder and the phase.

[Buzz]

Best power

The most efficient is 440 volts 3 phase, but it’s not always practical.

[HAWK]

Like BUZZ said 3 phase power is more efficient, but usually not available in most residential areas. I run mostly inverters equipped with "Auto-Line" and have found they run great on 1 or 3 phase power as long as it is above 200 volts( to get the full machine output). If you are wanting 3 phase power in a residential setting, for increased duty cycle on certain machines, the motor driven phase converters are a good option. They are not cheap and can cost as much as a good welding machine.

[hankj]

GaryM,

What do you want to fire up? Let us know the machine, maybe we can give you some suggestions.

Be well.

hankj

[GaryM]

The reason i am asking is we have to run new power to our house and shop. The shop only has a 100 amp line running form the main box in the house and well its hard to keep something running. Like my 6Hp air compresson when you turn it on it trips the breaker, same thing with the Syncrowave 180 once in a while.

So i guess i will see how much it will cost to have 3 phase put in? That way if i want to move up to seomthing bigger that only takes 3 phase i can do it. what you think?

Gary

[HAWK]

Gary,

Unless 3 phase is available at a nearby transformer it will cost some major bucks. You may want to look into having a second meter and 200 amp service set for the shop. That is usually only a few hundred dollars. My nearest 3 phase transformer is 1 mile away and the local utility will gladly pull 3 phase to my shop for $50,000 +. I am good to go for the moment, but may have a second 1 phase meter and 200 amp main set to power a phase converter for my shop. Good luck and let us know what happens.

[JWELD]

When you say "100 Amp Wire",do you mean your service entrance is a
100 amp box?

I have a machine shop at home with all industrial machines which require " 3 phase".

Get a good "rotary" phase convertor. Not a "static box".

A good one will cost a minimum of $1200, depending on the horsepower, etc you want to drive. Have had mine for ten years and it still works great.

[GaryM]

I am sure that there is 3 phase where my transformer there is a lot of irigation in the area and some really big motors running them pumps so its safe to say that it would be just a 1 yard run.

JWELD the way its set up is the power runs into the house main breaker box then a 100amp breaker runs wire out to the shop and there is a 100amp breaker box there also.

Gary

[Paul Seaman]

Gary:
This is a touchy subject so being safe is first. I'd call a licensed electrician and ask for a usage analysis and estimate for the revisions necessary this could be a panel upgrade and pulling new cable or down to popping a new breaker in and changing the draw pattern in the shop. Electricians are generally out for your greatest safety and effiency. It is worth a few phone calls, what is the worst that could happen you turn down an estimate. Also ask if they charge for estimates, this is a new protection for some folks around here, charge up front for the estimate then deduct it from the bill when the work is done. I am not an electrician but I know this process fairly well.

Be safe,

[hankj]

GaryM,

Something is fishy for sure. There's no way a 6-hp motor should trip a 100 amp breaker. My guess it the wire size is too small, but whatever the cause, you will be much better off with a separate service for your shop as suggested.

The best advice you've been given is make sure it's safe.

Be well.

hankj