Miller 211 - Using 220 on 110 Plug?

[bulletpruf]

All -

Greetings from Naples, Italy. I'm active duty Army stationed here for a few years.

Italy is all on 220 power, of course. I can step it down to 110 by using a transformer, and that's how I've been using my 211.

However, I can also plug directly into 220, but only with my normal 110 plug. I don't have an outlet set up for the 220 plug that comes with the welder and would rather not go through the hassle of buying it and wiring it, especially since I'm in a rental house.

Is there any problem with me using the 110 plug in a 220 outlet? I would use an adapter that still has the ground wire configuration, of course.

Thanks,

Scott

[Customizer]

It may void your warranty. Presumably the control board in the 211 senses voltage and automatically adapts to 110 or 220, but I'd first get a schematic of their logic board/controls/system, look it over to see what is really going on with the components, circuitry. I'm looking at Miller's TIG machines (with similar MVPs) and the input cable is fine for both voltages so you're safe there, just need to survey that logic board beforehand.

[OscarJr]

The main issue would be the current capacity. The 110V plug is not rated for 30A of current. The connectors inside the Miller MVP are the same for the 110V and the 220V plug, but the blades/prongs on the 220V plug are much larger to handle operation at maximum output.

[Aeronca41]

First question is this the old transformer MM211 or the new inverter version? If the older version, You might call Miller and ask, but I don't think I would plug the 110v plug into 220. The wires in the cord that connect to the welder inside are different between the plugs, and you might very possibly fry the board. The 110 plug connects the black and red wires to pins RC4 and RC5 on the board; the 220 plug connects the white and red to RC10 and RC5. Thus, it appears at first glance that the old 211 does not have an "auto input voltage selection" capability, and relies in wiring connections in the plug to handle the difference.

Oscar also had the other potential concern, but that doesn't really seem too scary since the current draw is 20 amps @ 110, and only 24.3 at 220. Not really a big enough difference to worry much about given the duty cycle of the MM211. The wiring is the much bigger concern, and I wouldn't do it.

------------------------

If it's the new inverter version, it looks like it would work fine, since only two wires (black and white) connect to the board inside and the board apparently auto selects for input voltage. Apparently, all the plug does is allow mechanically mating with the correct outlet. As to current draw, the new 211 actually draws substantially more line current on 110 than on 220, 24.3 vs 16.6 amps, as would be expected.

I would still call Miller at 920-734-9821 for confirmation.

And thanks for serving our country!

[Broccoli1]

How long does it take to get stuff from the states?

I would make a short pigtail to go from the Miller 6-50 ( 240v) plug to the receptacle in the wall.

Is it the 3 hole in a straight line style? Center should be ground.


You just need the 6-50 female connector from the states and then get the Italian plug locally.

[BukitCase]

I would be MUCH more concerned about the 50 hZ power - if it's the older version of the 211, there is ZERO mention of 50 hZ power. You might get away with it for a while, but if you PUSH it too hard the power supply may either shut down/overheat, or just DIE -

The manual for the NEWER version of the mm211 DOES state 50/60 hZ power... Steve

[Aeronca41]

I would be MUCH more concerned about the 50 hZ power - if it's the older version of the 211, there is ZERO mention of 50 hZ power. You might get away with it for a while, but if you PUSH it too hard the power supply may either shut down/overheat, or just DIE -

The manual for the NEWER version of the mm211 DOES state 50/60 hZ power... Steve

Excellent point. I thought about that too but didn't address since he said he had already been using it on 110. May have been too shortsighted.

[bulletpruf]

Fellas -

How can you tell the difference between the older and new 211 welders? I bought mine new in 2012 (give or take a year).

Thanks,

Scott

[Aeronca41]

Fellas -

How can you tell the difference between the older and new 211 welders? I bought mine new in 2012 (give or take a year).

Thanks,

Scott

The old one is larger and has a single folding handle like a suitcase on top; knobs are stacked vertically. The new one is much lighter, smaller, and adds crosswise handles on top front and back as well as one in the middle on top. The knobs are arranged horizontally rather than vertically. I have the old one. I'm not good with dates but I'm pretty sure the new one didn't come out until 2015.

[Aeronca41]

Bulletpruf--check your PMs

[bulletpruf]

The old one is larger and has a single folding handle like a suitcase on top; knobs are stacked vertically. The new one is much lighter, smaller, and adds crosswise handles on top front and back as well as one in the middle on top. The knobs are arranged horizontally rather than vertically. I have the old one. I'm not good with dates but I'm pretty sure the new one didn't come out until 2015.

Yep. I have the old one.

Thanks

[Customizer]

I would be MUCH more concerned about the 50 hZ power - if it's the older version of the 211, there is ZERO mention of 50 hZ power. You might get away with it for a while, but if you PUSH it too hard the power supply may either shut down/overheat, or just DIE -

The manual for the NEWER version of the mm211 DOES state 50/60 hZ power... Steve

For all --- On the topic of 50 vice 60 hz, today's full wave rectifiers in INVERTERS are designed to work both. If his is INVERTER based he's ok ................if older (TRANSFORMER) I'd say running on 50hz would have duty cycle impacts.

[BukitCase]

Customizer, that was exactly my point - the older mm211 weighs exactly TWICE what the newer one does and is transformer based (I owned one til I found a super deal on a nearly new mm252) the newer one (about 35 lbs instead of 70, and WHY didn't Miller AT LEAST put a "B" after the model #??) IS inverter based.

I really wish a MILLER REP would weigh in here, so Bulletpruf can be SURE about using his 211 overseas, and HOW he should/shouldn't do it -

I think that's the LEAST we can do for our service people - BTW, THANK YOU Bulletpruf, from ANOTHER Army vet (1965-1969) ...Steve

[bulletpruf]

Thanks for the additional info, fellas. And thanks for your service, too, Steve, as well as Aeronca41!

Scott

[Miller Kevin]

Bulletpruf, if you have the older transformer style Millermatic 211 then you definitely should not put 230 volts into the unit using the 115 volt adapter as it will damage the unit. This model is also strictly 60 Hz, running it on 50 Hz will affect the weld performance and the unit will easily overheat as well. If you have any other questions please feel free to contact me directly by PM or e-mail: [email protected] .

I would also like to say THANK YOU to all who have served or are currently serving our country.

Kevin