3 phase washing machine dilemna

shawn p · Jan 19, 2011

I have a 3 phase washing machine looking to install on a single phase supply.The machine is 13.30kw,what is the best way to install,

Ask my electrical supplier to change my electric to 3 phase just needed in the garage so does whole house need to be changed ?

Run a 16mm swa from my main feed to the garage and then a 14kw 3 ph to 1 ph converter :very expensive.

im informed that this machine can not be converted to single phase as is one of the only machines that can not be a IPSO WE 165.Does this apply to both the motor and heaters or can the heaters be changed to single then needing just a converter to run the 3 phase motor ?

im not an electrician so will not be conducting any of the work just need a cost efficient and reliable way to power the machine thanks

SirKit Breaker · Jan 19, 2011

I am not being funny here mate, but my advice is flog it and get a single phase one. There must be a good market for 3 phase kit like this, i bet they cost a fortune.

Cheers........Howard

Darkwood · Jan 19, 2011

Must agree with Sirkit here you going down a path that will not be practicable without major expense, forget the 1ph to 3ph converter as even if you worked out how to supply single phase and seperate three phase different parts of machine then you will hit many problems in implementing 2 supplies into a normally 1 supply control system, they say it cant be converted for a good reason so dont even go down this road, and upgrading supply to 3 phase can cost thousands to tens of thousands depending on availability of the 3ph supply been local to your premises, if your still not disuaded contact your energy supplier and get a quote..... im puzzled to why you need such a heavy duty washer in a domestic dwelling unless your running a small business from it, id also check on estimated running costs of using such a big machine as you may get a nasty shock, as well as additional tarriff you will pay just for having phase supply.

Deleted member 26818 · Jan 19, 2011

Often these can be converted just by connecting the single phase to each of the 3 phases.
You would have to consider whether the motors are single or three phase though.

Darkwood · Jan 19, 2011

spinlondon said:
Often these can be converted just by connecting the single phase to each of the 3 phases.
You would have to consider whether the motors are single or three phase though.

He mentions this in his post that hes been informed that this is a model that cant be converted but without knowing who he asked i cant be definate but assume he has done his homework here and asked someone in the knowhow.... although its thus confusing that he then asks if it can be done.

Marvo · Jan 19, 2011

It would be unusual for a washing machine to have a 3 phase motor given that it would be bi-directional and multiple speed. I would get down and dirty Shawn, remove the panels and take a photo of the motor/wiring/info-plate and attach it to a post for us to see.

ian.settle1 · Jan 20, 2011

Marvo said:
It would be unusual for a washing machine to have a 3 phase motor given that it would be bi-directional and multiple speed. I would get down and dirty Shawn, remove the panels and take a photo of the motor/wiring/info-plate and attach it to a post for us to see.

Sounds like an industrial machine and not a domestic