Arc Welding machine.

[rattlehead85]

Was asked to attend a car paint/ repair garage yesterday and was presented with this. It had a 3 core 2.5 flex connected to it on a 13a plug top, however, i noticed that the info suggests that this is a 400v 2 phase machine. I am slightly confused as to how this has been working using a 230v supply. Im presuming the brown and blue cores of the flex should be separate phases with no neutral required. Any ideas on this?

 

[plugsandsparks]

Why were you presented with it, if it was working ? - Anyway tend to agree with you, although I would check that the earth on the lead is actually earthing the chassis and IR between brown, blue and the chassis to be sure before putting 400 across it.

 

[rattlehead85]

It had come from another garage but the new place it will be operating in does not have any sort of provision where it is needed. I had been asked to run a new supply to it but when i saw the 400v and then the plug-top i am like 'hold up'.
The idea is to run a new 2.5 5 core swa to a 16a 3p commando socket to feed some portable stuff. This then can be connected using two of the phases and the earth at the socket i provide. The 13a plug has confused me a tad though.

 

[Darkwood]

I would get the instructions or contact the suppliers ...to me that reads as a 2phase 400v supply, there maybe a tapping option at connection that allows 230v checking this may reveal all but this should be reflected in the power rating label if it was the case which it clearly is not.

Have you checked the connection terminals?

How a 13amp plug has been put on a 2.5 3core flex is also feat in itself .... a 1.5 usually pushes most plug tops to their flex grip limits.

 

[rattlehead85]

Thanks Darkwood. The plugtop used was a mess as well. If it is a 400v biphase supply required would the 16a commando socket connection option be a suitable way forward or would a 20a 3phase isolator and permanent connection be better?

 

[shanky887614]

Thanks Darkwood. The plugtop used was a mess as well. If it is a 400v biphase supply required would the 16a commando socket connection option be a suitable way forward or would a 20a 3phase isolator and permanent connection be better?

Why not get a commando isolator?
Best of both worlds (last one I installed can only be turned on when a commando is inserted and locks the commando in place)

 

[Knobhead]

Wonder how long shanky's new avatar lasts?

 

[shanky887614]

Wonder how long shanky's new avatar lasts?

Lasted less than an hour last night with no mention at all otherwise

Lol now you mention it, it keeps disapearing then reappearing

 

[GMES]

Wasn't it a mod that gave it you shaky or was that your own input

 

[shanky887614]

Wasn't it a mod that gave it you shaky or was that your own input

Was my own, can't remember where I found it but its been on my phone for a while

 

[GMES]

Sorry shanky bloody iPad thinks it knows what I want to type

 

[shanky887614]

Sorry shanky bloody iPad thinks it knows what I want to type

I know the feeling, I cant stand auto correction

 

[GMES]

Erection , there it goes again

 

[rattlehead85]

Back on original subject anybody have any ideas how this welder could have worked using a standard 230v 13a plug with the blue cable connected to the neutral pin?

 

[GLENNSPARK]

Wonder how long shanky's new avatar lasts?

i had an avatar....twas only brief though...Marvo said it wasn`t allowed....