UK What size transformer!

[Ravidone]

Hi all,
I have a new mixer it is 110v with 2000w motor and a 16amp socket, what Kva transformer do I need? I am not a sparks and electric is all magic to me!!

Thanks

 

[telectrix]

you would need a 2.5. or 3kVA transformer. 240v/110V. that's quite a big lump. this one is a site transformer, but the size will be similar.

 

[Ravidone]

you would need a 2.5. or 3kVA transformer. 240v/110V.

Thanks for that. I just had some advice from someone who had the same mixer and they have said I need a 5kva. They are not an electrician, Can you think of any reason why you would need a bigger transformer. Don't want to get one if it isn't necessary as they weigh a ton!! Thanks

 

[telectrix]

you need a Tx with a rated output > the load. your 2000watt motor takes 18-19 Amps @ 110V, but you need to allow for start-up inrush. 3kVA is my recommend.

 

[pc1966]

Thanks for that. I just had some advice from someone who had the same mixer and they have said I need a 5kva. They are not an electrician, Can you think of any reason why you would need a bigger transformer. Don't want to get one if it isn't necessary as they weigh a ton!! Thanks

A lot of cheap & nasty transformers have ratings like 5kVA that are only true for very short periods, they are often only really rated at 1-2kVA continuous!

 

[pc1966]

Here is a link to the sort of example @telectrix showed you:

Defender 3000VA Intermittent Transformer Distribution Kit 240V/110V Yellow - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. 3kVA power tool transformer with 2 x 16A outlets and thermal cut-out switch. FREE next day delivery available, free collection in 1 minute.

www.screwfix.com

They provide honest ratings such as 1.65kVA continuous or 3kVA intermittent and give the "intermittent case" a clear definition of 3 minutes on / 15 minutes off to cool. For power tools, and you mixer is very much in that case, that is a reasonable use-case.

If it were for lots of site lights or a heater then it would be on for far longer than 5min at max power. Typically tools only take max power for a proportion of the time they are used (e.g. start-up, etc)

 

[telectrix]

all depends on the mixer. could be a plaster puddler for site spreads or it could be a kenwood used by 'er indoors for doing the yorkshire puddings.

 

[Ravidone]

Here is a link to the sort of example @telectrix showed you:

Defender 3000VA Intermittent Transformer Distribution Kit 240V/110V Yellow - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. 3kVA power tool transformer with 2 x 16A outlets and thermal cut-out switch. FREE next day delivery available, free collection in 1 minute.

www.screwfix.com

They provide honest ratings such as 1.65kVA continuous or 3kVA intermittent and give the "intermittent case" a clear definition of 3 minutes on / 15 minutes off to cool. For power tools, and you mixer is very much in that case, that is a reasonable use-case.

If it were for lots of site lights or a heater then it would be on for far longer than 5min at max power. Typically tools only take max power for a proportion of the time they are used (e.g. start-up, etc)

Thank mate. Yes, it's a pan mixer so will be running 4-5 hours at a time. So would need a high continuous rating I guess.

 

[Ravidone]

all depends on the mixer. could be a plaster puddler for site spreads or it could be a kenwood used by 'er indoors for doing the yorkshire puddings.

Should have told you what type of mixer in the original post!! More of a cement mixer that will be running 4-5 hours at a time.

 

[pc1966]

Your 2kW rating is not much above the 1.65kVA rating for continuous use, and I doubt it draws the full 2kW for most of the time. While it is a bit of a gamble, I would start with a decent 3kVA site transformer and if it is tripping on overheating then look at 5kVA, as they are a lot bigger and more trouble to deal with (generally can't just be plugged in to a 13A socket, for a start).

 

[Ravidone]

Your 2kW rating is not much above the 1.65kVA rating for continuous use, and I doubt it draws the full 2kW for most of the time. While it is a bit of a gamble, I would start with a decent 3kVA site transformer and if it is tripping on overheating then look at 5kVA, as they are a lot bigger and more trouble to deal with (generally can't just be plugged in to a 13A socket, for a start).

Been look at a faithful one, 5kva with 3kva continuous, weighs 32kg though. Will take a look at various transformer now I know what I am looking for!!