18kw 3 phase 220v on single phase power??

[OldNeons]

Happy thanksgiving to all on GJ! Sneaking a few minutes in before family time and the feast.

Looking at adding a machine that has a big heating element load. Specs on equipment say the machine is offered in two formats:

208V-230V, 18KW, 1PH, 85A, with 100A breaker recommended OR - 3PH/18KW/50A

Unfortunately I have single phase power and the machine I'm looking at is equipped with the 3 phase option.

Of course I will contact mfgr and discuss with them - but was just curious what anyone here may have to offer for real world input?

I currently have an R-7 Phase-a-Matic Rotary converter running the 3 phase motor on my hydraulic shear and it works well...

Is there any advantage to running a resistance load like this on "simulated 3 phase" and if so- how would I compute the requirements for converter. Or would I be better off just breaking up the heat load to run on 3 separate single phase circuits?

Any input is appreciated.

 

[jeepxj]

break up the 3p heating load. no sense in converting from 1p to 3p just for resistive heater loads.

 

[OccupantRJ]

Going with the single phase power, you can also incorporate sequencers and relays to stagger the starting surge.

 

[Bert_]

It will almost certainly have three individual elements wired in Delta. Easy to move a few terminals to convert to single phase. You may have to change a contactor or disconnect if equipped.

 

[OldNeons]

thanks for the input! Glad to hear it should be feasible to make a permanent switch to single phase. That's one less machine to have to "convert" during operation.

 

[fitter30]

Could also use a two stage thermostat and break up elements with two contactor s.

 

[OldNeons]

Going with the single phase power, you can also incorporate sequencers and relays to stagger the starting surge.

Could anyone elaborate more on this please? Have a 200 amp single phase panel I'll be feeding this 18kw resistant load from. Do I need to stagger start? If so, what is easiest way to do this? Three separate manual switches? All 3 elements will always be on at all times I believe. Thanks

 

[larry_g]

Could anyone elaborate more on this please? Have a 200 amp single phase panel I'll be feeding this 18kw resistant load from. Do I need to stagger start? If so, what is easiest way to do this? Three separate manual switches? All 3 elements will always be on at all times I believe. Thanks

You would get much better responses if you would give up what this machine is, post or link to a wiring diagram, or what ever is happening. It makes some difference if this is a barn heater or a process machine that has to hold a specific temp or temp profile through the machine.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[OldNeons]

Sorry Larry - I don't have the machine in my possession yet. It is a heat press used for making printed shirts. Consistent heating is important. It is an American made machine and considered to be a workhorse of the industry. Manufacturer is very helpful when I need - just trying to get my ducks in a row Thanks for your help

 

[larry_g]

It looks to me jsut googling shirt presses that most have some heat control on them and timers. So without looking at the schematic I would not offer a solution. If your heater is one silicone mat then the wiring could be internal to the mat and not easily reconfigured as would be an industrial heater with many discrete heat coils.

It sounds like your buying a used machine that is 3 phase and hoping to make it run on single. I would suggest that you get on the phone to the maker and get schematics and parts breakdown. Then ask what it takes to convert to single. It might be easy, It may be difficult. You have to know how the controls interface with the machine and heaters. If you get the parts list and both take the same heater (s) then you have a good chance at easy.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I agree with Larry.

Without schematics and specifics, all youre gonna get is WAGs.

We dont know how its wired so no way to know whether it will work or even if the single phase service is large enough to handle the huge load.

Definitely call the manu. and ask them these questions...

 

[Stuart in MN]

Sorry Larry - I don't have the machine in my possession yet. It is a heat press used for making printed shirts. Consistent heating is important. It is an American made machine and considered to be a workhorse of the industry. Manufacturer is very helpful when I need - just trying to get my ducks in a row Thanks for your help

I assume you know the brand and model...if you post that information, someone may be able to help.

 

[larry_g]

I agree with Larry.

Without schematics and specifics, all youre gonna get is WAGs.

We dont know how its wired so no way to know whether it will work or even if the single phase service is large enough to handle the huge load.

Definitely call the manu. and ask them these questions...

As far as the huge load; most of the presses that came up on google were 1200 watts, and the 1800 watt units were the big ones.

OP can you confirm if it is 1800 watts or 18,000 watts (18kw)?

lg
no neat sig line

 

[wyliesdiesels]

yeah 18KW is a ton of power....

 

[sberry]

About the same as a big tig.