Anyone know anything about 380/415 Volt stuff?

[DENALIAKITAS]

I have a chance to buy one of those expensive high volume low velocity fans for cheap from a freight damaged merchandise warehouse. However it is wired for 380/415 according to the information. Is there a way to incorporate it into my shop or is it best to just forget about it? THanks

 

[Stuart in MN]

You didn't mention where you live, but 380/415 is not commonly used in the United States. If the fans are single phase you could run them with a stepup transformer, if they're three phase you'd need a phase converter of some kind plus a more expensive stepup transformer. I would say they don't make financial sense.

 

[Norcal]

Please note that 380/400/415V gear is 50 hertz.

 

[DENALIAKITAS]

I am in Kansas, the fan was originally built for some company in Cali but it was lost in freight during the trip. I can get it for $500 if i can figure out how to wire it in without killing the budget.

 

[StaggeringGoat]

As the others have said you'll need a big, expensive transformer at a minimum...not going to be worth the cost.

 

[Gooch]

How large is the motor? you could get a VFD and change 240 single into 380 3 phase 50 hertz with one piece of equipment.

I did a similar install with a 3/4 hp motor. IIRC the VFD was ~$400

 

[Norcal]

VFD's do not boost the voltage, they are either 200-230V or 380-460V. A transformer would be needed to boost 240V to 480V, then a 480V drive that can have the phase loss protection disabled & adjustable output voltage would work but IMO, 480V is not a DIY project....

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Just like Norcal said, equipment running @ these voltages is 50hz NOT 60hz so the only way to get it to work would be with a stepup transformer and a VFD to change the frequency! Seems too cost prohibitive to me!

 

[Stuart in MN]

The 50hz versus 60hz thing usually isn't a problem for a simple motorized device like a fan, it will just run at a slightly different speed. The big problem is the voltage (again, assuming the original poster is in the US and is talking about use in a home shop.)

 

[wyliesdiesels]

The 50hz versus 60hz thing usually isn't a problem for a simple motorized device like a fan, it will just run at a slightly different speed. The big problem is the voltage (again, assuming the original poster is in the US and is talking about use in a home shop.)

The motor will run hotter but being a fan shouldn't matter other than possibly shortening its life. And I'm sure he could order a custom wound transformer. When the fan dies, it could be a problem finding another and if he doesn't, all the $ spent on a transformer would be a waste!