Clausing Drill press VFD question

[Iron-Iceberg]

I have a Clausing model 2286 drill press. It has a 3PH, 440V motor on it. I would like to run it on 220 1 PH at my house.
The motor is a two speed 440v only. I think when you use a VFD you only use the high speed side.
So my question is should I use a transformer to change the 440v to 220v for the VFD or souuld I just get a new motor? A Transformer is about $250.

 

[rsanter]

Used replacement motor
Generally the 220 3ph motors will go cheap

Bob

 

[Iron-Iceberg]

I don't know much about this so what type frame/mount motor should I look for?

 

[930dreamer]

Same as the one your replacing, can you see the frame number? Is K184 the frame #?

 

[Iron-Iceberg]

Same as the one your replacing, can you see the frame number? Is K184 the frame #?

That's what, I'm not sure what the frame # is. I can't really read to see if that is the right box.
Do I need shaft dia. Length etc? Like I said I don't know much on picking a motor.

 

[larry_g]

CHECK THE MEASUREMENTS OF YOUR MOTOR AGAINST THE NUMBERS HERE http://www.engineersedge.com/nema_frames.htm

The K may be a special option such as the base, extended shaft, or thrust bearings to allow the vertical shaft orientation. If you can, check the K184 on the mfg's site.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[bjcouche]

I'm a huge fan of using VFD's but even I have to suggest just replacing the motor in your situation. There exists small HP VFD's that take 120V single phase input and output 240V 3 phase but I have not seen one that takes 240V single phase and outputs 460V 3 phase. If you absolutely had to use the existing motor, then the most cost effective option would be to use a single phase step up transformer from 240 to 480V and use a 480V VFD to get your 3 phase 440V.

A: If you don't need variable speed: Replace the motor with a single phase motor either 120 or 240V.

B: If you do need variable speed: Replace the motor with a 3 phase motor at 240V and buy a single phase 240V input 3 phase output VFD.

In a last ditch effort, I would open up the motor connection cover and investigate. On rare occasions, a motor will have dual voltage wires inside the cover and only be nameplated with a single voltage. Be cautious though because there will be more wires used for the 2 speed configuration.

Brian

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't 440v a 50hz system voltage? Here in the states with 60hz electricity, motors are rated 460v. The motor's nameplate has 440v listed for both 50hz and 60hz.

 

[Iron-Iceberg]

I'm a huge fan of using VFD's but even I have to suggest just replacing the motor in your situation. There exists small HP VFD's that take 120V single phase input and output 240V 3 phase but I have not seen one that takes 240V single phase and outputs 460V 3 phase. If you absolutely had to use the existing motor, then the most cost effective option would be to use a single phase step up transformer from 240 to 480V and use a 480V VFD to get your 3 phase 440V.

This is the route I'm thinking I'm going to take.

A: If you don't need variable speed: Replace the motor with a single phase motor either 120 or 240V.

B: If you do need variable speed: Replace the motor with a 3 phase motor at 240V and buy a single phase 240V input 3 phase output VFD.

I would like to keep the two speed.

In a last ditch effort, I would open up the motor connection cover and investigate. On rare occasions, a motor will have dual voltage wires inside the cover and only be nameplated with a single voltage. Be cautious though because there will be more wires used for the 2 speed configuration.

I would like to look into this but I have no idea what to look for . If anyone knows that would be really cool.

Brian

Thanks guys.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Keep in mind that if you use a transformer, you will be paying extra $ every month because of inherent transformer losses! I would shut off the transformer went not in use!

PLEASE also keep in mind that 480v electricity is not for DIYers. 277v and up electricity has an arc flash hazard as well as other hazards.

 

[nehog]

Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't 440v a 50hz system voltage? Here in the states with 60hz electricity, motors are rated 460v. The motor's nameplate has 440v listed for both 50hz and 60hz.

OK, you're corrected!

440 is an old standard voltage. Not common (was when we used 110/220/440.) Many motors are still rated that way, for some reason too.

Now, here's a voltage you don't see often: 416 volts!

 

[Iron-Iceberg]

Keep in mind that if you use a transformer, you will be paying extra $ every month because of inherent transformer losses! I would shut off the transformer went not in use.

Yea, I want to put a main shut off on it for when I'm not using it.

 

[bjcouche]

OK, you want to keep the existing motor, I can understand that.

I would recommend then:
Buy a 240V disconnect switch to turn the entire setup off.
use fuses or breakers on both the primary and the secondary of the transformer.
Buy a 240-480V step up transformer
Buy a 480V 3 phase inverter

Keep in mind that you can NEVER change the motor from low speed to high speed while the inverter (VFD) is running. This could destroy the inverter with the inrush. You can operate it at either low or high speed, you just have to stop the inverter first. You cannot have a switch or disconnect between the inverter and the motor.

Also, going from 240 to 480V doesn't necessarily increase the arc flash hazard. Arc flash is a combination of voltage and current. It just so happens that where you find 480V in industry, you also find high arc fault currents. You are using a step UP transformer which actually INCREASES the impedance of the power and might in fact reduce the fault current. Still, whether it's 120 240 or 480, respect it and don't work on it live, and keep all connections enclosed. The drive will most likely have to be in an enclosure because most have exposed terminals.

Final thought, step up transformers are not so common to find. You might use a step down transformer but wire it backwards. This is not universally recommended but can be done for small power levels you are dealing with. This usually causes a good amount of voltage sag (the 480V side) at full load. Luckily though your inverter only needs to make 440V instead of 460V

Brian