Electrical for Plasma/MIG/Air

[Nermal43]

Hi all:

I am awaiting arrival of my new plasma cutter (120/240), and I have a 110 single stage 20 gallon compressor and a 90 amp/120v MIG. I currently only have 120 to my shop but am preparing to run 240. My problem is that I suspect my single stage compressor may need an upgrade to 240, and I only have access to 60 amp/240v without upgrading my entire house panel. First question: Do you think I can run my plasma cutter off a 110 compressor? I don't have the funds to replace the entire panel for 300 or 400 amp service. Second question: If I do end up having to run a 220 compressor, is there any way to run both the 50 amp cutter and a compressor? Since I will never be using the welder at the same time as the plasma cutter or the compressor, should I be fine if I ever upgrade my welder to 240? Thanks for any ideas.

Ken

 

[NUTTSGT]

Hi all:. . . .
I only have access to 60 amp/240v without upgrading my entire house panel. . . . . . Thanks for any ideas.

Ken

If you only have a 60 amp service to your home, you really oughta get it upgraded to a 200 amp service, that should be your first priority.

 

[olytdi]

It sound like he has a 60 amp subpanel.

If so, do the math. What's the starting load on the compressor? What's the amp draw on the cutter? Don't forget lights and any other power draws you may have going on simultaneously.

 

[Nermal43]

It sound like he has a 60 amp subpanel.

If so, do the math. What's the starting load on the compressor? What's the amp draw on the cutter? Don't forget lights and any other power draws you may have going on simultaneously.

Yes. 200 amp panel and 60 amp sub-panel. The plasma cutter is 50 amp max but adjustable. I will look at the lights, but I will be running 6 lights with 2 t8 bulbs per light. I will cut outdoors to avoid needing a fan/hood. My current Husky compressor draws 20 amps. So, I guess I will need to keep the cutter to 40 amps with the lights off. I would love to upgrade my panel to 300 or 400 amps, but it is not currently in the budget.

Thanks,

Ken

 

[zkling]

Couple things I think you may be overlooking.

What is the INPUT current rating on the plasma unit? Not the output power. If it is a 120/240v unit it should be somewhere around 30-20amps of input current at rated output.

Depends on the size of the compressor, but yes you should have no prob running a plasma unit off a 120v compressor. Plasmas are more quality over quantity of air.

It's going to be hard to find a home shop welder that will run full on anything less than 30amp INPUT at 240v.

It's going to be tight and you might be flipping the breaker often.

 

[Nermal43]

Couple things I think you may be overlooking.

What is the INPUT current rating on the plasma unit? Not the output power. If it is a 120/240v unit it should be somewhere around 30-20amps of input current at rated output.

Depends on the size of the compressor, but yes you should have no prob running a plasma unit off a 120v compressor. Plasmas are more quality over quantity of air.

It's going to be hard to find a home shop welder that will run full on anything less than 30amp INPUT at 240v.

It's going to be tight and you might be flipping the breaker often.

Thank you! I am not so worried about the welder, as I will be sure never to run the compressor or plasma cutter while using it. My big concern was that I would overload the system if I needed a bigger draw compressor. I will look at the plasma manual when it arrives next week. Thanks for taking the time.

Ken