Question about a 220v Fan

[gsparker]

Hello all,
I have acquired a 48inch fan that was used on a chicken farm. I am re-purposing it to be used as a fan for my shop. It has a 1 HP, 60 HZ, 115/230 volt, 13.2/6.6 amp, 1 phase, thermally protected motor on it. It is currently wired for 220 with a 15 amp plug on it. I would like to keep it at 220. The only 220 outlet I currently have is a 50 amp breaker and receptacle. I plan on changing the power cord and receptacle on the fan. Is it possible (and safe) to use this outlet for the fan? If so, what size wire should I use for the power cord?

 

[gsparker]

Re: Question about a 22v Fan

Sorry. Title should have read "Question about a 220V Fan.

Edit: Fixed that for you.

 

[rkevins]

Re: Question about a 22v Fan

if you are not going to use the plug for anything else why not change the breaker and plug to match the plug on the fan. I'm not sure I would want to run a motor on a breaker that is so over rated that the motor could melt before the breaker tripping, another option: build a small breaker box to plug in the 50 amp plug with a lower amp breaker and plug.

 

[FluxCore]

Re: Question about a 22v Fan

Nope...what the guy above means it to change the breaker to match the FLR of the motor(downsize it), then install male plug and receptical with those that meet or exceed that rating.

Lets say the data plate on motor sez FLA is 20A, then install a 20A breaker...then install a 20 amp receptical and plug on the fan motor wire.

Here is a pic of yer typical 6-20R and 6-20P receptical and connector plug.

All that would be left to do is insure the wiring running from breaker to fan motor receptical is large enuff gauge to carry fan's FLR rating.

 

[FluxCore]

Re: Question about a 22v Fan

DANG! My shop laptop is dirty, huh?

 

[FluxCore]

Re: Question about a 22v Fan

Myself, I'd keep my 50 amp breaker and circuit, but near the fan install a fused disconnect with fuses rated @ fan motor FLRA, then a switch rated the same, then the 6-20R receptical.

But that's just me

 

[rkevins]

Re: Question about a 22v Fan

^^^^ what fluxcore wrote is what I ment..he said it a lot better than me

 

[FluxCore]

Re: Question about a 22v Fan

LOL, thanks

Yep, I'd keep the 50A breaker and circuit, then near the fan sinstall a 20A fused disconnect, then install a HP rated switch very much like this one:

Then a 6-20R receptical and a 6-20P plug....

Look closely at the switch...You see that green thang?....It a heater module that is swappable/replacable...it is there to provide thermal protection....Not needed if there is red reset button on motor, but nice to have.

 

[gatchel]

Re: Question about a 22v Fan

DANG! My shop laptop is dirty, huh?

Is that a T43?

 

[FluxCore]

Re: Question about a 22v Fan

Is that a T43?

Nope, it ain't no IBM, it's a clunky old Gateway....serves shop duty and **** rendering, LOL

 

[gsparker]

Re: Question about a 22v Fan

I think I am going to use the 20 amp fused disconnect. Good suggestion. Thanks guys.

 

[FluxCore]

Re: Question about a 22v Fan

Good thinking-keep it cheap, safe and servicable.

Install your disconnect on 50 amp line near fan and in reach from floor. Feed fan off disconnect with 12/2 to the fan 6-20R receptical...then 12/2 stranded flex cord and 6-20P...It's a good idea to NOT use disconnect to start/stop fan, so consider placing a HP rated switch like shown near fan, or if not convenient, then wire in a 2 pole 240v/120v starter/relay/contactor off a lite gauge 120V switch leg and place it where you want it.

I'm fixin to install a 240v single phase louvered gable fan at very rear of shop up high in the gable..I'll place the switch(15A typical light switch) near front door and control it tru relay/contactor near the fan.

Rule of thumb sez line gauge should be sized 120% of FLA, so keep it short and you can use 12/2 to feed disconnect and fan receptical...If fan motor starting current causes periodic blown fuses in disconnect, then it's safe and legal to go to 25 amps fuses.

 

[LSU]

I read this thread because I had a similar issue.

You guys solved my problem. The pictures really helped.