Single or 3 phase Idealarc?

[laertius]

Hello Guys -- I am in the market for an all purpose stick welder, and this came up on my local classifieds:

http://thunderbay.kijiji.ca/c-ViewAdLargeImage?AdId=561189904&Keyword=welder&ImageIndex=1

Can you tell me if this is single phase or 3 phase?

The plate in the pictures indicates 575 volt single, but seller claims it is 3 phase and thats why he does not want it.

If it is easy to convert I would get it anyway, but from what I understand it is not all that easy...... any comments welcome.

 

[zkling]

Technically it is a single phase unit, as I think all idealarcs are. Which is also indicated by the words "Singe phase" on the power plate. Where the current owner may be confused and where you may run into issues is the primary voltage of 575V. That is a 3 phase voltage, but what they do in factories is drop a leg of the incoming power so you end up with 575v single phase. I'm not sure what the power availability to residences up there in canada is but me thinks you will need a 240v to 575v transformer to power that at your house.

Personally I'd keep looking for a 240v or multi voltage unit that you can use directly. Unless you get that thing for <$50, even then a proper transformer to run that is not going to be cheap or real easy to find.

 

[laertius]

Thanks -- I was wonderring why it said single phase, yet, 575 input....and yes, I think residential service here is 2 leg (single phase) 240? Another cannuck can correct me if I am wrong.

Any other comments welcome -- I was hoping that there would be a simple wiring change to let it run on my residential service. If I have to buy converters, transformers, etc -- I'll keep looking

 

[zkling]

Yea, no prob. You may want to give Lincoln Canada a ring and ask them what all is different on that machine primary side wise vs the more common multi voltage (240/480) version.

 

[laertius]

Good idea on calling lincoln directly..... I will post back with the results so future users can benefit!

 

[zkling]

I for one would be interested to hear what they have to say. I think the way those work is they take different taps on the primary side of the transformer for the different voltage inputs. Not 100% sure on that though. Maybe they tried to simplify and reduce costs on the single voltage units and just have the one main input.

 

[awdblazer]

yes that welder is single phase but used on two legs of a three phase service

 

[sberry]

Unless you have a real need for a big machine find a simple AC/DC buzzer that runs on common 50A welder circuits.

 

[laertius]

Here is the response from lincoln..... so Anyone want to give me their 230-575 transformer ; )

"The particular Idealarc 250 that you are looking at can only be connected to 575 V single phase power. As such, your typical residential power of 230 V single phase cannot be used to connect to the welder without the use of a step up transformer. If you could locate an inexpensive transformer (not sold by Lincoln Electric) of the appropriate size to step up the 230 V to 575 V, it may be economically feasible to purchase this welder - otherwise I would suggest waiting for another welder that can connect to 230 V power.

Please let me know if you have any other questions."
Thanks for looking hope this thread helps the next guy / gal.

 

[zkling]

Gee that sounds familiar I want to hear them say why though.

 

[laertius]

It does, and thanks for the earlier advice: Any Lincoln Guru's on here a re free to explain the WHY......as well as the HOW to fix cheaply lol

 

[lametec]

You could always remove some of the primary windings in the transformer. That'll make it operate at a lower voltage. Whether it'll weld as good as it should is another question. The transformer may even overheat at high amp welding, causing you to have to use a lower duty cycle.

 

[sberry]

You should decide if you want to work on it or with it and how much machine you really need. If its free and a hobby then great but about the best stick unit a guy can get is a new AC/DC buzzer probably 550 NIB or so. In todays world may consider a 150 inverter though just cause they are so cute and so portable, can do real work from 120V and they work almost as good as a buzzer. Save a ton on primary wire and secondary leads which a buzzer really needs IMOP.
The Linc is hooked in to my building loom while that 300 synch pretty much sits there.

 

[sberry]

If I had to pick one machine though for general stick would be this.