Electrical Phase question

[bigdogrider99]

I have a chance to purchase a miller intellipulse 650. It is a three phase machine and the website says it can be converted to single phase?

Has anyone done this or is it even possible.

I would have a qualified electrician do the work or take to a shop to be converted if it can be.

[got aluminum]

You can get a phase converter that will allow you to run off of your single phase power at the house. I think it will be around $500-600. They are straight foward and simple.

[awright]

This machine is rated at over 100 amps input current at 230 v 3-phase. It would take a hell of a phase converter to provide that power.

Standard answer #1: "Always ask the manufacturer." Miller is very good about support for their machines.

I don't see any reference in the manual to operation on single phase. On many machines you merely use two of the three inputs and the designers have provided the appropriate circuitry to operate at reduced capacity on single phase. Miller may not have provided for single phase power input, figuring that anyone with a 650 amp machine is going to be operating in a three-phase industrial (or shipyard!) environment and is not going to be interested in operating at reduced capability.

awright

[MAC702]

I have a chance to purchase a miller intellipulse 650. It is a three phase machine and the website says it can be converted to single phase?

Has anyone done this or is it even possible.

I would have a qualified electrician do the work or take to a shop to be converted if it can be.
What is "the website?" A link would be helpful while you're at it.

The manual (p. 8) says that the machine is for 3-phase only but can be relinked to different voltages. My experience with a Miller CP-200 confirms that my 3-phase machine will NOT work on single-phase at all.

[bigdogrider99]

Here is the link to the auction site.

http://www.govdeals.com/eas/catSelector.cfm

Scroll to the bottom of the browse by category window and select welding equipment.

[smithboy]

The powcon there IS both 1 and 3 phase. This is one of the bigger units...probably 500 amps in three phase. If you grab the picture of the serial plate, you can zoom in and just make out that it has a place that states single phase input and a single phase output. The sticker on back 480 is what it is currently set up for, but it looks like it does 230 also from the plate. However, the description states there may be defects...so, it looks like they are not standing behind it being in 100% working order.

I think they are mistaken about the miller. I don't think there is any quick changeover for this machine.

[bigdogrider99]

I got some information back on the PowCon Machine

It is a model 550SMP, serial # is 52210165 and the part # is 104000 001

Anyone have any experience or information on this machine. I need to know if it is dual phase?

Thanks in advance

[MAC702]

This is the current source for PowCon service and parts. They are very helpful with answering questions on these power sources:

http://www.arc-products.com/powcon/index.html

My PowCon 300SM was indeed relinkable from 460V 3-phase to 230V single-phase.

[smithboy]

The SN sticker in the pictures on the auction indicates that it is dual phase.