110v 30amp circuit performance

[demiurge]

I am considering a 110v Hypertherm plasma cutter either a new PMX 30 or used 380 and would like to know if there is any performance difference when running off of 110v as opposed to 220v. I will have a full 30amps available on the 110v circuit not just the 'normal' 20amps. From reading the documentation it would lead me to believe that there is NO difference in performance. I think the lower performance that some users have experienced with running on 110v is due to the 20amp circuit not the 110volts, but I would like to confirm this with anyone who has run one of these small plasma cutters on a 30amp/110v setup. thanks, rick

[TOMWELDS2]

IMHO, the performance of the machine may be the same, but the power source wont be as reliable..you want 'steady' current and voltage supply to your machine. 110v will fluctuate more than 220v.

[wmgeorge]

I am considering a 110v Hypertherm plasma cutter either a new PMX 30 or used 380 and would like to know if there is any performance difference when running off of 110v as opposed to 220v. I will have a full 30amps available on the 110v circuit not just the 'normal' 20amps. From reading the documentation it would lead me to believe that there is NO difference in performance. I think the lower performance that some users have experienced with running on 110v is due to the 20amp circuit not the 110volts, but I would like to confirm this with anyone who has run one of these small plasma cutters on a 30amp/110v setup. thanks, rick

When mine was switched to 120 V, it was limited in what it could cut. Never tripped the 20 amp circuit breaker (that I recall) and mine was wired with #12 wire per code. But a 30 amp circuit wired with #10 wire and a 30 amp breaker, not sure?
Perhaps the limitation is internal for the plasma cutter. Mine is the Hypertherm 380, works great on 230 volts. It "will" cut 1/2 steel, but it needs more air pressure and practice. It is rated for 3/8 inch steel, also works on stainless and to some degree on aluminum.

[Pumpkinhead]

no, both are full output, but of course at 120v she's gonna drink up the juice (amps). the 30 is a multi-voltage inverted machine, never a problem with voltage sags and such.

[wmgeorge]

no, both are full output, but of course at 120v she's gonna drink up the juice (amps). the 30 is a multi-voltage inverted machine, never a problem with voltage sags and such.

Actually Watts are Watts either on 120V @ 30 amps or 240 volts at 15 amps its all the same. :) . As you pointed out, the wire size for 120 V needs to be heavier and you will get more voltage drop usually on 120 V because of the connection limitations.

[Sberry]

The main reason the drop is higher is that the wire is usually fully loaded and the pressure is half. I am not sure why anyone would want the hassle of a 30A 120V, if one is going to make a special circuit it makes sense to up the voltage.