I was curious if anyone has ever used/made an inverter to use a 230v machine somewhere there is only 120v power? I know I have seen some commercially, but doubt they would have the rating to power a 230V welder, like a MM210. I mean is it possible to fab up one yourself, where it would connect into two 120v outlets?
Im going to be buying my MM210 soon and was looking into an inverter perhaps for those "occasions" where there might not be 230V power close by. I have a 120v machine now, but want to get rid of it......just gonna take up space with my new MM210
Is "inverter" the right term here? It sounds like you're wanting the option to plug into two 120V outlets that you know are fed from different busses in a single-phase 240/120V panel. If so, you could ignore the neutrals and you would have 240 between the two hots. Is this what you're attempting? It's certainly doable, but you'd have to know the circuit numbers of the two plugs you were going to use as well as probably a fair amount of electrical cords from two outlets to a junction box where you made the connections. The other problem is that I don't see how you're going to get the amperage requirements of the MM210 or similar welder. I could only see this working for a MM175, assuming you had two 20A 120V outlets on circuits that weren't already taxed.
By combining the power from two outlets this way, you'll double the voltage, but the available amperage remains the same, probably 20A on most circuits, but it may only be 15A. The MM210 wants a good deal more than 20A.
MAC702 has the two 120 volt sources correct to make it work. The problem would be to find two outlets near each other that wasn't on the same circuit. You would have to plug a test light or device into each outlet and trip the breakers off until you found two that weren't on the same branch. Sometimes several outlets in a row are all on the same circuit.
Its not a good idea period. They sell those pieces of crap that are not rated or listed by any reputable place. If there is 120 there is 240. Make a pigtail/recept and wire it in if you need to use it. The need to move the machine is highly over rated. The 210 wouldnt run from it anyway, it requires 30A service. I would be tempted to keep my small one anyway and keep 023 wire in it so I could run 035 in the 210. Good when you have to weld really light sheet and if you can have spare gas bottle use it on there.
Originally posted by James D. Clark MAC702 has the two 120 volt sources correct to make it work. The problem would be to find two outlets near each other that wasn't on the same circuit. You would have to plug a test light or device into each outlet and trip the breakers off until you found two that weren't on the same branch. Sometimes several outlets in a row are all on the same circuit.
Not only not the same circuit, but they can't be the same side of the panel busses. This rules out half of the outlets in the panel. In fact, it's possible that all the outlets might come from the same buss and you couldn't do it anyway.
FYI, the breakers all on one side ARE NOT on the same buss. They alternate by rows. 1,2,5,6,9,10 would be in phase, and 3,4,7,8,11,12 would be on the other phase, as an example.
While I posted HOW to do it, I'm still with Sberry and don't recommend it. Nor do I think you'll get sufficient power anyway.
Thanks all for the input......good info/ideas from all.
I was thinking I would probably just keep the 120V machine....just in case.
The main reason I asked was that I "swear" that I saw a 230V Lincoln being used on a jobsite where there was only 120V power. And from what I could see there "appeared" to be a metal housing that was independent from the welder upon on the scaffold with the worker. But who knows....it was a pretty hot day, I could have been halucinating
yes I would guess that there was a metal box next to the welder. Probably an amazing device called a transformer. As long as you have a large enough 120 volt feed you will get your 240 ie 240 at 30 amps needs a 120 source at 60 amps. It is not the best but it will work,
I doubt that there is a significant construction site with only 120 volt power so they probably have a bunch of rental distribution panels on site that have no 240 outlets on them. Terry
There, atleast I wasnt seeing things ( good thing to know ). Obviously Im not an electrician, sorry I got the terminology incorrect......A transformer then is what I saw. That jobsite was screwy, the general contractor couldnt keep temp power up and running to save his life....so people started using the building power outlets that were live, thus requiring the transformer.
Thanks again everyone, my question is definately answered.
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