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Feb 23, 2008 20:29:17 GMT
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I am sure most of you know I got a 27litre 3hp silent compressor a few weeks ago, the idea was to use it in the garage while getting the bus sorted. It seems it is a 3 phase unit, has only done 223hours to date, so really not a lot of work, and looks it too. How much hassle would it be, or what sort of costs does one look at , to convert it to single phase, so that I can use it at my place?? These units are around £950.00 new, so I guess one could spend a few quid to get it sorted. Any suggestions welcome.   |
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Last Edit: Feb 24, 2008 8:30:24 GMT by grizz
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Feb 23, 2008 20:34:16 GMT
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Just get a single phase motor. £100 tops i would guess.
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Feb 23, 2008 21:15:20 GMT
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aye, belt driven so its an easy-peasy swap to change the motor for a single phase.
Ebay has phase convertors for sale, but I think they are big dollar compared to the cost of a motor.
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1986 Panda 4x4.
1990 Metro Sport.
1999 Ford Escort estate.
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Feb 23, 2008 21:16:54 GMT
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3 phase stuff is so cheap because its a ball ache to convert to single phase. I think its impossible without replacing the motor. 3 phase stuff is very powerful though!
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1987 Maestro 1.6 HL perkins diesel conversion 1986 Audi 100 Avant 1800cc on LPG 1979 Allegro Series 2 special 4 door 1500cc with vynil roof. IN BITS. HERITAGE ISSUES.  |
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Feb 23, 2008 21:17:07 GMT
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yeah, its only a compressor, not anything more complex requiring reversing or high load stop start etc (like a lathe or car lift) so just swap the motor for a single phase one. iirc machine mart sell them to suit compressors
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To get a standard A40 this low, you'd have to dig a hole to put it in |
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Feb 23, 2008 22:22:32 GMT
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single phase compressor motors are limmited to 3HP (thats 15 CFM free air). You can't get more grunt out of 230V. You can get a converter unit which takes 230V single phase and turns it into 415V 3 phase - BUT - it will be limmited to a certain current, not the full power of a "real" 415V supply.
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1941 Wolseley Not Rod - 1956 Humber Hawk - 1957 Daimler Conquest - 1966 Buick LeSabre - 1968 Plymouth Sport Fury - 1968 Ford Galaxie - 1969 Ford Country Squire - 1969 Mercury Marquis - 1970 Morris Minor - 1970 Buick Skylark - 1970 Ford Galaxie - 1971 Ford Galaxie - 1976 Continental Mark IV - 1976 Ford Capri - 1994 Ford Fiesta
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Feb 23, 2008 22:25:46 GMT
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How big is the motor in hp, 1/2, 1,2hp etc. Several ways around it. As the others have said swap the motor or use a inverter motor drive. A box that looks v much like a transformer. The do pop up on ebay @ £25-£50 mark.
Ade
Ah just re read the thread properly, inverter will struggle with 3hp.
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Last Edit: Feb 23, 2008 22:27:32 GMT by gravelrash
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Feb 23, 2008 22:32:24 GMT
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You can fit a 230v motor with more power than 3 hp. You just won't be able to run it off a 13 amp plug. You get the same problem with running arc welders.
Even if it is marginal for the 13amp limit, it is advisable to fit a high current socket for it anyway, since a compressor can be a high duty cycle thing.
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Feb 23, 2008 23:21:40 GMT
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As its a boxed unit what is the control system for it. I can see the stop and start buttons inside the casing there. A lot of three phase would run a star delta starting system, admittedly not normally on a 3hp. So a capicator start and run 3nhp single phase motor should be fine for it. Generally the control systems on most 3 phase compressors are either single phase or DC so it shouldnt be a big problem. Failing that you can get a phase converter to run 3 phase. You should be able to get a static convertor that will do 3 horse for £100-£150 or so. Always handy things to have as you can get a lot of cheap 3 phase machines. If you get a single phase motor you will need to check if you need a 2 pole or a 4 pole though depending on the speed its currently running at. Also looking at the pics of that motor it doesnt look like a standard frame size so you might struggle to get one to fit there. I will probably be getting a 4hp single phase machine soon, just need to sort out another 32amp supply in the garage for it though  |
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Feb 23, 2008 23:23:45 GMT
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What make is it? It looks to be in Worthington colours but I don't recognise the model
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Last Edit: Feb 23, 2008 23:24:12 GMT by PhoenixC
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It is an ABAC and here is a better shot of the face and control panel. Made in Italy. Will go out in a bit to get close up pics of the rest of it, so you guys who clearly know what you are on about can tell me more clearly a direction to go. Plan is to house it in a wooden custom built box outside the garage, and then pipe the air to two or three outlets inside, so t keeps the floor even more clear.   What make is it? It looks to be in Worthington colours but I don't recognise the model |
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OK Wise guys here are a bunch of pics for those of you who read "electric" Now tell me what you think, know or recommend please. 400Volt cable exit. Has cable inside too.  Control panel outside.  Iside of said panel.  I guess an emergency switch, but then the panels are all held in place with allen head screws with countersunk heads, so I would think this is not really accesable in normal day to day use, or is it ?  In relation to motor.  Motor spec sheet in "Electric" language.  3 core which feeds into the internal switch box.  OK< so I am stooopid when it come to this stuff, tell me in simple English, what to do please. If I can make it work, ideally I would like to sparay the bus with this compressor when the time comes in two years. |
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It says 240v on there.. And also 415. I cant read the italian though..
Those are the standard wire colours for single phase though.
I think that is a dual voltage motor, and the diagram you see on the top shows you how to set the links to set it up for either supply. If you unscrew that black lid, I think you will find them under there.
That lead which is a single phase job, makes me think it is already set up for 230v single phase, and you just need to bung a plug on the end and it will go!
(disclaimer: I am not a sparky.)
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Last Edit: Feb 24, 2008 9:02:09 GMT by rustybits
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Feb 24, 2008 13:20:33 GMT
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It says 240v on there.. And also 415. I cant read the italian though.. Those are the standard wire colours for single phase though. I think that is a dual voltage motor, and the diagram you see on the top shows you how to set the links to set it up for either supply. If you unscrew that black lid, I think you will find them under there. That lead which is a single phase job, makes me think it is already set up for 230v single phase, and you just need to bung a plug on the end and it will go! (disclaimer: I am not a sparky.) No it isnt, and don't put a single phase plug on it.!!! The motor is rated for 240v 3 phase delta at 8 amp, or 3 phase 415v star at 4.6 amp. The husehold mains wiring (and the terminal block) look like someones repair using hte wrong wiring colours (should be red blue yellow for delta, with an extra black neutral wire for star) The control box and cutout switches probably only switch one phase on the motor, but I would recomment getting a qualified sparkie to look it over (and safety test it), or ask a compressor sales/service shop for advice. |
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To get a standard A40 this low, you'd have to dig a hole to put it in |
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Feb 24, 2008 13:49:19 GMT
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Oops. I didn't recognise those symbols on it. But if it has been repaired/modified with the wrong wire, then you can't make any assumptions, and its GOT to be seen to in person, by someone qualified.
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Feb 24, 2008 15:55:46 GMT
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hmmm, the RS switch unit inside is obviously a later addition. Looks like its possibly been converted/bodged in the past and maybe thrown back the way it was originally before sale?
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1986 Panda 4x4.
1990 Metro Sport.
1999 Ford Escort estate.
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Feb 24, 2008 16:05:57 GMT
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sell it and buy a single phase one?
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Volvo back as my main squeeze, more boost and some interior goodies on the way.
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Feb 24, 2008 16:38:03 GMT
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Was a Freebie and cost me £30.00 in petrol to fetch from Hampshire. I guess getting it seen and modified is still a cheap way to go, main thing is to be able to use it in the garage, and also hopefully to paint the bus in the end. hmmm, the RS switch unit inside is obviously a later addition. Looks like its possibly been converted/bodged in the past and maybe thrown back the way it was originally before sale? |
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Feb 24, 2008 16:44:53 GMT
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Sell it on ebay, and buy one of these www.aktivetools.com/sealey-compressor-3hp-50-litre-v-twin---sa22503-435-p.asp£175 all in, delivered. Its the same as the clarke branded one at machinemart. I bought one last year from this place, runs fine, powers all my air tools, but haven't tried it on a DA, as I use an electric one. it powers an air cut of tool fine though. 9.2 free air, so it might cope with a da but will run all the time. |
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1992 Citroen zx
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Feb 24, 2008 16:48:35 GMT
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If it were mine, and it owed me just £30, Id rip the motor and all wiring out and knock up a mounting to take a decent 240v motor. I would re-wire it through a normal pressure cut-off switch that you can buy commercially.
The mounting for the motor will take a little thought as it looks like the existing one tensions the belt by pivoting the motor on its mounting (big spring undrneath it) Its nothing too hard though, its a simple enough layout and a straight belt-run.
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1986 Panda 4x4.
1990 Metro Sport.
1999 Ford Escort estate.
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