Running a US Spec (115v/60Hz) welder in Japan (100v/50Hz) 1

[AshMan40]

I am considering the purchase of a MIG/ARC welder from the US for use in (East) Japan. The specs for the welder are
115v/60Hz/1-phase (output is 135A). It uses an inverter instead of the more traditional transformer to step up the amps.

Unfortunately, East Japan power is 100v/50Hz with a +-10% rating. That means power can go as low as 90v/50Hz. I've measured power sags as low as 93v.


My question is... what is the effect to the above welder if run off the lower voltage/frequency?

Would I be better off looking at 200v inverter units (230v/60Hz/140A)?
200v power here is delivered as 2-phase wires, a neutral and a ground. It measures around 190v/50Hz between the two phases. So there is still a voltage/frequency reduction from the normal 220v/60Hz. Also most 230v welders call for 1-phase power. I don't know if my 200v is considered 1-phase.


I appreciate any suggestions.

P.S. - There are 100v/50Hz MIG welders for sale here in Japan, but they cost twice as much as the same power US units.


AshMan40
(in Tokyo)

 

[waross]

Buy locally.
Buying a US unit and then having to buy a Japanese unit because the US won't perform on local power will cost 3 times as much as a US model.
Without being familiar with the internal circuits it is hard to predict the performance.
Depending on design:
The unit may have a V/Hz relationship in which instance the 100 V/50 Hz may be a little high.
The output voltage may or may not drop.
The higher cost of local machines may be due to import tariffs and you may have an expensive surprise when a US unit clears customs.
If the US machines don't work on 50Hz, the local machines may be a special build. This may be a niche market which looses the economy of scale resulting in higher prices.
I have found the price of hardware to be remarkably similar in different parts of the world. If something costs double, there may be a good reason.
On the other hand, someone with specific experience with these units may be able to tell us that they will work fine.
You probably have two phases of three phase NOT two phase. If you are going from line to line, that would be a single phase circuit.

Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter

 

[itsmoked]

It is my experience that the welder will NOT be happy. My high-end Lincoln TIG welder was not happy about running at 208V when it spec'd 230V. So I had to use a step up transformer. Adding in a 1/6th frequency drop may increase the problem.

You can ask the maker. They will likely say no due to liability issues even if it might work.

I would find a MIG forum and ask your question there, as you would be more likely to run across someone who has tried what you want to do with your model.

Either that, or look around and buy one that is 50/60 automatically. Most MIG welders these days are just massive switching power supplies and could be easily adapted by a manufacturer to be dual voltage/freq.

Keith Cress
kcress -

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[AshMan40]

I have pinged a few makers and retailers and all they do is point me at their user manuals, which typically state only 60Hz support. Even the Chinese-made el-cheapo 115v units that go for $100-$200 only state 120v/60Hz.

One maker (Miller) suggested their portable model which supports 50Hz/60Hz operations at 115/208v, but it was well above my price range. Also many of the high-end industrial-grade units support 50/60Hz, but are obviously outside my meager budget.

 

[edison123]

I agree with Bill. A local machine would be a better option given warranty/performance hassles.

Muthu

http://www.edison.co.in