Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] U.S. 220 vs Euro 220

In a message dated 16-May-01 12:19:45 Central Daylight Time,
blueveil@... writes:

> Does anyone know if U.S. 220 is the same as European 220?
> Could I take a 220 single phase cnc machine to Europe and use
> it without any adapters?
>

Blue: Yes and no. First everywhere in the world except USA, Canada, and
maybe Mexico, or at least parts of it are 50 Hz. Maybe Japan, too? Not
sure.

But Continental Europe (Germany, etc.) is 220 VAC, 50 Hz. Not sure about
Israel. England, and probably Australia? are 240 VAC, 50 Hz. "AC Induction
motors" (all the kinds without brushes and sparks) run 5/6 as fast abroad.
That is, if a motor turns 1800 RPM, no load, here, it will turn only 1500
RPM, no load, there.

The English "three phase" is usually 416 V. between legs. They do NOT have
"open delta" like we often do, here. The German three phase isn't called
that! It's called "Drehstrom" ("turning current"), and is about 385 V.
between legs. Again, they have NO clue what "open delta" is, abroad, nor in
Germany.

A single-phase motor you may be using here, wired for operation on 240 VAC,
single-phase, will work in England, but only at 5/6 speed. (83%). It will
work "OK" on the Continent, but at slightly reduced torque, as the voltage is
about 10% less, there.

You gotta "know your motor-specs. and at least SOME electrical-engineering,
to be sure a U.S. 3-phase motor will "do OK" on the European Continent, when
"wired up" for that voltage. Because the voltage is wildly-different! Get
your E.E. text out and read about the differences between (U.S.) "Wye
3-phase" and "open delta". It can cause premature hair-loss to one not "up"
on things-electrical!

Hope this helps, rather than make you seek alcholic beverages! Jan Rowland


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