2 motors on one controler?

Bill Vining

Bill Vining

Joined
Jan 2, 2004
Messages
366
I have a TECO FM100 powering a 2HP 230V 3 Phase motor for my KMG. I would like to buy another one of these motors and set it up as variable speed disk grinder. Is it possible to put some type of switch between the two motors to switch from one to the other without having to buy another controler?

Thanks
Bill
 
Bill,

I'm certainly not an electrician, but I don't think that would be a problem, if done correctly. :jerkit:
 
Well I am an Journeyman Industrial Electrician and I think the easyest way to accomplish what you want to do but not necessarly in compliance with OSHA or NEC would be to use a Drum switch that is normally used to run a 3 phase motor forward or reverse without the need for a reversing motor starter. I would wire the say forward to the KMG and the reverse to the disk grinder. These drum switches cost around $50 depending on enclosure.
 
How would you do it on a single phase 110v KMG? Just split the output and put in a 2 way switch of some kind??
 
I've done the same thing you are looking to do.

Step 1) Just wire your controller to a 4 wire 240V outlet in it's own enclosure.

Step 2) Get some 4 wire cable rated for the proper AMPS you will be using (in my case 12 AWG), wire it to your motor of your grinder and attach 4 wire plug on the end of it that matches the 4 wire 240V outlet as described above.

Step 3) Repeat step 2 to but this time wire it up to your disk grinder.

Now, any time you want to use your KMG, plug it into the outlet controlled by the VFD. If you now need to use the disk, just unplug the KMG motor and plug the disk grinder motor into the VFD controlled outlet. If you get more motors that you need to control, just repeat Step 2 above. I control my KMG clone, disk grinder and lathe from the same controller. Only drawback is that you can only use one machine at a time. No big deal for a single person shop.

Eric
 
I have 1 VFD that I run 3 machines from. I do the plug method Eric mentioned. The only drawback if the cost of the plugs. But you only have to buy them once. I do wish at times I could more rapidly switch between machines but it is only a minor inconvenience.
 
CigarMan said:
I have a TECO FM100 powering a 2HP 230V 3 Phase motor for my KMG. I would like to buy another one of these motors and set it up as variable speed disk grinder. Is it possible to put some type of switch between the two motors to switch from one to the other without having to buy another controler?

Thanks
Bill
Click to expand...


I'm certainly not an electrician, but I don't think that would be a problem, if done correctly. :jerkit:[/QUOTE]

Bill

You can use a three or four pole double throw switch of the proper voltage and current rating to perform the two motor switch. You need to switch the three phases going to the motors, DO NOT SWITCH THE GROUND, WIRE THE GROUND TO THE FRAMES OF BOTH MOTORS!! I have a 3hp and a 2 hp motor on a FM100. Just remember when you program the controller to set it up for the three hp motor. This will not give you the over current protection for the two horse motor! If you would like a diagram and some photos send me an email.
Jim Arbuckle
ABS JS

a_r_buckle@hotmail.com;)
 
Whatever method you use, drum switch, plugs or relays, make sure all motors are off and no longer spinning when you switch or unplug.

If your equipment is mobile, the plugs will probably suit you better. Just make sure to connect the receptacle to the output of the VFD and the plug(s) to the motor. We use this kind of set-up for the guys testing the software in the new/custom VFD's at work. Using switches gets really complicated and expensive if you want to use one VFD with more than two motors.

Phil
 
You know this never even occured to me.... Yayyyyyyyyy I can afford to build the 9" VS disk sooner than I thought :D

Now how do I reverse the motor on the disk? Just put a reversing switch on it?
 
A C Richards said:
The VFD's normally will do the reversing for you. Just flip the switch and there you go.
Click to expand...
if you have one of the early AC KMG's with the VFD, you can easily add the reverse switch according to Rob. The slot is already there on the faceplate. I like the plug idea. I need to get a disc grinder in the near future and they need a reverse feature, IMO, whereas it is not critical on the belt grinder.
 
Bill,

I am currently running 4 different machines off one VFD. Each motor is wired into a 3 phase motor rated switch which is in trun wired to a junction box that ties those switches to the output of the VFD.
To operate a given motor I make sure that all the switches are off and then turn on only the switch to the motor that I wish to run, then turn on the VFD to the desired speed and direction.
It sounds more complex than it is and it works great.
Each switch cost me about $40 with my company discount---normal retail was, iirc, over $65.
Simply buying male/female cord connectors(plugs) for each motor is probably the cheapest way and will work just fine, though not quite as convenient.

-Mike-
 
Well since my motor and VFD are 110v I need to come up with some moneys for another motor and a 9" disk. I used to have one but traded it for something a long time ago. :( I think I'll use a plug set up to change between motors cause it's cheaper than a switch.
 
CigarMan said:
I have a TECO FM100 powering a 2HP 230V 3 Phase motor for my KMG. I would like to buy another one of these motors and set it up as variable speed disk grinder. Is it possible to put some type of switch between the two motors to switch from one to the other without having to buy another controler?

Thanks
Bill
Click to expand...

Bill,

I think you can get a 1hp 230V 3-ph. for the disc grinder and run it on the VFD you have. Seems like 3/4hp motors are used on disc grinders, too.

Mike
 
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