VFD question.

Pelagicfun

Pelagicfun

Joined
Oct 16, 2017
Messages
245
So I am set up in my small shop to run one big piece of 220v equipment at the moment. Right now the weather is in the 20s so my heater takes priority. I want to upgrade my VFD/motor now and because I will eventually upgrade my electric so I would like a combo that I can switch from 110v to 220v when it warms up or when I upgrade the electrical system in my shop.
My question is, with a KBAC-27d running 110v can I run a 2hp 220v motor and then later rewire the VFD for 220v when the time comes?
Thanks!
Clayton
 
Short answer is YES...However you need a 3 phase motor to convert single phase 110v/220v with the KBAC-27. The VFD will not operate a Single phase motor 110/220v. On 110v a 2hp rated motor will only yield 1-1/2hp.
 
So a 3 phase 2hp motor, but my confusion is I cant find a 110/220 2hp motor. They only say 220 or 220/460. So a 3phase 2hp motor that's 220v CAN be run from that VFD that's powered by 110v and later switched to 220v? I was interested in that package Oregon BM sells because its 110/220 switchable but it appears I can make a switchable combo with more power for less or equal money.
 
Yes, you can run the VFD on 110 for now and when 220 is available switch the wiring to the 220 terminals (there may be a jumper to move, too).
 
Obviously, it has to be hooked up right. Check your manual.

Edited to add clarity:
The 3 phase motor will run off 220V.
The VFD can run on 110 or 220. It runs best on 220.
The output is 220 V regardless of the input.
When running on 110V input, the VFD will only let the motor develop 1.5HP. It will have to run on 220V input to attain full 2HP. This isn't really an issue, as 1.5HP is plenty for most grinders.
 
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Pelagicfun said:
So a 3 phase 2hp motor, but my confusion is I cant find a 110/220 2hp motor. They only say 220 or 220/460. So a 3phase 2hp motor that's 220v CAN be run from that VFD that's powered by 110v and later switched to 220v? I was interested in that package Oregon BM sells because its 110/220 switchable but it appears I can make a switchable combo with more power for less or equal money.
Click to expand...
Most of the 3 phase motors are listed at 208/230/460v...check out Ironhorse about the best deal for 3 phase other than used or something off the BAY.....

https://www.automationdirect.com/ad...eneral_purpose/general_purpose/mtrp-002-3bd36
 
1 more question. I am ordering a KBAC 27-d and a 2hp from Automation direct. 1800rpm model it seems is most recommended. With these components what size drive wheel would you guys recommend? Am I good for ceramic belts?
 
With only an 1800 rpm motor you'll wish to put the 2X jumper in to increase the motor RPM to 3600. Then the belt SFPM speeds will be:
4" drive wheel = approx 3800 SFPM
5" drive wheel = approx 4700 SFPM
6" drive wheel = approx 5600 SFPM

Ceramic belts really shine in the 5,000 to 6,000 SFPM range, but will work in the 4,000 SFPM range. I use a 3600 RPM motor with freq set to 70 hz to provide around 3800 rpm to get my 4,000 SFPM belt speed.

The problem wiht the 6" drive wheel and 5600 max speed, when you drop the motor down to about 500 rpm you've still got 785 SFPM belt speed. I'll bet the motor should still be ok at 200 RPM for short periods of light load which about 300 SFPM which is ok. You WILL want some slow speeds.
 
So 5" for the occasional 36 grit ceramic. I have gotten comfortable with aeb-l and 154cm post heat treat. Small kitchen and edc/utility blades until recently when I decided to make 2, 7" camp knives I have not really used my "hoggin" belts. It took forever and I could tell the ceramic was not fracturing properly. This is when I decided it's time for an upgrade.
 
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You will have good speed control with the 5" wheel and with ceramics run 'em hard and fast they need that to fracture the grit for best performance...I run 'em stupid fast and they seem to work better and last longer!!!
 
Pelagicfun said:
1 more question. I am ordering a KBAC 27-d and a 2hp from Automation direct. 1800rpm model it seems is most recommended.
Click to expand...

The nice thing about the KBAC27 is that you can run it at 2x speed. Your 1800 RPM motor can be a 3600 RPM but with the advantages of the 4-pole motor. There is a switch inside the case to run it 2x.
 
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