[the1toyplace]

I recently bought a used Clarke Vacuum Former. It came with a 30 amp 125v plug. I am going to wire up an outlet for the machine but want to make sure this is the correct plug.

This is the data sheet from the company. http://crclarke.com.au/crclarke/imag...cument/750.pdf

Should I use a 30 amp breaker? Should I continue using the 30 amp plug?

[john-100]

after down loading the manual it looks like there is some errors that you may want to contact Clarke about

on page 3

All 220-240V machines are fitted as standard with BS 1363A 13A moulded
on plug

which is OK for the UK

but it then goes on to say :-

110-120V machines will require a plug to conform with BS 4343 for low voltage
supplies, a 1000VA supply will be required.

on page 16
you have -

Electrical
Voltage 220-240
Current (max) 11A
VA (Total) 2650
VA - Heater 2400
VA - Vac pump 250
Circuit Protection - Heater 12A Circuit Breaker
Circuit Protection - Vac Pump 5A Circuit Breaker
Circuit Protection - Control 0.5A Circuit Breaker

I would of expected the 120V version to take 2650 as well
there for the supply current = 2650/120 = 22A
that's 2.64 times the current you expect using the 1000 VA from page 3 !


John

[the1toyplace]

I just plug it into a 110 outlet and it turned on, however heaters wouldn't get hot and the pump wouldn't run.

If I unattach the plug that came with the machine would you be able to tell its a 220 or 110

[john-100]

provided no one has changed the mains cable

the 120V version has green , black and white wires
the 240V version has green/yellow , brown and blues wires

as a double check
have a look at the vacuum pump it should have a label showing the required supply voltage

have you checked the circuit breakers are all closed
( mechanical shock as you moved the machine could of tripped them )

John

[the1toyplace]

I looked at the Plug. It has three wires. Black, White and Green. This means it should work in a regular outlet around the house? Or, does a 110 outlet have to be hooked up to a 30 amp breaker and nothing else running on it?

[john-100]

assuming the 120V machine takes 2650VA like the 240V version
you need to use an outlet that can supply 22A

John

[trophy]

I would very much doubt that the 240v machine would draw twice the current.
I would think its still about 10 amps as the 120v.

[john-100]

the 120V and 240V versions must have the same heating power and I'd expect they can use the same 120V heaters
all wired in parallel for the 120V version and a series / parallel combination for the 240V version

with 4 heating zones I'd expect they used eight 300W elements

in the case of a resistive load like the heaters the 2400 VA = 2400 W as the current taken is in phase with the voltage

for the 240V heater the current is 2400 divided by 240 = 10 A

for the 120V version the current is 2400 divided by 120 = 20 A

John