120/240V split-phase U.S. Machine for use in 220 volt single phase country

I believe the transformer is the most feasible solution.
1:1 transformers are used routinely in industrial applications purely for isolation purposes.

Federal Pacific list lighting transformers well above 12000 watts, in a nema 1 enclosure.

Try this link http://www.federalpacific.com/

There is no direct link to their tech sheets so you need to click literature on left side, then 'dry type' then "600V class"

Hammond is another good supplier.

I know this does not satisfy your 'creative' requirement, but I am confident that others will take care of that shortly.

WARNING: Following is opinion not fact!

I believe all the heating elements (i.e. large current draw) is from L1 to L2 and that the neutral connection is to provide 120V for the control circuitry, the LED temp indicator and such. If this could be verified on your particular machine it may be just a matter of getting a 120V transformer to power the control circuitry. An isolated transformer that could be connected between the appropriate hot leg and neutral to provide the required control power might just do the trick.

Shawn

Hi Osacar. I agree with shawn. You can dissect your equipment and try to drive seperate power sullies for your syste.

I'm from Philippines. We do not have a standard ground line here. Probably the usual sockets you see ( 3 points) are simply single phase. They only use the 3 receptacles bacause the electrical unit/load comes with 3. The 3rd one is suppose to be ground. And even then, most electricians here never installed a grounding wire. Tsk tsk. Sad to say. No neutral wire here. I suggest you acquire the transformers here in Phil for lesser hassles of warranty and adoptability in our electrical system.

Hi Oscar,

I would recommend a 15 to 25kva single phase isolation transformer to create a nuetral a 15kva transformer will limit you to 62.5amps if you going to exceed that then use a 25kva transformer. Transformer that size will have taps so you can go in with 218 and come out with 240/120.

Try reading the 120vac & 220vac thread lower down the "all threads page"

Guest

An American example: Run service lateral wires to side of building, drip loops, into weather-head, down "sized' conduit to meter base. Meter base wires go to fused disconnect. Disconnect feeds transformer which feeds breaker panel. Drive ground rod. Sized two pole breaker feeds equipment. Single pole breakers can feed 120 VAC circuits if needed. This is bullet format. Many small details. Good Filipino electrician can handle the installation. Stationed there, wife Filipino. No problem. Don't loose sleep. Enjoy the slower lifestyle.

James

Oscar456,

If time is a problem and you want the simplest approach, then the 15-kVA isolation transformer approach mentioned by others will be the quickest fix. You trade time for cost.

If you have some time, the machine should have a wiring diagram with it, which shows exactly which loads are L1-L2 and which loads are L1-N or L2-N. I suspect that the heating element(s) are L1-L2. The motor may be either way, but many of them are dual-voltage (the motor nameplate will give this information. The electronics are probably L1-N or L2-N, but if a control transformer is being used, it may have a dual-voltage primary. Using a smaller transformer just for the Line-Neutral loads will have a lower cost, but is not as simple as the first option.

Reconnecting the internal components for L1-L2 operation may be possible. Otherwise, if you don't want to add any transformer, you may need to replace some components. Depending on how many components you have to reconnect or replace, this may be the lowest cost approach.

Whatever you do, please make sure that you document any internal changes to the machine's wiring.

--JMM

Thank you all for the great suggestions!! I will contact a local electrician there to examine the option to wire the L1-L2 to the 220 VAC outlet and use a 220-to-110V transformer for the Line-Neutral connection. Based on how long that might take I will make a decision about whether to have the custom configuration done or just spend the money and purchase a 15kva transformer. Thanks again!

Regards,

Oscar

PS I will update this thread with the final config.

Any updates? I might be able to help you since i'm from P.I.