I sold my inverter machine to buy a three phase arc welding machine because I read it's more solid, but I can't figure out how to wire it, the seller is clueless he doesn't know what is the difference between three phase and single phase, the manual is in Chinese with bad translation to English and for a different model; I returned it to the seller, and I tried to find another one but I couldn't find any three phase AC arc welder there are only single phase welders so I bought it back from the same seller again.
The model is BX1-250 "BX1 Series" it has two inputs "1" for 240V and "2" 380V.
I think I should connect N-L1 in input 1 and L2-L3 in input 2, but I'm afraid I'm going to toast it. Anyone is familiar with these AC ARC welding Machines?
- My English is not good.
Best Answer
It depends how you count phases. from looking at the back my guess is that you either connect 240V single phase to the 240V terminals or a 380V supply to the 380V terminals.
I'm guessing that the welder has a single phase transformer inside it.
380V is what you get across two phases of some 3 phase supplies (where they use wye with 220V to a central neutral)
240V is a common 3 phase voltage in USA, but 240V single phase is also used.
Connecting to both sides seems wrong as there is a lot of metal between the terminals, and all conductors in a circuit should always pass through a single hole in the metal, also a welder doesn't need a neutral connection.