Step-up transformer for running appliances in US.

[(unknown)]

First off let me say thanks to all on this forum. Where else can you find the level of knowledge this forum and it's users offer? Thanks!

I scored a pretty good deal the other day. An APC UPS SU220XLNET (1600 watt sinewave) and 3 of the UXBP48 power packs. 2 were new in box the other was used. The 2 new pack came up fine after initial charge and are holding. the third had all bad batteries so I have to replace them. Anyway all said and done, 1600 watt inverter, 936 ah of batteries for $300. Could of had six battery packs but was outbid.

My question is can I use this to power my 220vac well pump? I've googled the site and have read a BUNCH, but wasn't able to pick out a definitive answer. I have seen step-up transformers that do 110vac to 220vac and vise versa (used one in Germany years ago). Is it just that simple or am I missing something?

[ghurd]

Was wondering about that myself.  I decided the big transformer would be too expensive.

Considered a 220VAC 50HZ inverter from ebay/China, which I think would be less expensive.  Many motors are rated for 60 And 50HZ.  Not sure if that is a great idea or not.

G-

[ghurd]

Oh, and I have also seen some Monster 10KVA-class UPS on ebay with 220V 60HZ output.

They didn't get any bids IIRC.

G-

[(unknown)]

Ebay is loaded with these step-up step-down transformers. I know I used a step down transformer when I was in Germany years ago to run American 120vac appliances. My question is basically can I get one of these and just plug it in? Is 220v in the US different than that in EU?

[ghurd]

EU 220 is 50Hz.  US is 60HZ.

A transformer big enough for a well pump is going to be a monster.

A 'real' 1000W transformer is about an 8" cube, maybe 20-25 pounds?

Those 1600W wall-wart looking things on ebay for $8 to $20 won't cut it for something like a well pump, IMHO.

Look for "1000 watt transformer" to see the type of thing you need, but you probably need/want a bigger one.

G-

[TomW]

google "autotransformer" or look it up pn WIKI. Might be just what you need. Outback / etc sell them to run 220 AC pumps from their 120AC inverters.

Loosely defined it is a 1:1 transformer with the primary winding [source AC] in series with the secondary winding. Don't try it unless you know how to get them properly in phase or that high priced magic smoke will leak out of at least the inverter and maybe the transformer and if you are really jinxed you.

Tom

[dnix71]

You must have the SU2200XLNET inverter. That has a crest factor of 5:1 according to the manufacturer. That means that UPS can supply 5 times the RMS current resistive.

http://www.apcc.com/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=SU2200XLNET&CFID=23882586&C
FTOKEN=53254734

1600 watts / 120 volts = 13.333 amps. Mulitply that times 5 and you get 66.7 amps max output. If you do that, it won't be a nice sine wave, though.

In the US, 240 volts is 2 wires that are 120 each to neutral and 180 degrees out of phase to each other, drawn from a transformer that is center tapped to neutral. A 240v pump would use two wires (one from each side out of the transformer) carrying current to run and not use a neutral.

Most smaller 240v pumps have some provision to be run from 120v. Can you please post the model of your pump so we can check?

The proper lower limit for running a 240vac device in the US is 228v.

European 220v is similar to the US 120v, one hot wire, one neutral.

The SU2200XLNET can output up to 147v (user adjustable), so that won't do it alone.

[(unknown)]

Don't have the well info handy. Would something like this work as for US 220 power requirements? Is this different from an autotransformer mentioned earlier?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270504180729&ssPageName=ADME:B:WNARL:US:1
123

3000 watts.

[dnix71]

That would work, if it actually works. I don't believe the price. We have a converter on a laminator at work to change 208 3-phase into 240 split-phase and it was thousands of dollars.

Here is a real 4 winding transformer listing at $582 and 3kva that would work in your case

http://www.phaseconverter.com/sptransformer.html

[dnix71]

Also, there is no "US 220v" It's either 240v split phase (the common 2 hot wire arrangement, or it's 208 three-phase (three hot wires, with or without a neutral).

[ghurd]

We can go to the local hardware store and ask for a 220V outlet, and the dude will show us an assortment of 220V outlets.

"220.  221.  Whatever it takes."

[dnix71]

Yeah, unfortunately you're right. That's why we finally had to buy that boost transformer for the laminator and last month spent thousnads fixing a 4kw green engraving laser. Both were supposed to run on 240vac. We don't have 240 in the entire building anywhere, just 208 3-phase Both machines were installed by their respective manufacturers and both said 208 was "close enough."

It isn't even 208 some days. I put a meter on the laser disconnect and read 205.

We burned out breakers and relays on the laminator and toasted the start circuit for the YAg tube before deciding that 208 wasn't really close enough.

Twice we have had large a/c's set on the roof with cranes and then the electrician showed up and asks why the contractor bought a 240 unit when we only have 208. Brand new in the crate units had to be recrated and taken down and returned. The second one was a 15 ton package system for my work area.