220 V machines

[cassidy]

I saw mentionong of 220 V machines in quite a few posts here. Is that true - do you guys also run welding machines off 220V 50Hz mains?

[Sberry]

Some of the machines are listed to run from 50hz but in the US our power is 60hz

[cassidy]

Excuse my ignorance, but is that such a big difference?

Reason I'm asking; am thinking of perhaps begging a good used machine off one of you guys. Willing to go as high as $1000, maybe $1500. Figuring import duties will probably be half that amount.

Even then it would be a steal compared to what I would pay for a new one here.

[hankj]

Depending on the electronics, there can be a big difference. Many low to medium output inverter machines run on 50 or 60 Hz., but for the most part, welders in the US are designed to run on 60Hz. frequency, espesially the transformer-based units.

Hank

[Mike W]

My Hobart Beta-mig 200 will work on 50 or 60 Hz. The duty cycle is 60% on 60 Hz and 50% on 50 Hz.

[Rumario16]

Will the hobary handler 140 do 50 hz?

[Dale M.]

Will the hobary handler 140 do 50 hz?

Owners manual specifically says "120 Volts AC, 60 Hz",,,, I would guess not on 50 Hz...

Dale

[Hobart Expert]

Owners manual specifically says "120 Volts AC, 60 Hz",,,, I would guess not on 50 Hz...

Dale

Dale is correct, 60hz only for the handler 140

[Blacksmith]

From a goggle search ?Transformers rated at 60Hz should not be used on a 50Hz supply due to higher losses and core saturation, and the resultant higher temperature rise. Transformers rated for 50Hz, however, can be operated on a 60Hz supply." This would be due to the fact that AC responds to property called impedance, rather than resistance in a DC circuit. Impedance is frequency dependent.

[Sberry]

I wonder how much difference it would make and simply a bit of additional heat loss? Just derate a buzz box a little?