0

I have bought this spindle for use on my cnc router. https://www.amb-elektrik.de/produkte/fraesmotoren/636/amb-fraesmotor-1050-fme-u-di-230v-fuer-er16-praezisions-spannzangen

I have contacted the company to see if the spindle will run on 240v 60hz (American) and the answer is yes.

I have a NEMA 5-50 welder plug in my shop right next to my CNC which supplies 240v.

I am wondering if it is OK to run this spindle off of the outlet and if so what adapter/wiring should I use?

Improve this question
3
  • Any idea how much power it uses, or what size circuit (Amps) is recommended?
    – manassehkatz-Moving 2 Codidact
    Commented Oct 13, 2020 at 16:27
  • "1050 watts maximum"
    – Tristan Ryer-Parke
    Commented Oct 13, 2020 at 16:46
  • 1
    a) 1,050 is relatively small - in the US that would normally be on a 15A or 20A 120V circuit, but if 240V then also on a 15A or 20A circuit. b) 5-50 is 50A @ 120V - unusual but not impossible. But it isn't 240V. Are you sure it isn't a 6-50?
    – manassehkatz-Moving 2 Codidact
    Commented Oct 13, 2020 at 17:03

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1

Nope, you must put a 240V 15A plug on the cord. (NEMA 6-15).

Then, install a 15A/240V circuit with NEMA 6-15 receptacle(s)...
or a 20A/240V circuit with NEMA 6-20 receptacle(s) (which will accept 6-15)...
or a 20A/240V circuit with 2 or more NEMA 6-15 sockets (e.g. duplex recep).

Trying to re-task that 50A welder circuit to serve that purpose will be much more trouble than it is worth, and would be a one-way operation (meaning you could not plug 50A appliances into it anymore). Just run a new circuit.

You could look at fitting a 240V-only subpanel where the welder socket now is. You can put any number of 240V-only circuits ranging from 15A to 50A. (you cannot use more than 50A of them at one time obviously)>

  • However you must be careful not to put any 120V circuits in it. I strongly disrecommend using the subpanel's neutral bar for a ground bar. I recommend isolating the neutral bar (remove neutral-ground strap or screw), hook nothing to it, and add an accessory ground bar ($5) for all grounds. That will warn "the next guy" that 120V loads do not belong here. If someone hooks up a 120V load anyway, it won't work, and troubleshooting will soon expose that no neutral feeder is present.
  • One notable problem with 240V-only panels is it is difficult to run AFCIs or GFCIs out of them. They need 120V to power themselves (their own detection circuits). This is relevant because as of NEC 2020, 240V circuits must be GFCI.
Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.