Powcon SM300 3 phase / 1 phase ?

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HI GuysI have had great help here in the past on these Powcon welders and hope to get some more . I picked up another Powcon welder SM300 that was wired for 440 3 phase. I know that some 3 phase Powcon welders can be used on 1 phase power but I'm not sure if all can. I tried a search here but couldn't find the info I need. I have opened it up and switch from 440 volts to 220 volts there was info inside on how to do this. The welder seems to  runs well on 3 phase. I will order the manual soon but would like to find out about the change. This might be as easy as just not using the red wire. I can use this welder on 3 phase if it can't be switched but the 1 phase would make it a little more versital for me. Thanks for any and all help.Andy
Reply:They'll all run on single phase or three phase.  You should get the manual soon, it has detailed changover procedures.-Heath
Reply:There are three sets of buss bars...one at the front under the front control panel (knobs), one at the side near the front, one at the top/side near the back.  All three have to be changed.  Discharge the capacitors before you do anything.  Tape up the red wire and away you go.  Derate the machine to about 200 amps.Smithboy...if it ain't broke, you ain't tryin'.
Reply:Smithboy, I've gotten >300amps out of my 400SM on single-phase as measured with my ammeter.  It's not much different than a 300SM.-Heath
Reply:I had wondered about that...the manual states 200 amps, but I haven't measured mine.  Wide open, it really burns.  The rep at arc products originally told me it ran more than 200 amps, but I forget how much...maybe 225 or something....I had suspected it's more, but whatever it's running, I am happy with it.  I used to work with an old millermatic 200...the good old one...and I like this powcon+feeder much better...mine probably isn't even as fine tuned as yours.  I am just running a VS suitcase...and, you have that 64.  I am really glad to hear you are enjoying yours.  I just know you can pay a lot more for a lot less welder, and for one that's much less versitile.  I know you don't care for stick, but that powcon is one of the best stick machines I have ever used also....I'm still keeping my eyes open for you a pulser. BTW, Astuch...send me a PM...I might have something for ya.Smithboy...if it ain't broke, you ain't tryin'.
Reply:Thanks GuysI thought that was all there was to it. I had already changed to 220 using the three sets of links. I will give it a try today and see how it works. ThanksagainAndy
Reply:HiThanks for the help on this . I got around to the change finaly, but the welder now seems to be broken. When hooked up to 1 phase 220 the welder dose nothing. When hooked up to 3 phase 220 the welder comes on for a few seconds, fan starts, LED read out comes on but then trips the on/off breaker. I have not tried hooking it back up to 440 3 phase yet. There is a local company Logic-tec ? that services these has anyone used them or heard anything bad or good about them? I know I could send it to Arcproducts but the shipping would be more than I paid for the welder. Logic-tec is only a few miles form me. Smithboy thanks so much for the "something"Andy
Reply:I would double check all my strapping first.DennisThermal Arc 185-TSWMillermatic Challenger 172VictorO/AAtlas Craftsman 12 by 24 LatheEsab PCM-875Wholesalem Tool Mill-Drill
Reply:I am with tailshaft on that.  If it works in 3 phase, it should work in single.  Doesn't sound like a bad board or anything.  Try reversing the black and white wires at the plug.  Seems like I did something like this before also.Last edited by smithboy; 08-13-2006 at 05:15 PM.Smithboy...if it ain't broke, you ain't tryin'.
Reply:Get a manual from Arc Products.  It'll cost about $20-25.  It has good diagrams for the voltage changeover.-Heath