idealarc 250 PF capacitor size ?

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Doe sanyone know the size of the capacitors that are installed as part of power factor option in these machines.  My Local dealler said the kit was no longer listed. The said if I found out the ratings  they could  sell me some capacitors off the shelf to do the job.ThanksHerb I apologize for asking questions for my first post
Reply:does your weld have them now? if so the ratings are on them.If you want to add them, call Lincoln tech support with your code number and see if the wires are there to hook the caps to.
Reply:My welder , does not have them now. The manual says they are a field install option.  I think  I  know where there is a welder with the option that I might be able to ge the values from ,  but its not that close to my location.Thanks Herb
Reply:I don't know what PF stands for, but the Ideal Arc 250 w/ the domed top came stock w/ apacitors if your serial or model number ends w/ a -C after the digits.     If there isn't a C after the digits, it came stock w/o them
Reply:The answer is: The   kit that is no longer sold but had one 25MF 460 volt and  one 50MF 460V cap .(according to lincoln service desk) I openned up my dads  old round top that had caps added in the early 70's as a dealer option and it had 30 and a 40MF cap rated at 370V  .Given the 5% tolerance on the caps it looks like the required size hasn't really changed much.Herb
Reply:i agree with herboxxxLast edited by tommy96; 09-28-2010 at 06:37 AM.Tommy
Reply:Power Factor Correction. Welders are giant inductors. They cause metering problems at the local utility. Power factor capacitors are almost always required at the main service of commercial buildings with large motor or other inductive loads. According to the Lincoln manual for the Idealarc 250 they also will allow the welder to operate on a smaller circuit. This is not because it will draw less current, but because the PF cap makes for smaller inrush currents when you strike an arc. This will diminish nuisance breaker tripping. I would use motor starter caps rather than computer grade electrolytics.They are designed for this very harsh environment. Granger has a large selection. DanLast edited by skyboltone; 09-28-2010 at 11:53 AM.
Reply:I added the caps about a month ago.. The idle current went up to 20 amps so i know they are working.. I  didn't measure the current underload , but i am pretty confident that it will be reduced .    I spent about 50 bucks in total on the motor start caps.  I'm curious to see how long they last , though i rarely use the machine. My sp170T does most of the work.Herb