Need Wiring Help--Old Idealarc 250

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Hi guys: I'm new to this board because I just bought an old round top Lincoln Idealarc 250 ac/dc welder. It is in almost new condition and I only paid $50 for it, including cart, cables, etc.So, the problem is: the info plate says it is a single phase 230-460 machine. It has a three conductor twist lock plug on it, similar to whats on  my Bridgeport 3-phase 220. I opened the plug up, and find two hot wires, a neutral, and the safety ground attached to the plug cover.So, my shop has both 220 3-phase and 220-single phase. The single phase outlets only have two conductors and a safety ground (like a dryer plug). How do I wire the Lincoln power cord to work with this outlet?Any and all advice much appreciated--thanks!!!BTW: machine is a model 9041C s/n602119. Anyone have any idea when this machine was made?Tnx, Mike T.
Reply:Open the cover of the machine.  You will probably find the neutral is not attached to anything.The Idealarc only needs the 2 hots, and a ground.  (I have one)Lincoln Idealarc 250Lincoln Weldanpower CC/CV engine driveLincoln LN-25 wire feederMiller Syncrowave 180 SDVarious oxy-fuel setups featuring Victor, Harris, and Prest-o-lite products
Reply:If when you open the machine, the neutral IS attached to something, take it off.  You'll see a spot to put the 2 hot wires, and the ground.  You can cut the neutral wire off, or get a different cable to put on.You really should open the machine, cuz otherwise, you have no idea what's going on.If I remember correctly, the ground will attachment near the rear of the machine, and the hots wires are near the front.Lincoln Idealarc 250Lincoln Weldanpower CC/CV engine driveLincoln LN-25 wire feederMiller Syncrowave 180 SDVarious oxy-fuel setups featuring Victor, Harris, and Prest-o-lite products
Reply:Oh... one more thing.  Unless you plan on putting wheels under the machine and rolling it around the shop, you should consider just hard wiring it in, and give it it's own 50A circuit breaker.Lincoln Idealarc 250Lincoln Weldanpower CC/CV engine driveLincoln LN-25 wire feederMiller Syncrowave 180 SDVarious oxy-fuel setups featuring Victor, Harris, and Prest-o-lite products
Reply:You NEED to take the back cover off, there should be a paper stuck inside somewhere, that show the wiring diagrams for the various voltages.
Reply:Originally Posted by jsfabYou NEED to take the back cover off, there should be a paper stuck inside somewhere, that show the wiring diagrams for the various voltages.
Reply:Lincoln's website can tell you how old this machine is using your model and ser. numbers.  Your can also find operator manuals for it there.  Goodluck.A few of my toys !LinuxMintManjaroMiller Roughneck 2E Lincoln WeldPak 100HTP MTS 160 Chicago Electric 80amp Inverter   Victor O/A
Reply:Any chance something in the machine uses 110 v such as a fan?
Reply:WOW! Thanks for all the help guys. I downloaded a manual from Lincoln, and even got an email from their friendly customer service rep. Turns out my Idealarc "roundtop" was manufactured in 1985. I appreciate all the help from the members and from Lincoln. Now I understand why buying the best is SOOOOOO much better than the other stuff.
Reply:Originally Posted by bexargunnerWOW! Thanks for all the help guys. I downloaded a manual from Lincoln, and even got an email from their friendly customer service rep. Turns out my Idealarc "roundtop" was manufactured in 1985. I appreciate all the help from the members and from Lincoln. Now I understand why buying the best is SOOOOOO much better than the other stuff.