Well done !! Always glad to hear when someone has succeeded. I was lucky because I got three phase put in for free, all I had to do was dig a trench across my front garden the electric board did the rest all for no charge. (This was in the days before privatisation) I don't think SWMBO would appreciate a bill for £11,000 !!!

Neil

Re-read the first post again. Your description 'grasped' is a good one, but its not something I did at the time!

Thanks for pointing it out. At least the OP has it all working now.

Ian P

Hi Buffer

First you need to decide what amperage your machine needs, this will determine the plug type and new flexible cable size. What is the current required by your machine on full load ?

It is not a good idea to use the armoured cable by fitting a plug, if you want to use it for protection terminate it in an isolator and use a flexible lead fitted with a suitable plug to connect to your converter, however the SWA may not provide a suitable resistance to use as a cpc (circuit protective conductor (Earth)) and comply with regulations.

Emgee

Edited By Emgee on 14/06/2021 19:58:37

Thanks for the swift replies. I think you've ajust confirmed what I was thinking so that's great.

Emgee its 2.1 kw for all 3 motors running which as far as I can tell isn't that much, based on the fact I have a 2kw electric heater. I'm out walking thr dog at the moment so cant easily look stuff up.

Yes that's right three motors and it's going to be less than 10m because my garage is 9.5m long.

Buffer

Normal practice with an inverter is to connect it directly to the motor and use the inverter controls. Either directly off the box or via buttons on a remote pendant. Although its extra expense pendant control is generally preferable because the inverter box can be placed safely out of harms way. Pendant boxes are generally smaller and easier to mount in the most convenient place for easy operation. Common commercial practice is to mount pendant boxes on moveable arms for even better access.

The inverter parameters should be set to match the motor so a fuse isn't needed.

With a hard wired inverter you do need a disconnector in the line able to take a padlock for secure lock off when working on things. I like this lever operated type :-

**LINK**

https://www.electroreplacement.com/erl-4-pole-isolator-switch-20a-35a-45a-63a-max-415v-ip66

because the red lever on a yellow background makes it easy to see whether things are switched on or not. Even if right across the workshop. I got mine from Lewden as type ISO-35 but they seem harder to find and more costly. For single phase outlets I use the grey bodied versions.

I'm greatly in favour of being able to easily see exactly what is, or isn't, powered up and potentially able to run and consider the common round knob disconnector as an accident waiting to happen!

For main supply input you can't beat the old style grey metal cabinet with a chrome lever that goes "CLUNK" when operated. Appropriate sound effects build confidence.

Clive

Edited By Clive Foster on 17/06/2021 18:07:39

Edited By Clive Foster on 17/06/2021 18:08:28

Clive

Thanks for the reply. Yes I have been using an Inverter and the grinder was switched by the inverter and the 13 A plug had a fuse but that has all gone now as I have a workshop 3 phase converter. It was only after I started to put the 16A 3 phase plug on the motor lead to the grinder that I realised there is now no fuse or on off switch! So I was wondering what people do about this.