[derbycarwelder217]

I recently acquired a Hypertherm Powermax 85 Plasma cutter. I have absolutely ZERO experience with any plasmas.

1) I believe it is setup for 3 phase. I only have a single phase 220v setup in my garage. How can I tell what Phase it is setup to run on at this time? How difficult is it to convert this unit to single phase if it is in fact setup for 3 phase?

2) I was told that it needs a new lead. I disassembled the torch head and all internals appear to be in good condition and the lead does not appear to have any damage to it. I noticed that there is a trigger and a safety swith in the torch head. Are either of these known to fail? The unit was built in 5/2011, so it isn't very old and wasn't used on a daily basis before I got it. I hate to spend $500+ on a new lead and it end up being something simple or more costly.

Thanks for any assistance!

[noddybrian]

Not sure about your side of the pond - but over here it would be a special order to get a single phase 85amp plasma - normally they are 3phase only & cannot be run on single phase unless using a phase inverter - the aluminum plate on the back of the machine will normally list permitted input voltages - on a multi voltage unit the connections are generally marked inside the terminal block area where the power lead enters the machine - I cannot comment on the unit you have but I'd be surprised if it will run single phase - most Hypertherms run somewhere around 150 volts cutting so the input current will likely be in the 65 >70 amp region - seems unlikely you have access to that kind of supply and you still need to have enough over to run a compressor - hopefully someone will come along & give you a definitive answer - several members have this model once they catch up on the forum - if not it would probably be worth contacting Hypertherm as they are reputed to have excellent after sales / back up.

[soutthpaw]

Post your same question with machine serial number at weldingweb.com, Hypertherm section Jim Colt will be to tell you in minutes exactly what machine you have. If he sees this while he is at work. (Works for Hypertherm)

[AKweldshop]

I recently acquired a Hypertherm Powermax 85 Plasma cutter. I have absolutely ZERO experience with any plasmas.

1) I believe it is setup for 3 phase. I only have a single phase 220v setup in my garage. How can I tell what Phase it is setup to run on at this time? How difficult is it to convert this unit to single phase if it is in fact setup for 3 phase?

2) I was told that it needs a new lead. I disassembled the torch head and all internals appear to be in good condition and the lead does not appear to have any damage to it. I noticed that there is a trigger and a safety swith in the torch head. Are either of these known to fail? The unit was built in 5/2011, so it isn't very old and wasn't used on a daily basis before I got it. I hate to spend $500+ on a new lead and it end up being something simple or more costly.

Thanks for any assistance!

Go to WeldingWeb in the hypertherm section. Jim Colt has been working for Hypertherm for 30 years.
Don't touch that machine anymore until you talk to him.
http://weldingweb.com/forumdisplay.php?57-Hypertherm

[derbycarwelder217]

AWESOME! Thanks guys! I will check it out!

[nickn372]

Get a manual for it if you don't have one. I have an 85 and I converted it from three to single. Tells you how to choose phase in the book. You will need a new lead if it is three phase and by new lead I mean the lead to the wall outlet not the hand torch. If it is the easiest way to tell is if you have a 4 prong plug. If it's a three prong then it's single phase. But I think most of the Powermax machines are set up for dual voltage use.

[jimcolt]

If the unit is a CSA (Version for North America) is will operate on any voltage between 200 and 600 volts, single or three phase. There is no relinking required, just two wires and a ground for single phase and 3 wires and a ground for three phase. Instructions for wiring the input cable are in the operators manual....which can be downloaded for free at the Hypertherm website. If the unit is a CE (Eurpean and other parts of the world) it will be 3 phase only based on local electrical rules.

The torch and lead are easy to troubleshoot and repair if needed. Contact Hypertherm technical support for great help....and you can download the service manual for free at the Hypertherm website.

Jim Colt