bergman1118

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I recently obtained an unwired March pump (AC 3C MD) on the cheap.. only to find out when I got it that it was a 230 v model, not 115 v..

I don't have a 230 v outlet where I plan to use this, so I'll need to use a converter. Also, I need to wire this thing but obviously need to use a 230 v extension cord to wire it (unless there's a better suggestion out there).

So,

1. Would it be safe to use a converter with the pump? I intend to use it for recirculating wort before lautering and for running through my plate chiller, mainly.

2. What do I need to wire this with a 230 v extension cord? Do I need to solder or something? Sorry, I've wired some 115 v stuff before (like my temperature controller), but 230 v is beyond me.

P-J

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Do a search on "120V to 240V step up transformer"

There are lots of devices out there that can do the job for you. Most are used for devices purchased in Europe and brought back to the USA. The normal voltage available in Europe is 240V not 120V.

bergman1118

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I'm well aware that there are 230 v - 120 v converters, my question is whether these would be safe/suitable to use for long term use. I'm assuming your opinion is that they are - I guess they are cheap enough to be worth a shot any way (I may even have one somewhere around here from my Europe trip a few years ago..).

The bigger question - anybody have experience wiring 230 v devices? Or would there be a way to just wire this into a 115 v plug? Again, sorry if these are dumb questions, but I'm definitely no electrician.

P-J

Recipes 

Well - you are in for a challange. If you simply wire the pump to a 120V plug and run it with 120V, you will burn the pump up. Bad move! If you simply wire it with a 120V cord and then use a converter, you seriously risk making a mistake and will eventually plug it into a 120V outlet. Good bye pump.

The motor can be taken apart and rewired for 120V, but, I don't think you are ready for that adventure. It's fairly complicated for one without experience.

BTW the converters are safe and suitable for use. Just choose one that has a large enough power rating to support the pump.

beaksnbeer

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Extension cord would be cheapest/easy fix 3 or 4 wires, need to know length from outlet to pump, amp draw of pump.

bergman1118

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Here's a pic of the wire. I'm not near the pump right now, will post specs when I get home. It's the AC MD 3 March pump

bergman1118

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Err.. not sure what is up with the attachments and the smartphone app, but it doesn't look like it worked. Will correct later..

bergman1118

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Sorry for the picture quality, but you should get the gist of the wire end.

I don't know what is meant by "length from outlet to pump", but here are the rest of the specs asked for:

March AC-3C-MD
150 watts
2.1 amps

Help would be much appreciated!

Attached Images

 

P-J

Recipes 

That connector is set up for plugging into a another connector. You will need to wire the motor wires to a cord and plug so that you can use it. Your motor is a 230V unit so you cannot use a standard cord and plug. The plug must be designed for 230V so that you cannot make a mistake and plug it in to an outlet that is not supplying the proper power. In other words - the outlet must be a 240V outlet.

The 3 connections are:
Phase 1 - 240V
Phase 2 - 240V
Equipment ground.

bergman1118

Recipes 

So.. do I need to get a female piece to fit the prongs? Only thing I can find looks like this and doesn't match the configuration of the metal prongs:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3991881&SRCCODE=GOOGLEBASE&cm_mm c_o=VRqCjC7BBTkwCjCECjCE

Or can I just just chop off that connector to expose the wires, strip back the wires, and wire them through a 230 v extension cord?

But I could still use the 240 v - 120 v converter, right?

Sorry for noob questions on this. I'm not electrically/mechanically inclined (obviously).