Unisaw 115v to 230v.

[james susick]

Hey guys I got a quick question. My unisaw I just got is wired for 115v (only 1.5hp). If I read right inside the motor start cover is all I got to do is unplug one wire off 115v and replug in the 230v slot. Is that correct or is there more to it? Its a early 70's model 34-466.

Thanks

[Mike Hollingsworth]

show us a pic of the wiring diagram on the motor.

[james susick]

show us a pic of the wiring diagram on the motor.

Ok I will get a pic in a hour or so.

[Bruce Wrenn]

Hey guys I got a quick question. My unisaw I just got is wired for 115v (only 1.5hp). If I read right inside the motor start cover is all I got to do is unplug one wire off 115v and replug in the 230v slot. Is that correct or is there more to it? Its a early 70's model 34-466.

Thanks

Let me be the first to tell you that you won't pick up any power by switching to 220. Only if you have undersized, or long runs of conductors, will you notice any difference. These saws were designed to be used on a 15 branch circuit. If you do the math, you will find motor is "down rated." Multiply volts, times amps, and divide by 746, to get HP. But remember your motor is about 75 - 85% efficient,so HP is reduced accordingly.

[james susick]

Bruce thanks for the info. I am restoring the saw and my 3hp motor is on its way so I want to know how to switch it over. I only have a 15amp outlet and the 1.5hp needs a 20amp breaker I think. The 1.5hp motor said 20amp at 115v and 10amp at 230v. It made my 15amp trip. But anyway its going to be 3hp when I use it so I want 230v.

I am not having luck posting pics because it said a security token was missing. If one of you guys knows by looking at the pics PM me your email and I will send pics for you to look at. It would be a lot of help.

Thanks

[Chip Lindley]

James, GLAD YOU ASKED before doing what you are thinking of doing!

Changing connections inside the motor starter box only changes the input voltage to that transformer which provides 24v to the contactor coil. That's why it's called an LVC. (Low Voltage Control)

That connection inside the starter box does not change the motor voltage! The leads inside the motor's conduit box will have to be switched as diagramed on the motor nameplate.

Then, you can plug your 240V Unisaw into high voltage.

[james susick]

James, GLAD YOU ASKED before doing what you are thinking of doing!

Changing connections inside the motor starter box only changes the input voltage to that transformer which provides 24v to the contactor coil. That's why it's called an LVC. (Low Voltage Control)

That connection inside the starter box does not change the motor voltage! The leads inside the motor's conduit box will have to be switched as diagramed on the motor nameplate.

Then, you can plug your 240V Unisaw into high voltage.

Thanks Chip! I thought it might be more to it. So when I get my new motor I need to wire it up on the motor for 230v. I also change the connection in the motor start box to the 230v connection as well right?? One more thing I should ask...Is the soft power cord on the saw now fine for 230v? It has 14-3 600v on the cord. I know the plug needs changed. I worry about wire gauge.

Thanks

[jim sauterer]

number 14wire is good for 15 amps.12 wire 20 amps, 10 wire 30 amps.hope this helps.

[Don Jarvie]

Your going to have to change out the cord to 12/3 600w (soft cord) since the 3hp at 230 will pull 15 -17 amps.

10/3 is a bit overkill unless the motor is pulling over 25 amps at 230.

[Bruce Wrenn]

number 14wire is good for 15 amps.12 wire 20 amps, 10 wire 30 amps.hope this helps.

That is for branch circuit wiring. Cord sets are a different animal, as they aren't usually "burried" in the wall, and can't radiate heat to surrounding air. Also, their length is a lot shorter.

[Chip Lindley]

Thanks Chip! I thought it might be more to it. So when I get my new motor I need to wire it up on the motor for 230v. I also change the connection in the motor start box to the 230v connection as well right?? One more thing I should ask...Is the soft power cord on the saw now fine for 230v? It has 14-3 600v on the cord. I know the plug needs changed. I worry about wire gauge.

Thanks

Exactly right, James. Change that soft cord to at least 12-3. For a buck more, go with 10-3. Personally, I Luv a little Overkill!