hypertherm 65

[james.davis]

What size breaker do I need for a Hypertherm 65 if I mostly cutting 1/2" mild .I'm currently running a hypertherm 600 with a 50amp breaker will I need to step up from that.Jim

[large_time]

Use this logic/Flow Chart:

1. Find the data plate or label on the device you are trying to connect or wire.

2. Find the section labeled FLA or LRA, this is the "full load amp" or "locked rotor amp" (motor operated devices) rating, respectively. In many instances, the load will be expressed in watts or kilowatts (kW), ie: 4500 watts or 4.5kW.

3. Determine current in amps. Divide the wattage by the voltage of the circuit, in North America usually 120 or 240, ie: An electric water heater 4500w / 240v = 18.75 amps. This is the approximate amperage the device requires.

4. Derate the circuit. Multiply by 1.25, the National Electrical code requires protection at %125, ie: 18.75 x 1.25 = 23.43 amp circuit.5Install circuit breaker to meets that size. If such a size is not available, choose the next standard size up, ie: 23.43 = 30 amp circuit breaker or fuse.

Be sure to install wiring that will safely carry the current passed by the circuit breaker. In the case of a water heater, #10 copper will handle 30 amps and should be used. Standard 120 volt branch circuits like those for lighting require 15 amps. Appliance circuits, ie: kitchen and dining rooms require 20 amp circuits.

[jimcolt]

I would need more information to answer that question easily. I would need to know your line voltage....do you have 200, 208, 230, 240 or 480 volt input power.....and is it single or three phase power?

Your unit also has an amperage range that it will draw at each of these input voltages..depending on how thick and how fast your are cutting. To be safe on all of the voltages under 240 volt....single phase, the unit should run without ever tripping the breaker or fuse on an 80 amp circuit.....this is if you plan to use the unit for cutting up to its maximum sverance capacity of 1-1/2".

The actual amperage draw with a 200 volt input line will range from about 42 to 70 amps (cutting thinnest to thickest materials), at 208 volt...40 to 68 amps, at 230 volts 35 to 58 amps.

So.....in many cases you can probably cut up to 1/2" steel with a Powermax65 on a 50 amp circuit....without tripping the circuit breaker. If you need to cut the full range....or are a production shop that does a lot of cutting....then it would be advisable to install an 80 amp circuit. The worst that will happen on a properly wired 50 amp circuit is that the breaker will trip.

All of this information is in your Powermax65 operators manual...in the specifications section and the installation section.....and electrician can also read the data tag and get adequate information in order to properly size a circuit as well.

Jim Colt Hypertherm

What size breaker do I need for a Hypertherm 65 if I mostly cutting 1/2" mild .I'm currently running a hypertherm 600 with a 50amp breaker will I need to step up from that.Jim

[james.davis]

Jim it's single phase 240 v .I work out of a 2 car garage 200 amp service .I've never had a problem with the breaker tripping using my 600 hypertherm on a 50amp breaker.I haven't bought the 65 yet.Thanks Jim

[jimcolt]

Well...the 65 is a lot more powerful than the 600. As I suggest....it probably will not trip a 50 amp breaker when cutting materials up to 1/2". I actually operate my Powermax85 on a 60 amp circuit.....although I am usually only cutting in the 45 amp to 65 amp range...I have done a bit of 85 amp cutting with no issues (relatively short cuts on 3/4" steel)

Jim

Jim it's single phase 240 v .I work out of a 2 car garage 200 amp service .I've never had a problem with the breaker tripping using my 600 hypertherm on a 50amp breaker.I haven't bought the 65 yet.Thanks Jim

[JEd]

I have my PM65 on a 50 amp circuit and have not had any issues. I've cut some 3/8s and a lot of 1/4 at 65 amps. I think it is when the arc is stretched cutting thicker stuff is when you may have issues. So pretty much ditto what Jim said.

[james.davis]

Thanks for all the info everyone.Jim