rewiring an old press

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GrumbleMike2

GrumbleMike2

CGF, Certified Grumble Framer
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Nov 26, 2008
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I have a 30amp press and was wondering if it could be rewired to work on a 15amp circuit? anyone experienced this before?
 
Don't worry when your shop burns down, it won't be a problem anymore. Seriously, the high amperage is a function of the heating elements.

Is it 220? If 110 it might be possible to reduce Amps by increasing voltage to 220, but that would not allow a 15 amp 110 circuit to be used.
 
A manufacturer would have reduced the wattage of a machine if they could. They are designed to work with existing tissues......... If it were possible, the machines would not satisfy your expectations.

Its best to hire an electrician to properly wire the shop for that machine.
 
As stated an electrician could probably change the breaker to a 30amp, but it will most likely have to be a dedicated circuit with the press being the only thing on that circuit. Otherwise make sure your fire insurance is up to date. :rolleyes:
 
CB Art & Framing said:
I believe an electrician can change the capacity of a circuit pretty easily.
Click to expand...

Uh, no. At least not if he wants to keep his license. To do this properly he'd have to (a) change the breaker to 30 amps and (b) run NEW 10-gauge wire from the breaker panel to the outlet. If you skip step (b) you're asking for a fire; the 14-gauge wire that runs in a typical 15-amp circuit will seriously overheat if you try and pump 30 amps through it.

It CAN be done, but depending on what obstructions are between the breaker panel and the outlet it could be a bit of a project...
 
I agree with Jim and if you look at posts #6 and #7 I think you have your answer. The main thing is to use a Licensed Electrician to evaluate your situation. A press can pull some amps and can create a problem if the wiring or circuit is undersized. :kaffeetrinker_2:
 
thanks folks,
I was offered an old press but my panel has no open circuits to add the breaker so I thought it worth looking into adapting the press.
another question: Do your newer heat presses need so much juice or are they more efficient?
 
Rick Bergeron - CPF said:
Just because all breaker slots are full doesn't mean that another circuit cannot be added. A licensed electrician can also tell you if they can add or move things around in the panel.
Click to expand...


Or you can add a sub-panel. Your electrician can add a, say, 60 Amp sub-panel off 2 breaker positions (for 220) in your present box and then switch the the lines that were using those two positions to the new box. You then will have space in the new box for your 30 Amp breakers.
 
GrumbleMike2 said:
thanks folks,
I was offered an old press but my panel has no open circuits to add the breaker so I thought it worth looking into adapting the press.
another question: Do your newer heat presses need so much juice or are they more efficient?
Click to expand...

They can combine some smaller circuits to a single breaker, add a sub panel, or install some double breakers (2 that fit in the space of one).

If it truly needs 30 amps, it will need a new wire from the panel to the equipment. Standard wiring will usually handle a max of 15 or 20 amps, depending on the gauge.

Our Seal 500t works fine with a standard 20 amp 110v dedicated circuit.

Mike
 
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