Power in your shop 115 vs 220 volt

Now that you have picked the Nexus Grinder you want, you now need to figure out how to power the motor or VFD and motor. Below is some information to assist you in making some decisions based on power available in your garage or shop.

The single biggest factor is what power do you have available in your garage or shop? Most garages generally have limited circuits and most garage setups have 115 volt 15 Amp circuits to power the lights, a few plugs, garage door opener and maybe a central vacuum system. If you have the service panel or a sub-panel located in your garage or shop you will have more options available to you. If your service panel is located in the house, you may have limited access to run a new circuit into your garage.

*Note: the information provided, are only recommendations. You should always consult with a qualified electrician.

230 volt supply with 20 Amp breaker
If you have 230 volt supply in your garage or shop, you can easily run a 2 hp motor and a VFD. All you need is 20 Amp double pole breaker and 12/3 conductor wire from your panel to your VFD and motor. With 230 volts, you can use a KBAC-27D or KBAC-24D and 3 phase motors. If you choose to go with a single speed single phase 230 volt motor, you can run most motors up to 2 hp easily.

115 volt supply with 25 Amp breaker
If you have 115 volt 25 amp circuit in your garage or shop you are a little more limited. Here you can run a KBAC-27D with a 1 hp or 1.5 hp 3 phase motor. With a 115 volt supply, the KBAC-27D VFD draws maximum current of 22 amps and requires a 25 amp circuit breaker and 10/3 conductor wire from the panel to the VFD. You can also run a single speed single phase motors up to 2 hp (check the motor ratings).

115 volt supply with 20 Amp breaker
If you have 115 volt 20 amp circuit in your garage or shop you are a little more limited. Here you can run a KBAC-24D with a 1 hp 3 phase motor. With a 115 volt supply, the KBAC-24D VFD draws maximum current of 14.4 amps and requires a 20 amp circuit breaker and 12/3 conductor wire from the panel to the VFD. You can also run single speed single phase motors up to 1.5 hp (check the motor ratings). Please note that single phase motors draw the most amperage during the initial startup.

115 volt supply with a 15 Amp breaker
The 115 volt setup is the most common in most garages. For the KBAC-24D, KB Electronics recommends using a 20 amp breaker. KB Electronics technical help desk has stated that the KBAC-24D can operate on a 115 volt 15 amp circuit. They recommend starting the drive at a slower RPM and then increasing to reduce the amperage draw on startup. You should research what circuits you have available in your garage and determine if anything else is running on that same circuit before proceeding. I would highly recommend using a 20 amp circuit.
Another other option would be to run a single speed 3600 RPM single phase motor on a 15 Amp circuit.  Most single phase 1 hp motors draw a maximum of 13 Amps.  A 1.5 hp single phase motors draw a maximum of 14.5 Amps.   Please note that single phase motors draw the most amperage during the initial startup.

Make sure you have the required power supply and circuit(s) with the applicable rated single or double pole breaker and conductor wire available to run the motor or VFD and motor. Please see the KBAC Table 4 Electrical rating chart for more information. Please check the motor information plate for the electrical ratings to ensure the motor you use is rated for the breaker and conductor wire.

Warning:
Working on electrical circuits or incorrectly connecting electrical equipment can be extremely hazardous. Please consult with qualified electrician and qualified personnel if you are unsure how to make safe electrical connections.  Electrical connections should meet or exceed National, Provincial, and local electrical codes. Always refer to the manufacture’s manuals and installation instructions. You may need permits if you are making changes or adding circuits to your electrical panel. Please check with your local authorities before starting any electrical connections.