Electrical help question

[loman4ec]

I am planning on plugging in my new VMC 88 and using it for a while at the shop. My questions is the electricity at the shop keeps browning out. There are train tracks just across the street and it seems to happen most when the train is going by, but it also happens when it isn't. I would say on average the lights dim about 5 to 6 time an hour. It doesn't go way down most of the time but it is noticable. Every now and then it goes way down. It even set off the neighbors house alarm the other day. My question is how bad is this on the cooling system on the 88. Also I run my air compressor alot and also Kate runs her Welder alot. WIll this damage our tools and machines? Any help would be great.

[dr galaga]

Sory I can't answer your questions, but have you called your utilitiy company? 5-6 times an hour is not good for most things!

[Yarochrehc]

Most voltages are not suppose to vary more than 7% of the applied voltage, if they do this can shorten the life span of equipment by quite a bit.

Some motors with overloads can take a little more than those that do not, but it is still hard on them.  When the voltage goes down, the amperage goes up which is hard on the windings in the motor of the compressor. It will eventually break down the coating on the windings and short them out. The lower the voltage , the higher the ampreage, the shorter the life span.

[collecture]

Isn't there some sort of voltage regulator that you can buy?

[bubba]

Quote (collecture @ Mar. 19 2006,5:55)

Isn't there some sort of voltage regulator that you can buy?

For the load that he is talking about, its not worth it. It would cost more than a good sized generator to supply consistant power.

It is definately worth a call to the power company. Put a volt meter on the system and see how low it drops, and for how long. Any electronics (pc's, stereos, etc) you may have plugged in are also highly succeptable to the brownouts as well.

[Skeleton Man]

Quote (Yarochrehc @ Mar. 19 2006,2:37)

Most voltages are not suppose to vary more than 7% of the applied voltage, if they do this can shorten the life span of equipment by quite a bit. Some motors with overloads can take a little more than those that do not, but it is still hard on them.  When the voltage goes down, the amperage goes up which is hard on the windings in the motor of the compressor. It will eventually break down the coating on the windings and short them out. The lower the voltage , the higher the ampreage, the shorter the life span.

So does that mean 240v equipment will last longer than its 120v counterpart ?  Does Hz (50 vs 60) play a role at all ?

Also, is single phase 240v better than dual phase 120v ? (obvously the latter applies over here, but Aus/Eur use 240)