What sort of wiring do I need for a 3 hp 220 volt unisaw? Is 20 amp
sufficient? I can't seem to find anything regarding this. The reason that I
ask is that I may upgrade my unisaw motor. There is a 1 1/2 motor on it that
my father rigged up to put on it. It isn't right but it cuts. I want to
make it right. Before I upgrade I want to make sure the electric power is
there to run the saw. 5 hp seems like overkill. Comments?
Pierce
"R. Pierce Butler"
> What sort of wiring do I need for a 3 hp 220 volt unisaw? Is 20 amp
> sufficient? I can't seem to find anything regarding this. The reason
> that I
> ask is that I may upgrade my unisaw motor. There is a 1 1/2 motor on it
> that
> my father rigged up to put on it. It isn't right but it cuts. I want to
> make it right. Before I upgrade I want to make sure the electric power is
> there to run the saw. 5 hp seems like overkill. Comments?
>
> Pierce
>
>
>
A 20amp 220v circuit wired with 10/2WG is more than sufficient (depending on
distance from panel) in most applications.
I would suggest a dedicated circuit and change the receptacle and plug to
NEMA L6-20 (TwistLock)
I would avoid direct wiring unless you use a disconnect.
Dave
Electrical advice from non-electricians is free and worth every cent!
Teamcasa wrote:
> "R. Pierce Butler"
> > What sort of wiring do I need for a 3 hp 220 volt unisaw? Is 20 amp
> > sufficient? I can't seem to find anything regarding this. The reason
> > that I
> > ask is that I may upgrade my unisaw motor. There is a 1 1/2 motor on it
> > that
> > my father rigged up to put on it. It isn't right but it cuts. I want to
> > make it right. Before I upgrade I want to make sure the electric power is
> > there to run the saw. 5 hp seems like overkill. Comments?
> >
> > Pierce
> >
> >
> >
> A 20amp 220v circuit wired with 10/2WG is more than sufficient (depending on
> distance from panel) in most applications.
> I would suggest a dedicated circuit and change the receptacle and plug to
> NEMA L6-20 (TwistLock)
> I would avoid direct wiring unless you use a disconnect.
>
> Dave
> Electrical advice from non-electricians is free and worth every cent!
220 volts will halve the amps of a similar size 110 volt motor FWIW
sw
"R. Pierce Butler" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> "Teamcasa" <[email protected]> wrote in
> news:[email protected]:
>
>>
>> "R. Pierce Butler"
>>> What sort of wiring do I need for a 3 hp 220 volt unisaw? Is 20 amp
>>> sufficient? I can't seem to find anything regarding this. The reason
>>> that I
>>> ask is that I may upgrade my unisaw motor. There is a 1 1/2 motor on
>>> it that
>>> my father rigged up to put on it. It isn't right but it cuts. I want
>>> to make it right. Before I upgrade I want to make sure the electric
>>> power is there to run the saw. 5 hp seems like overkill. Comments?
>>>
>>> Pierce
>>>
>>>
>>>
>> A 20amp 220v circuit wired with 10/2WG is more than sufficient
>> (depending on distance from panel) in most applications.
>> I would suggest a dedicated circuit and change the receptacle and plug
>> to NEMA L6-20 (TwistLock)
>> I would avoid direct wiring unless you use a disconnect.
>>
>> Dave
>> Electrical advice from non-electricians is free and worth every cent!
>>
>>
>
> Dedicated circuit I have. I have armored cable on the saw now so I think
> that lends itself to a more permanent solution. Should I change the
> wiring to something like a rubber jacketed stranded cable and go with the
> L6-20 or L6-30 plug/receptical?
>
> Wire length to the panel is less than 30 feet.
>
>
Armored cable? Do you mean the wires are in flex conduit?(aluminum or
steel)
Something to consider, Cords are used to absorb the vibration/movement of
the machine. If you are making a permanent connection using flex conduit,
the wire should be a fine stranded wire (like a cord has) not a solid core
wire. You can get away with a THNN stranded wire but I would still opt for
fine stranded wire for the actual connection to the saw.
As for the plug, if its wired permanently, and you have a disconnect between
the saw and panel, you should be fine.
Dave
Again,
Electrical advice from non-electricians is free and worth every cent!
Posted Via Usenet.com Premium Usenet Newsgroup Services
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"R. Pierce Butler" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> What sort of wiring do I need for a 3 hp 220 volt unisaw? Is 20 amp
> sufficient? I can't seem to find anything regarding this. The reason
> that I
> ask is that I may upgrade my unisaw motor. There is a 1 1/2 motor on it
> that
> my father rigged up to put on it. It isn't right but it cuts. I want to
> make it right. Before I upgrade I want to make sure the electric power is
> there to run the saw. 5 hp seems like overkill. Comments?
>
20 amp service should handle it. Probably rated 15. Which, speaking of
overkill, will get you "5HP" at 130 volts from Sears....
"R. Pierce Butler"
>
>What sort of wiring do I need for a 3 hp 220 volt unisaw?
<snip>
I like #10-2 with ground wire, 2P-30A c'bkr and 30 amp locking
receptacle and plug.
If you go to 5 HP, use #8-2, 2P-40A.
BTW, lowest cost way to buy wire is to buy a 10-2 /w/ gnd, 25 ft
molded cord set, then chop off the ends.
Hard wire one end into saw, the other gets wired with the locking plug.
Lew
"Swingman" <[email protected]> wrote in
news:[email protected]:
> "R. Pierce Butler" wrote in message
>> What sort of wiring do I need for a 3 hp 220 volt unisaw? Is 20 amp
>> sufficient?
>
> Mine's been on a 10ga/220v/20 Amp circuit for a long time.
>
> As far as wiring: 12/2 with ground will be sufficient for the above
> circuit, but I always go with 10/2 so I can increase the circuit
> amperage if the need arises in the future. YMMV
>
> In the past the plug that comes standard on the 3HP Delta Unisaws is a
> NEMA 6-15P.
>
> It will fit into 6-15R receptacle, as well as a 20 amp, 6-20R
> receptacle, should you decide to make a jumper or extension cord.
>
> And for the nitpickers, and because codes generally specify the
> "receptacle" requirements, not the male plug, the NEMA 6-15P plug will
> handle the 20 amp circuit, and the 3 HP UniSaw startup amperage, with no
> problem whatsoever.
>
I will go with the 12 ga wire. Have you seen the price of copper lately?
It is nuts! I haven't bothered with the plug in the past. I just wired it
direct. I have looked at plugs in the past and decided it just wasn't
worth the trouble as I don't move the saw around. I have been thinking
about getting a mobile base for it which would justify getting a plug and
socket. Seems that there are a few options for a mobile base for a Unisaw.
Which base is the best?
Pierce
"R. Pierce Butler" <[email protected]> wrote in
news:[email protected]:
> "Swingman" <[email protected]> wrote in
> news:[email protected]:
>
>> "R. Pierce Butler" wrote in message
>>> What sort of wiring do I need for a 3 hp 220 volt unisaw? Is 20 amp
>>> sufficient?
>>
>> Mine's been on a 10ga/220v/20 Amp circuit for a long time.
>>
>> As far as wiring: 12/2 with ground will be sufficient for the above
>> circuit, but I always go with 10/2 so I can increase the circuit
>> amperage if the need arises in the future. YMMV
>>
>> In the past the plug that comes standard on the 3HP Delta Unisaws is
>> a NEMA 6-15P.
>>
>> It will fit into 6-15R receptacle, as well as a 20 amp, 6-20R
>> receptacle, should you decide to make a jumper or extension cord.
>>
>> And for the nitpickers, and because codes generally specify the
>> "receptacle" requirements, not the male plug, the NEMA 6-15P plug
>> will handle the 20 amp circuit, and the 3 HP UniSaw startup amperage,
>> with no problem whatsoever.
>>
>
> I will go with the 12 ga wire. Have you seen the price of copper
> lately? It is nuts! I haven't bothered with the plug in the past. I
> just wired it direct. I have looked at plugs in the past and decided
> it just wasn't worth the trouble as I don't move the saw around. I
> have been thinking about getting a mobile base for it which would
> justify getting a plug and socket. Seems that there are a few options
> for a mobile base for a Unisaw. Which base is the best?
>
> Pierce
>
My Unisaw has the factory style plug into a heavier (8 ga?) extension
cord, so I can unplug the saw when I'm done with it. I'd rather it not
be plugged in and waiting for someone to start it up, when I'm not
there. That was the wire size the hardware guy had in Dayglo Yellow
super-flexible cover. The price for 10' just wasn't that grim.
The Delta mobile base, if you have the 52" fence version, is rather
convenient, and is well-made. Mine came as part of the package when I
bought it, but the local dealers can get them relatively easily. Being
able to reorganize my shop for different projects is a good thing. It
used to be a minimum-sized two-car garage in an earlier incarnation.
Enjoy your new/old saw.
Patriarch
Patriarch <[email protected]> wrote in
news:[email protected]:
> "R. Pierce Butler" <[email protected]> wrote in
> news:[email protected]:
>
>> "Swingman" <[email protected]> wrote in
>> news:[email protected]:
>>
>>> "R. Pierce Butler" wrote in message
>>>> What sort of wiring do I need for a 3 hp 220 volt unisaw? Is 20 amp
>>>> sufficient?
>>>
>>> Mine's been on a 10ga/220v/20 Amp circuit for a long time.
>>>
>>> As far as wiring: 12/2 with ground will be sufficient for the above
>>> circuit, but I always go with 10/2 so I can increase the circuit
>>> amperage if the need arises in the future. YMMV
>>>
>>> In the past the plug that comes standard on the 3HP Delta Unisaws is
>>> a NEMA 6-15P.
>>>
>>> It will fit into 6-15R receptacle, as well as a 20 amp, 6-20R
>>> receptacle, should you decide to make a jumper or extension cord.
>>>
>>> And for the nitpickers, and because codes generally specify the
>>> "receptacle" requirements, not the male plug, the NEMA 6-15P plug
>>> will handle the 20 amp circuit, and the 3 HP UniSaw startup amperage,
>>> with no problem whatsoever.
>>>
>>
>> I will go with the 12 ga wire. Have you seen the price of copper
>> lately? It is nuts! I haven't bothered with the plug in the past. I
>> just wired it direct. I have looked at plugs in the past and decided
>> it just wasn't worth the trouble as I don't move the saw around. I
>> have been thinking about getting a mobile base for it which would
>> justify getting a plug and socket. Seems that there are a few options
>> for a mobile base for a Unisaw. Which base is the best?
>>
>> Pierce
>>
>
> My Unisaw has the factory style plug into a heavier (8 ga?) extension
> cord, so I can unplug the saw when I'm done with it. I'd rather it not
> be plugged in and waiting for someone to start it up, when I'm not
> there. That was the wire size the hardware guy had in Dayglo Yellow
> super-flexible cover. The price for 10' just wasn't that grim.
>
> The Delta mobile base, if you have the 52" fence version, is rather
> convenient, and is well-made. Mine came as part of the package when I
> bought it, but the local dealers can get them relatively easily. Being
> able to reorganize my shop for different projects is a good thing. It
> used to be a minimum-sized two-car garage in an earlier incarnation.
>
> Enjoy your new/old saw.
>
> Patriarch
>
I think I will get a new mobile base this weekend. Moving stuff around at
will is quite appealing. I only have a 15x30 shop so space is an issue.
I will fire the beast up later today. It hasn't run in over 12 years.
Converting the barn to a workshop has been an adventure and a giant money
suck. I did score a 3 year old refrigerator for it. My son's girlfriend
had one that she didn't want so she gave it to me. Next thing is some
running water, networking and phone and I am good to go.
Pierce
"slideways" <[email protected]> wrote in
news:[email protected]:
>
> Teamcasa wrote:
>> "R. Pierce Butler"
>> > What sort of wiring do I need for a 3 hp 220 volt unisaw? Is 20 amp
>> > sufficient? I can't seem to find anything regarding this. The
>> > reason that I
>> > ask is that I may upgrade my unisaw motor. There is a 1 1/2 motor on
>> > it that
>> > my father rigged up to put on it. It isn't right but it cuts. I
>> > want to make it right. Before I upgrade I want to make sure the
>> > electric power is there to run the saw. 5 hp seems like overkill.
>> > Comments?
>> >
>> > Pierce
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> A 20amp 220v circuit wired with 10/2WG is more than sufficient
>> (depending on distance from panel) in most applications.
>> I would suggest a dedicated circuit and change the receptacle and plug
>> to NEMA L6-20 (TwistLock)
>> I would avoid direct wiring unless you use a disconnect.
>>
>> Dave
>> Electrical advice from non-electricians is free and worth every cent!
>
> 220 volts will halve the amps of a similar size 110 volt motor FWIW
> sw
>
Ohms law strikes again.
Amps times volts equals watts is one of my favorites. (:>)
"Teamcasa" <[email protected]> wrote in
news:[email protected]:
>
> "R. Pierce Butler"
>> What sort of wiring do I need for a 3 hp 220 volt unisaw? Is 20 amp
>> sufficient? I can't seem to find anything regarding this. The reason
>> that I
>> ask is that I may upgrade my unisaw motor. There is a 1 1/2 motor on
>> it that
>> my father rigged up to put on it. It isn't right but it cuts. I want
>> to make it right. Before I upgrade I want to make sure the electric
>> power is there to run the saw. 5 hp seems like overkill. Comments?
>>
>> Pierce
>>
>>
>>
> A 20amp 220v circuit wired with 10/2WG is more than sufficient
> (depending on distance from panel) in most applications.
> I would suggest a dedicated circuit and change the receptacle and plug
> to NEMA L6-20 (TwistLock)
> I would avoid direct wiring unless you use a disconnect.
>
> Dave
> Electrical advice from non-electricians is free and worth every cent!
>
>
Dedicated circuit I have. I have armored cable on the saw now so I think
that lends itself to a more permanent solution. Should I change the
wiring to something like a rubber jacketed stranded cable and go with the
L6-20 or L6-30 plug/receptical?
Wire length to the panel is less than 30 feet.
"Teamcasa" <[email protected]> wrote in
news:[email protected]:
>
> "R. Pierce Butler" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>> "Teamcasa" <[email protected]> wrote in
>> news:[email protected]:
>>
>>>
>>> "R. Pierce Butler"
>>>> What sort of wiring do I need for a 3 hp 220 volt unisaw? Is 20 amp
>>>> sufficient? I can't seem to find anything regarding this. The
>>>> reason that I
>>>> ask is that I may upgrade my unisaw motor. There is a 1 1/2 motor on
>>>> it that
>>>> my father rigged up to put on it. It isn't right but it cuts. I
>>>> want to make it right. Before I upgrade I want to make sure the
>>>> electric power is there to run the saw. 5 hp seems like overkill.
>>>> Comments?
>>>>
>>>> Pierce
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>> A 20amp 220v circuit wired with 10/2WG is more than sufficient
>>> (depending on distance from panel) in most applications.
>>> I would suggest a dedicated circuit and change the receptacle and plug
>>> to NEMA L6-20 (TwistLock)
>>> I would avoid direct wiring unless you use a disconnect.
>>>
>>> Dave
>>> Electrical advice from non-electricians is free and worth every cent!
>>>
>>>
>>
>> Dedicated circuit I have. I have armored cable on the saw now so I
>> think that lends itself to a more permanent solution. Should I change
>> the wiring to something like a rubber jacketed stranded cable and go
>> with the L6-20 or L6-30 plug/receptical?
>>
>> Wire length to the panel is less than 30 feet.
>>
>>
> Armored cable? Do you mean the wires are in flex conduit?(aluminum or
> steel)
> Something to consider, Cords are used to absorb the vibration/movement
> of the machine. If you are making a permanent connection using flex
> conduit, the wire should be a fine stranded wire (like a cord has) not a
> solid core wire. You can get away with a THNN stranded wire but I would
> still opt for fine stranded wire for the actual connection to the saw.
>
> As for the plug, if its wired permanently, and you have a disconnect
> between the saw and panel, you should be fine.
>
> Dave
> Again,
> Electrical advice from non-electricians is free and worth every cent!
>
>
>
It currently is wired with standard "BX" with solid core wire. My father
was never a good electrician. He was too used to "making do" instead of
"making right" likely due to his living thru the depression. Me? I would
rather do it right once and never have to touch it again. I will be going
to my local hardware store for some wire today. They have old stock and
havent changed the pricing which makes wire about 30% lower than what I can
get at Lowes or HD. In any case, I will be getting a L6-30 plug and
receptical and some 10 ga rubber jacket wire. It will be fun to rewire the
entire saw.
Pierce
"R. Pierce Butler" <[email protected]> wrote in
news:[email protected]:
> "Teamcasa" <[email protected]> wrote in
> news:[email protected]:
>
>>
>> "R. Pierce Butler" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>> news:[email protected]...
>>> "Teamcasa" <[email protected]> wrote in
>>> news:[email protected]:
>>>
>>>>
>>>> "R. Pierce Butler"
>>>>> What sort of wiring do I need for a 3 hp 220 volt unisaw? Is 20 amp
>>>>> sufficient? I can't seem to find anything regarding this. The
>>>>> reason that I
>>>>> ask is that I may upgrade my unisaw motor. There is a 1 1/2 motor
>>>>> on it that
>>>>> my father rigged up to put on it. It isn't right but it cuts. I
>>>>> want to make it right. Before I upgrade I want to make sure the
>>>>> electric power is there to run the saw. 5 hp seems like overkill.
>>>>> Comments?
>>>>>
>>>>> Pierce
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>> A 20amp 220v circuit wired with 10/2WG is more than sufficient
>>>> (depending on distance from panel) in most applications.
>>>> I would suggest a dedicated circuit and change the receptacle and
>>>> plug to NEMA L6-20 (TwistLock)
>>>> I would avoid direct wiring unless you use a disconnect.
>>>>
>>>> Dave
>>>> Electrical advice from non-electricians is free and worth every cent!
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>> Dedicated circuit I have. I have armored cable on the saw now so I
>>> think that lends itself to a more permanent solution. Should I
>>> change the wiring to something like a rubber jacketed stranded cable
>>> and go with the L6-20 or L6-30 plug/receptical?
>>>
>>> Wire length to the panel is less than 30 feet.
>>>
>>>
>> Armored cable? Do you mean the wires are in flex conduit?(aluminum or
>> steel)
>> Something to consider, Cords are used to absorb the vibration/movement
>> of the machine. If you are making a permanent connection using flex
>> conduit, the wire should be a fine stranded wire (like a cord has) not
>> a solid core wire. You can get away with a THNN stranded wire but I
>> would still opt for fine stranded wire for the actual connection to the
>> saw.
>>
>> As for the plug, if its wired permanently, and you have a disconnect
>> between the saw and panel, you should be fine.
>>
>> Dave
>> Again,
>> Electrical advice from non-electricians is free and worth every cent!
>>
>>
>>
>
>
> It currently is wired with standard "BX" with solid core wire. My
> father was never a good electrician. He was too used to "making do"
> instead of "making right" likely due to his living thru the depression.
> Me? I would rather do it right once and never have to touch it again.
> I will be going to my local hardware store for some wire today. They
> have old stock and havent changed the pricing which makes wire about 30%
> lower than what I can get at Lowes or HD. In any case, I will be
> getting a L6-30 plug and receptical and some 10 ga rubber jacket wire.
> It will be fun to rewire the entire saw.
>
> Pierce
>
>
>
50 ft of 10ga extension cord cost me $35.00 from my local hardware
store. HD want $50.00 for the same thing.
Pierce
On Wed, 14 Jun 2006 03:43:17 GMT, "R. Pierce Butler"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>What sort of wiring do I need for a 3 hp 220 volt unisaw? Is 20 amp
>sufficient? I can't seem to find anything regarding this. The reason that I
>ask is that I may upgrade my unisaw motor. There is a 1 1/2 motor on it that
>my father rigged up to put on it. It isn't right but it cuts. I want to
>make it right. Before I upgrade I want to make sure the electric power is
>there to run the saw. 5 hp seems like overkill. Comments?
>
>Pierce
>
>
3 HP Unisaw comes with a NEMA 6-15 plug, however I wired mine for a
NEMA 6-20.
Frank
"R. Pierce Butler" wrote in message
> What sort of wiring do I need for a 3 hp 220 volt unisaw? Is 20 amp
> sufficient?
Mine's been on a 10ga/220v/20 Amp circuit for a long time.
As far as wiring: 12/2 with ground will be sufficient for the above circuit,
but I always go with 10/2 so I can increase the circuit amperage if the need
arises in the future. YMMV
In the past the plug that comes standard on the 3HP Delta Unisaws is a NEMA
6-15P.
It will fit into 6-15R receptacle, as well as a 20 amp, 6-20R receptacle,
should you decide to make a jumper or extension cord.
And for the nitpickers, and because codes generally specify the "receptacle"
requirements, not the male plug, the NEMA 6-15P plug will handle the 20 amp
circuit, and the 3 HP UniSaw startup amperage, with no problem whatsoever.
--
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Last update: 5/6/06