Need Help!- I'm amped and have a STUPID question.

[DIYaholic]

I'm looking at building a 3' x 4' 80/20 macine. Since my shop is in the basement of an older house I'm worried about having enough electric service. What should I expect to be the ballpark current draw for the cpu, psu, drivers, motors, spindle (2.25 HP router) all totalled (I don't need vac or dust collection or other accesories included). Obviously, every set up is unique and there are a few circuits involved, but what kind of total ampherage would I be looking at? Since I have not completed my design or even made electronics descisions yet, I can't just total my components draw to get a rough estimate. If you have a similar sized machine, information on your requirements and experience would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, in advance, for your input (help)!

Randy,

[Al_The_Man]

You should just be able to get away with 2 15amp outlets on separate breakers.
Al.

[DIYaholic]

Al_The_Man,

Thanks for the quick response. It is appreciated greatly.
Since my electric supply is limited, I wanted to be sure I would actually be able to run the machine and a few accesories. Sounds as though I can.

Al_YOU_The_Man!

I have to get back to research, design and development.
Again, thanks.

Randy,

[CarveOne]

My four stepper system and computer is running off of one outlet, but I wired my shop with 20 amp outlet service. My 1hp dust collector is running off of a second branch.

Do you have the option of running a dedicated drop from the fuse or breaker box for a new 20 amp outlet where your CNC will be located? Depends on how old the wiring is, and whether local codes will allow it. Would be worth having an electrician check it out to see what your options are.

CarveOne

[DIYaholic]

CarveOne,
Thanks for reassuring me that I will be able to power my machine.
As luck would have it, a friend is THE electrician that hardwired new smoke/co2 detectors for this house. She had to remove a circuit that fed on outbuilding in order to do it, so I doubt I'll be able to add a dedicated circuit. But it won't hurt to ask.
One way or another I WILL have my machine, besides who cares if my housemate needs the electric stove, lights and TV on.

Randy,

[CarveOne]

Originally Posted by DIYaholic CarveOne, Thanks for reassuring me that I will be able to power my machine. As luck would have it, a friend is THE electrician that hardwired new smoke/co2 detectors for this house. She had to remove a circuit that fed on outbuilding in order to do it, so I doubt I'll be able to add a dedicated circuit. But it won't hurt to ask. One way or another I WILL have my machine, besides who cares if my housemate needs the electric stove, lights and TV on. Randy,

Yeah, those other appliances can be run off of a power backup generator when the CNC machine is running. Just a matter of getting the priorities sorted out.

I really don't have a clue about how many amps (peak or average) that my system is using, but I doubt that it is drawing anywhere near 15 amps off of the ac line. I have an ac amp probe but have never watched it while cutting something. I would have to pull the cover off of the breaker panel and clamp it on the wire feeding the branch that I use for the CNC machine. I'll try to check it tomorrow while I'm out there.

CarveOne

[DIYaholic]

Originally Posted by CarveOne Yeah, those other appliances can be run off of a power backup generator when the CNC machine is running. Just a matter of getting the priorities sorted out. CarveOne

Do you think my housemate would mind refueling my portable generator?

If you could check the draw of that branch and report back, it would be great. I'll bet others would be curious also.

BTW: I'm still willing to relieve you of the "burdens & frustrations" of keeping two cnc's up and running. Just think about it.

Thanks CarveOne.

Randy

[Al_The_Man]

Just check the current rating of the router, it is a Universal motor probably and they have quite the inrush at switch on especially, this is why I suggested two circuits if it is possible.
Al.

[DIYaholic]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Man Just check the current rating of the router, it is a Universal motor probably and they have quite the inrush at switch on especially, this is why I suggested two circuits if it is possible. Al.

Good point. Now that I know I shouldn't be overtasking the whole electric system, it's just a matter of spreading the load/draw over several circuits as needed.

I will, of course, check with my electrician to verify the service amps and total amps of current circuits. I'd rather be safe than sorry.

Randy,

[jsheerin]

When I ran my cnc with a PC890 router off a 15A line, running a shop vac + anything else would trip the breaker. And it's really nice to have dust collection when you have massive amounts of dust spraying around (especially if you're inside - you don't have a gas furnace in the basement with the router do you? You don't want a source of ignition in a cloud of sawdust...). I had to run another line eventually so I could do other work while my router ran, and I ran an extra line for the shop vac just to give the router a bit of extra breathing room.

[CarveOne]

Originally Posted by DIYaholic Do you think my housemate would mind refueling my portable generator? If you could check the draw of that branch and report back, it would be great. I'll bet others would be curious also. BTW: I'm still willing to relieve you of the "burdens & frustrations" of keeping two cnc's up and running. Just think about it. Thanks CarveOne. Randy

I dunno. Dinner might be late, or none at all. Are you prepared for that? Build your electronics enclosure large enough to hide a stash of junk food for those hard times.

Machine #1 will be sold off for local pickup sometime in the next couple of months. #2 and #3 will be doing some paying work - I hope.

CarveOne

[DIYaholic]

Originally Posted by jsheerin When I ran my cnc with a PC890 router off a 15A line, running a shop vac + anything else would trip the breaker. And it's really nice to have dust collection when you have massive amounts of dust spraying around (especially if you're inside - you don't have a gas furnace in the basement with the router do you? You don't want a source of ignition in a cloud of sawdust...). I had to run another line eventually so I could do other work while my router ran, and I ran an extra line for the shop vac just to give the router a bit of extra breathing room.

Thanks for the heads up. Oil fired furnace in basement. Plan on isolating it with it's own fresh air supply. You are right, dust collection is a MUST! I also plan on having an air handler for the shop (especially since I don't have a "significant other" to dust off everything ).

I must now figure out/make sure I can properly supply the cnc and ALL the accesories (the mini fridge being one of the most important).

Randy,