Eliminate Poor Power Supply Performance Issues with Drive Isolating Transformers

Most machine tools in the United States require simple 230-Volt or 460-Volt 3-Phase 60Hz power supply. However, current requirements of power quality, due to electronic devices, are elevated. There are many situations were power quality can deteriorate or suffer distortions, thereby reducing your CNC machine tools with Variable Speed Drive (VSD) performance. Guide standard IEEE 519-1992 was developed to help avoid voltage distortions in power networks since VSD can be both a source of distortion as well as a victim of it. Voltage and current waveform distortion can be corrected using filters and reactors. Drive Isolating Transformers (DIT) can also be installed to help minimize and smooth out distortion and electrical disturbances, allowing users to operate their machine tools for optimal performance. Additionally, DIT separates the machines from power primary source since the transformer's secondary windings are electrically isolated from primary windings.

THE BENEFITS TO INSTALLING DRIVE ISOLATING TRANSFORMERS ARE: Balance irregular power supply not only between phases, but also between ground (neutral point) and phases not balanced in Delta-connected networks. DIT has taps for 95-105% voltage adjustment and can be used to adjust voltage. In many cases, voltage is too high causing more power consumption, creating excessive heat and shortening life of electrical equipment, etc. Will block or reduce voltage disturbance (from welders, lighting and other machines) both to CNC machines (sensitive electronics) and from machine to VSD or power network. DIT will reduce line notching caused by, for example, machine heavy starts. Notching causes CPUs to shut down, controllers to malfunction, etc. Thanks to the DIT Wye secondary neutral point, when grounded, machine and transformer creates a “separate” power system with its own isolated ground system. This will block induced high frequency ground currents (which is an undesirable characteristic of VSD due to data disruption in digital communications) and is also a safety feature. DIT will block/reduce harmonic voltage distortions. Typical DIT K-rating is 4 or better, meaning that DIT can handle heat generated by trapped harmonics. For example, a 3rd harmonic frequency equals 180hz and voltage can be twice higher than power nominal voltage, potentially causing circuit breakers and fuses to unexpectedly blow far below their current ratings, malfunctions of PC computers, etc. DIT, when used together with lighting surge suppressor, can help risk of damages due to lighting. DIT compare to ordinary transformer can better handle overload capability of VSD (IEEE 597).

Call Toolmex at 800-992-4766 or 847-301-3700 to order a Drive Isolating Transformer, and ensure that your machine tools are getting the full advantage of an optimal power supply and quality.