Plasma Cutter Power Sources

For general topics and questions that do not fit into any of the other categories or forums.
Post Reply
Brig
1/2 Star Member
1/2 Star Member
Posts: 3
Joined: Fri Nov 24, 2023 10:22 pm

Plasma Cutter Power Sources

Post by Brig »

Read several posts on here but am still confused. Might be because I'm not an electrically-inclined guy yet, so figured I'd ask a couple questions for clarity.

I recently bought my first house and am slowly converting the barn/garage into a small workshop. The house had been abandoned for a couple years before it was renovated and flipped to myself, and during that time scavengers had stolen most of the electrical components from the outbuildings. Recently I dug and ran wire from the house to the barn and installed a 50amp box. I am yet to wire the outlets or lights.

I got inspired to look into plasma cutting shortly after I had run the wire. I understand that cutters eat a lot of power, so am I correct in assuming that a 50 amp box would be insufficient to run a plasma cutter?

I figure I could run one off a generator, as I intend to get one for the house anyway and had a generator hookup installed at the same time I ran the wire. I've read some posts about plasma cutters and generators not running smoothly, together, however, so I'm curious what size I would need to allow most plasma cutters to run smoothly?

I know some of these questions depend on the size and type of cutter, but as I don't have one yet I can shop with the considerations in mind.
robertspark
4.5 Star Elite Contributing Member
4.5 Star Elite Contributing Member
Posts: 1832
Joined: Mon Jun 12, 2017 6:43 pm

Re: Plasma Cutter Power Sources

Post by robertspark »

try not to cross post

https://www.plasmaspider.com/viewtopic. ... 15#p231508

50A at what voltage and how many phases

what do you want to cut?

how much do you intend to cut and what is your intended duty cycle

https://www.plasmaspider.com/viewtopic. ... 15#p231508

there is the 30xp, 45xp

or
https://www.everlastgenerators.com/cata ... sma-cutter
are an option as well as others

hypertherm.tend to have the best manuals for operators and servicing
User avatar
acourtjester
6 Star Elite Contributing Member
6 Star Elite Contributing Member
Posts: 8183
Joined: Sat Jun 02, 2012 6:04 pm
Location: Pensacola, Fla

Re: Plasma Cutter Power Sources

Post by acourtjester »

You will also need to run a compressor for the plasma cutter, I ran a 100 amp breaker from the main input to my shop. It handles the compressor and the plasma fine, I have a 65 amp hyperther.
DIY 4X4 Plasma/Router Table
Hypertherm PM65 Machine Torch
Drag Knife and Scribe
Miller Mig welder
13" metal lathe
Small Mill
Everlast PowerTig 255 EXT
Post Reply

Return to “CNC Plasma Cutters General Forum”