2 Post / 3 Phase lift help please

[handbrake]

Hi all,

I am in need of some advice. I purchased a 2 post Werther lift for scrap and have had it installed, serviced etc. It’s in a barn with only single phase power so I purchased a suitable 2.2kw VFD for the motor which drives it fine. I cannot for the life of me now understand how to use the control circuit.
It appears that it works of a 24v system and there is a 400v 230v 24v (??!) transformer. My thinking was that I’d use 230v to enegergise the control circuit and VFD then use the existing buttons to control the drive, safety locks and solenoid to lower the ramp. The issue is I don’t know where to ‘put’ the 230v, I have tried putting the single 230v live into each of the single phase inputs but no good - any ideas? A wiring diagram from a ramp from the same manufacturer shows both 230v and 400v going to the transformer, with 24v out. Will try to get photos of the box if this would help but in the mean time would greatly appreciate input.
Cheers

[GreenV8S]

Are you saying it's designed to have a three phase supply?

[handbrake]

Hi,
Yes designed for 3 phase, it’s a 2.2kW motor. Making the motor move is the easy part, I just can’t get the control circuit working.
It was dismantled from a local garage who were getting a new lift, seemed too easy!

[Mikey G]

Would it be easier to replace the motor with a single phase unit?

[handbrake]

Thanks - perhaps. The thing is I have the motor running fine.
I can see where the original 3 live wires ran to, but don't know where to now connect the 230v , Neutral and Earth from a domestic supply. I also do not know if the current 24v transformer will function properly without a three phase supply - I wonder if I could run the control circuit on from a 230v > 24v transformer? Below is a shot from a wiring diagram from a similar lift - same manufacturer

[Mikey G]

That wiring diagram shows a 400/240v transformer and its just a matter of connecting your live and neutral to the 240v terminals and you be ok. You have to bare in mind 400v is phase to phase not phase to neutral, you can grab a 240v supply from 3 phase as long as you have a neutral return by using a single leg and neutral.

Edit, sorry I should be saying 230v these days but old habits...

Edited by Mikey G on Friday 30th November 09:16

[SamR380]

I will preface my response by saying 'if you have to ask, you should get an electrician'.

For academic purposes, it looks like there is an unused 230V tapping on the primary side of the transformer. You should be able to wire 230VAC to that and the neutral, giving 24VAC at the output as designed. You would need to remove any wire on the 400V tapping.

[227bhp]

OP, are you still with us? Is it working yet?

[armalites]

I run the same setup.

VFD runs the motor independantly(motor needs to be converted to Delta configuration)
I then use the original 24v contactor to trigger the VFD.
Some of the Werther 24v transformers having tappings which allow them to run 240v, mine didn't but I was able to buy a 240-24v transformer from a local electrical supplier for £24.
I left all the original wiring in place and just connected to places that allowed a safe connection with disturbing anything so I have the option to go back if I ever sell the lift.
This does mean my 24v transformer is external to the control box.
There is a timer switch which gets used when the lift lowers, it raises the carriage slightly to allow the locks to disengage. I had to ajust this due to the time it takes the VFD to operate the motor.