American washer/dryer in Iraq

[sparkey874]

I am a Seabee currently deployed in the dust of Iraq. My command got a american made whirlpool stacked washer/dryer set for out landury CHU. My problem is this; It's made for american 4 pole plug <IE 2 hot's a neutral and a ground>. I need 110v to run the washer unit and the control timer's but 240 volt's for the heating coil for the dryer unit. We have 240 volt's <IE 1 phase is 240 to neutral> single phase electrical system. Whirlpool tech support hasn't been very helpfull to me, but I'm pretty sure it can be done. Just need some idea's please. Any thoughts? Thank you in advance.

R/
CE2 <SCW> Kennedy

 

[dbuckley]

The safe solution is a transformer, 240V in, 120-0-120 out. Anything esle is going to involve modiifcations to the equipment, as well as a pile of assumptions about a phase to ground voltage of greater than 120V to be acceptble to the design, materials and manufacture of the unit.

Whirlpool (and most other similar manufacturers) make this stuff for the 240V market; we've got a Maytag 240V washer here in little 'ole NZ. It came with cable converters for the UK and Germany, as well as for NZ/Australia. Get them to send export models next time.

 

[charlie b]

I agree with these being your best two options. The better option is to get your supply officer to order a unit that uses the available voltage levels. The system should be able to handle that request, since we have been operating in that theatre for a long time. But if you can get the parts quicker than a replacement washer/dryer, then set up a transformer and a small distribution panel.

By the way, I recognize "CE2" as meaning Construction Electrician, Second Class. May I ask what SCW means? Is it a SeaBee equivalent to "SW," or Surface Warfare Qualified?

Welcome to the forum, and a world of thanks for your service to our country.

Charlie
(Commander, US Navy Reserve, Retired)

 

[sparkey874]

Sir;
Thank you for you help in this matter. My Chief is looking into getting the proper plug from our supply dept. We might just take it to our workshop where we have a 240/120 60 HZ generator operating our various shop 's equipment. Yes sir, SCW is Seabee Combat Warfare, very much like the SW program. I just qualified 2 week's ago and got pinned tonight. It was definatly a high light of my career.

R/
CE2 <SCW> Matthew Kennedy

 

[jusme123]

thank you for your service for our country, and please, stay safe!

 

[charlie]

Thank You!

Thank You!

I was in the USAF during Viet Nam and was never outside the borders of the USA. I still get misty eyed when Old Glory passes and I can't tell you how much I appreciate your service to keep us free.

 

[Besoeker]

I am a Seabee currently deployed in the dust of Iraq. My command got a american made whirlpool stacked washer/dryer set for out landury CHU. My problem is this; It's made for american 4 pole plug <IE 2 hot's a neutral and a ground>. I need 110v to run the washer unit and the control timer's but 240 volt's for the heating coil for the dryer unit. We have 240 volt's <IE 1 phase is 240 to neutral> single phase electrical system. Whirlpool tech support hasn't been very helpfull to me, but I'm pretty sure it can be done. Just need some idea's please. Any thoughts? Thank you in advance.

R/
CE2 <SCW> Kennedy

The transformer suggestion by dbuckley would give you the correct voltage.
The supply frequency may be more of a problem I believe Iraq is 50Hz. Your American washer and dryer most likely expects/needs a 60Hz supply.

 

[Besoeker]

Whirlpool (and most other similar manufacturers) make this stuff for the 240V market; we've got a Maytag 240V washer here in little 'ole NZ. It came with cable converters for the UK and Germany, as well as for NZ/Australia.

Yes. But NZ, Oz, UK and germany are all nominally 230V 50Hz as is Iraq.
As I said in my previous post, I would be concerned that Sparkey might have a problem with the frequency.

 

[dbuckley]

As I said in my previous post, I would be concerned that Sparkey might have a problem with the frequency.

Its entirely possible. Depends very much on whats in the equipment. Electronic timers will be fine, but syncronous motor driven timers will run fast. And I have no idea what type of motor drives the drums in these washers and dryers. And I c\n never remember what the rule of thumb with wrong frequency motors, though it has been noted on here many times.

My second suggestion, of getting export models of the equipment ordered must be by far be the better suggestion

 

[charlie b]

My Chief is looking into getting the proper plug from our supply dept.

I presume you are aware that just replacing the plug will not be enough. You need a different power supply voltage, and possibly frequency. A transformer can correct the voltage problem. But if the machines you have are not rated for the frequency of the available power source, you will need to either get a frequency converting device (power supply or motor generator, for example), or get the Chief to get the Supply Officer to requisition a machine with the correct ratings for your area.

I just qualified 2 week's ago and got pinned tonight. It was definatly a high light of my career.

Congratulations! I know that is a significant achievement and that it is no easy task.

By the way, no need to call me "sir" here. I am retired, and you are serving. So you outrank me. Here, I am just "Charlie."

 

[Besoeker]

Its entirely possible. Depends very much on whats in the equipment. Electronic timers will be fine, but syncronous motor driven timers will run fast.

Agreed on the wrong speed for synchronous but it'll be slower if you supply them from 50Hz instead of 60Hz.

And I have no idea what type of motor drives the drums in these washers and dryers.

I have changed motors (and almost everything else) on washers that we've had. The motors were electronically speed controlled commutator motors so probably DC. Our current washer, a few months old, also has that characteristic commutator whine. The controller might work OK on either 50 or 60 Hz.
The dryer motor, I don't know. Ours geos clockwise and anti-clockwise at, as far as I can tell, the same constant speed. It might well be an ac motor. If so, not only will it run a a lower speed on 50Hz but, if designed specifically for 60Hz operation, it will be over fluxed, possibly saturate, and fail.

And I c\n never remember what the rule of thumb with wrong frequency motors, though it has been noted on here many times.

Well, the design V/f ratio of motors and transformers should not be exceeded.

My second suggestion, of getting export models of the equipment ordered must be by far be the better suggestion

I agree.

 

[Sierrasparky]

Sir;
SCW is Seabee Combat Warfare, very much like the SW program. I just qualified 2 week's ago and got pinned tonight. It was definatly a high light of my career.

R/
CE2 <SCW> Matthew Kennedy

That's great We appreciate your service, Good luck, keep sharp and be well!

 

[dbuckley]

Agreed on the wrong speed for synchronous but it'll be slower if you supply them from 50Hz instead of 60Hz.

Not having a good day there, am I

 

[sparkey874]

Roger that Charlie. How long ago did you retire out?