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Power Config for New PT 3DOF Setup

Discussion in 'Commercial Simulators and Peripherie' started by Globespy, Jun 12, 2020.

  1. Globespy

    Globespy Member

    Joined:
    May 18, 2020
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    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF
    I posted a question in another thread, but to avoid it getting lost in there, I thought I would ask in a separate thread.
    I am awaiting arrival of 3x150mm stroke PT actuators for a racing rig.
    I plan to house the servo controller boxes and a power strip/surge protector/EMI+RFI eliminator in a dedicated enclosure (6U network enclosure).
    Like most homes in the USA, outlets are on 15A circuits - my basement remodel has 20A for all outlets, but I guess that most will be on 15A circuits unless they add brand new wiring/sub panels which can be a major job if sheetrock needs to be pulled out to add the additional wiring.
    I've ordered a 15A power strip as I also have a Simucube DD wheel on the same electrical circuit.

    So, what are most using? Will a 3DOF system work ok on a 15A circuit?
    I can order a 20A power strip since my outlets are on 20A, but then I would need to change the receptacle to Nema 5-20R with the 'turned' post, but not sure if it's even worth it, especially when I have that additional Simucube Servo motor on the same 20A circuit?

    I should have asked about all this before buying, hopefully I am not in for some bad news as I really can't start pulling out walls and ceilings to add a dedicated 50A circuit just for the 3 actuators and will likely just sell the kit if I need to do that.
    Seems Thanos just has his stuff plugged into the wall using regular UK plugs with 4 actuators so hopefully I am good to go!


    Appreciate some insights and feedback!
    Last edited: Jun 12, 2020
    Globespy, Jun 12, 2020
    #1
  2. Thanos

    Thanos Building the Future one AC Servo at a time... or 6

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2017
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    Occupation:
    Electronics Engineer
    Location:
    United States
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    2,700Coins
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    My Motion Simulator:
    AC motor, Motion platform, 4DOF, 6DOF
    These servos are efficient. You won't reach their peak current ratings, unless you manage to stall all motors at once at 300% of their rating! Usually the whole system draws 1 to 5 amp, with peaks up to 10A on rough driving profiles. But nothing to trip a 15A circuit. So you can plug the whole system into a single wall outlet without problems.
    Thanos, Jun 12, 2020
    #2
  3. Globespy

    Globespy Member

    Joined:
    May 18, 2020
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    Balance:
    666Coins
    Ratings:
    +24 / 0 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF
    Ahh!!! Thank you so much! I was worrying about having to buy $300 'power conditioners' or since I have 20A outlets, get the 20A power strip with surge protection.
    Sounds like the 15A option I chose with EMI/RFI protection and 3000 joules surge protection should be just fine!
    But I will get a 20A Nema 5-20R option to provide a little more headroom since I have 20A circuits for all my outlets in the newly remodeled basement. This has 1800 Joules surge protection and 400V clamp
    amazon.com/gp/product/B00077IS32

    Plus, my new Subpanel installed in the basement has AFCI breakers which are far safer than the older breakers.
    Last edited: Jun 12, 2020
    Globespy, Jun 12, 2020
    #3