Car Lift - Electrical Advice

[mrfirepro 127 1 Cars]

I'm in the process of building a new garage and have been offered a 3 phase car lift (3000Kgs max). I only have single phase available.

 

It's a very simple mechanism, a small hydraulic pump extends a ram and lifts the deck via some steel cables attached at each of the 4 posts

 

I've done the usual google search but have come up with contradicting information, is there any way I can use this car lift? and if so what do I have to do?

 

I'm keen to use it if I can as it's being offered for free, all I have to do is collect it.

[murtaghp 3]

You can buy a single to three phase converter but they are expensive.

 

You may be cheaper fitting a single phase motor.

[dobboy 231 2 Cars]

What size is the motor ? kW or HP

 

If you live in an old house chech the cable head before the meter, last two houses i've had have 3ph comng in..... But only single phase used.

 

Only thing is, if you have 3ph and use it without advising you supplier it's illegal, but cheap to run!

 

You'll need to determine the size of supply you have entering the house after you know the motor size, to determne if a converter could be used.

 

You could also change the motor but would maybe need an inverter to give speed control/soft start to minimise starting current depending on motor rating.

 

If you take a picture of your incomer/cable head i might be able to tell you what you have.

 

Run it off a 3ph gennie as and when required? Just a thought.

[rallyeash 155]

How much have you been offered the 3 phase for? I'm on the look out for a 2 poster ramp.. Plenty on FB pages both 3 and single phase for about £500.

[dobboy 231 2 Cars]

If you search for "car hoist" on ebay, there's a company doing a 1ph to 3ph converter specifically for car hoists.

[Weser 30]

My old man runs a converter for one of his ramps. Was expensive but does the job well.

[mrfirepro 127 1 Cars]

Thanks for all the responses, I've now got the lift and it seems like it's a simple case of an converter to change the single phase to 3ph. The motor is 2.2Kw

 

Thanks for Tom pointing me in the direction of this item

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CAR-VEHICLE-LIFT-RAMP-HOIST-SINGLE-3-PHASE-CONVERTER-/151207143430?hash=item2334a5e806#ht_3250wt_1190

[james_pug 26 1 Cars]

Look up elite power transmissions they're in bethersden near Ashford, will probably have something suitable on the shelf and will help out with any technical questions.