Replies

1. 
   JohnWW | Oct 18, 2006 11:22pm | #1

   I don't have any experience with Emco Rex machines since they aren't common in the US, but if your motor is made like every other motor I've seen, the information you need should be on the motor itself.

   First of all, look at the plate that lists the motor's specifications.  In the voltage box it will need to say 110/220 or 120/240 which would indicate that the motor can be used with either voltage.  If the plate only has a single voltage, 110 or 120, printed on the plate then it can't be converted.

   If the motor can be converted then the information you need to make the conversion should be right on the motor itself.  Start by looking at the spec plate again.  On the lower half of the plate below the voltage, horsepower, and amperage specifications there may be a pair of diagrams that will show how the wires in the motor's connection box should be hooked up for each voltage.

   If the information isn't on the spec plate or a second plate nearby, then look at the cover of the wiring box.  The information may be on the outside of the cover or, if it isn't, then remove the cover and look at its back surface where many manufacturers hide this information.

   If you can't find a wiring diagram anywhere on the motor then you will need to either contact the manufacturer or take the motor to a motor repair shop and have them sort it out.

   For 220 volts operation both of the power wires going to the motor are hot and the switch for the machine will have to be a double pole type that cuts power to both wires when it is switched off. 

   The switch you have now may, or may not, be a double pole.  If it is a double pole both power wires coming into the switch box will actually be hooked up to terminals on the switch with two more wires coming off the opposite side of the switch that go to the motor.  In addition to the power wires there will also be a ground wire that is typically yellow, green, or brown that will also go to a terminal on the metal frame of the switch but it won't have a matching wire going away from the switch.

   Hope this helps, tell me what you find and if you have trouble interpreting the information contact me again.

   John White, Shop Manager, Fine Woodworking Magazine