Well if you can call $1K inexpensive. Still much cheaper than what it would cost new. Problem for many in a domestic setting would be the power supply.
Miele "Little Giant" Going Cheap
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Couldn't see any power requirements for the machine in amps or wattage-If the Meile washer could be strapped for 230V 3Ph-you might be able to use it in the "domestic" setting by running it from a Phasemaster or similar rotory phase convertor.Like one fellow I know here-runs his 3ph motored lathe and milling machine from a rotovertor.
mrb627
Well-known member
Power Trip
When I was looking at the Little Giant machines, the only thing that stopped me from taking the plunge was the silly power requirements. I just didn't want a power transformer mounted on the wall behind the washer.
Malcolm
When I was looking at the Little Giant machines, the only thing that stopped me from taking the plunge was the silly power requirements. I just didn't want a power transformer mounted on the wall behind the washer.
Malcolm
Three Phase Miele
It would likely run at our warehouse on our 3Phase 208 volt 60 Hz power supply, so if someone wants to buy it and donate it to us we will take it, LOL.
It would likely run at our warehouse on our 3Phase 208 volt 60 Hz power supply, so if someone wants to buy it and donate it to us we will take it, LOL.
The depth of the machine in the third photo, and it could be deceiving, looks more like the depth of my 6kg machine than my 5kg and its top spin speed is 1200 like the 6kg, not 1600 like the 5kg. Going by the control panel, it was not made for the USA. I wonder if it came off a yacht.
Solid State Variable Frequency Drive
Another option for anyone that wants to play with a commercial 3-phase machine at home is a inverter style variable frequency drive (VFD). These boxes can use a variety of input power voltages (and phase configurations) and they can generate 3-phases at varying voltages and frequencies. You could even set the output at 50Hz for example. They offer more flexibility then a standard rotary style phase converter and are likely more efficient too. Some could replace the need for a step up transformer as well. All brought to you via solid state magic.
There are many manufacturers and many sizes and configurations of these VFD's. I have watched quite a few on eBay. A small one is a great way to add reduced or more variable speed to a drill press for example!
For people that are running simple motor based equipment like an extractor, a VFD will also generate power above 60Hz in case they just don't spin fast enough already
Might want to have it in a separate reinforced concrete room though...
Another option for anyone that wants to play with a commercial 3-phase machine at home is a inverter style variable frequency drive (VFD). These boxes can use a variety of input power voltages (and phase configurations) and they can generate 3-phases at varying voltages and frequencies. You could even set the output at 50Hz for example. They offer more flexibility then a standard rotary style phase converter and are likely more efficient too. Some could replace the need for a step up transformer as well. All brought to you via solid state magic.
There are many manufacturers and many sizes and configurations of these VFD's. I have watched quite a few on eBay. A small one is a great way to add reduced or more variable speed to a drill press for example!
For people that are running simple motor based equipment like an extractor, a VFD will also generate power above 60Hz in case they just don't spin fast enough already
Might want to have it in a separate reinforced concrete room though...well, duh, if I had read to the bottom, my yacht question would have been answered.
Phil, is your electrontic toy really expensive?
Phil, is your electrontic toy really expensive?
Phil, is your electrontic toy really expensive?
Tom,
There are a good number of VFD's on eBay, sometimes used sometimes new. Of course the majority are 3-phase in and out, but some can use the single phase input.
Depends on how big the load capacity you need is. How many watts would one of these washers draw? Would 3.5Kw do it? In that size range it might cost $250 or so depending on what you find.
I'm about to buy one of these from this eBay auction to slow down a drill press we have for tapping use. Its only for 1 horsepower (~2Kw) but for $150 brand new its a deal!
Tom,
There are a good number of VFD's on eBay, sometimes used sometimes new. Of course the majority are 3-phase in and out, but some can use the single phase input.
Depends on how big the load capacity you need is. How many watts would one of these washers draw? Would 3.5Kw do it? In that size range it might cost $250 or so depending on what you find.
I'm about to buy one of these from this eBay auction to slow down a drill press we have for tapping use. Its only for 1 horsepower (~2Kw) but for $150 brand new its a deal!
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"Free" Giant
I wonder who the lucky winner was?
Seems like the WS5105 was the very first "Little Giant"
Have not heard of any such promotion in North America. Great marketing nonetheless.
I wonder who the lucky winner was?
Seems like the WS5105 was the very first "Little Giant"
Have not heard of any such promotion in North America. Great marketing nonetheless.
Phil, they are each on a 15 amp circuit with two 1300 watt heaters each. If I needed one of the real 220 volt machines, buying this with the cost of the VFD would be less than I paid for either Miele. I would even drive to FL for that, but I don't need another Miele.
Miele Washer Heaters
Seem to have been all over the place.
Early W700, W1000 had 3kW heating power. By the time the 1900 series came about it was down to 21kW which is where it was for the 1100 and 1200 series as well. Am going from memory here from looking at various sources including replacment heating element spares.
My W1070 for instance has "two" heating legs rated at 1500kW each for a total of 3kW. However to make the machine run on 120v you disconnected one leg of the heater (via a special cord set) and thus reduced the heating power by half. Mind you the thing requires a 20amp circut.
Guess since the last incarnations of the 1900 series and beyond no longer went to 200F and or used other tricks to "save energy" there was no longer a need for powerful 3kW of heating power in such small machines. I mean with computer programming there are ways to lessen the strain on heating, which could be one reason why Miele washers require connection to both hot and cold water feeds. Just my rambling thoughts.
Seem to have been all over the place.
Early W700, W1000 had 3kW heating power. By the time the 1900 series came about it was down to 21kW which is where it was for the 1100 and 1200 series as well. Am going from memory here from looking at various sources including replacment heating element spares.
My W1070 for instance has "two" heating legs rated at 1500kW each for a total of 3kW. However to make the machine run on 120v you disconnected one leg of the heater (via a special cord set) and thus reduced the heating power by half. Mind you the thing requires a 20amp circut.
Guess since the last incarnations of the 1900 series and beyond no longer went to 200F and or used other tricks to "save energy" there was no longer a need for powerful 3kW of heating power in such small machines. I mean with computer programming there are ways to lessen the strain on heating, which could be one reason why Miele washers require connection to both hot and cold water feeds. Just my rambling thoughts.
Miele Laundry Appliances In Florida
South Florida is happy hunting grounds for Miele and other European laundry appliances it seems. A good portion of this stock comes from the large number of yachts that are laid up, moored, fitted out, sold, etc... in that neck of the woods.
One problem is often these appliances were purchased in another country and can have different electrical requirements than what one finds in the USA. You find many "50hz" washers and such which obviously weren't meant for the US market.
MieleUSA once told us a good number of "Little Giant" units are sold to Americans for installation in home laundries. We both imagined this was new construction "MacMansions" where the proper electrical wiring/service could be put in during building.
One should think that whent he 4000 series was launched it took some of the wind out of Miele's "LG" sails. Indeed our Miele tech (the one who repaired our shocks) says Greenwhich, Conn are where large numbers of those washers and dryers were sold. Dealers there are beating the bushes to find units for customers now that they are discontinued. However MieleUSA is way ahead of them, and as mentioned in another thread will sit a dealer down if it finds out he is shipping units too far out of his local area. California to Seattle might be ok, but to NYC or vice versa is O-W-T out. How does MieleUSA know? Via the serial numbers.
South Florida is happy hunting grounds for Miele and other European laundry appliances it seems. A good portion of this stock comes from the large number of yachts that are laid up, moored, fitted out, sold, etc... in that neck of the woods.
One problem is often these appliances were purchased in another country and can have different electrical requirements than what one finds in the USA. You find many "50hz" washers and such which obviously weren't meant for the US market.
MieleUSA once told us a good number of "Little Giant" units are sold to Americans for installation in home laundries. We both imagined this was new construction "MacMansions" where the proper electrical wiring/service could be put in during building.
One should think that whent he 4000 series was launched it took some of the wind out of Miele's "LG" sails. Indeed our Miele tech (the one who repaired our shocks) says Greenwhich, Conn are where large numbers of those washers and dryers were sold. Dealers there are beating the bushes to find units for customers now that they are discontinued. However MieleUSA is way ahead of them, and as mentioned in another thread will sit a dealer down if it finds out he is shipping units too far out of his local area. California to Seattle might be ok, but to NYC or vice versa is O-W-T out. How does MieleUSA know? Via the serial numbers.
Excellent point on the small VFD's as an alternative to a rotovertor.The "bargain" of the Meile washer may end up being eaten up by the cost of obtaining the VFD or rotovertor-then an electrican to wire these things together.so---It would end up being cheaper to buy a machine that can run from the power supply you have-often most ships or large boats have 3 ph generators on board.If the Meile washer has internal heaters-this could be a problem for either the rotovertor or the VFD.If its just a MOTOR load for the convertor or VFD-then less of an issue.
Little Giants
Like all Miele washing machines have heaters. Rated load on at least one model washer is 4kW. Oh yes, we could be doing lots of boil washes with that sort of heat!
Like all Miele washing machines have heaters. Rated load on at least one model washer is 4kW. Oh yes, we could be doing lots of boil washes with that sort of heat!
Did Some Asking Around Of Persons Big On Boating Circuts
Apparently there are all manner and sorts of electric power connections/sources used for laundry appliances on board. Like homes quite allot depends upon when/how the boat was built in terms of it's electrical power sources/connections.
One person told me that it does happen Miele and other laundry machines are run off step-up or step-down converters. Since crafts often travel the seas world over where the thing is built may not be where it is fitted or refitted out. Also power requirements may not suit where the new or even current owner finds themselves when needing such equipment.
Can't see runing any dryer that used >2.4kW off a transformer, but a washing machine shouldn't be a problem, especially if one kept use of the heating units to a minimum (no heating icy cold water to boiling).
Apparently there are all manner and sorts of electric power connections/sources used for laundry appliances on board. Like homes quite allot depends upon when/how the boat was built in terms of it's electrical power sources/connections.
One person told me that it does happen Miele and other laundry machines are run off step-up or step-down converters. Since crafts often travel the seas world over where the thing is built may not be where it is fitted or refitted out. Also power requirements may not suit where the new or even current owner finds themselves when needing such equipment.
Can't see runing any dryer that used >2.4kW off a transformer, but a washing machine shouldn't be a problem, especially if one kept use of the heating units to a minimum (no heating icy cold water to boiling).
The reduction
in the size and wattage of the heating elements is probably due to the reduction in water consumption, the earlier 3kw + machines would have had a higher water level than todays machines, heaters in the sump area and in-line heaters for jetsystems reduced heater wattage in many machines...
in the size and wattage of the heating elements is probably due to the reduction in water consumption, the earlier 3kw + machines would have had a higher water level than todays machines, heaters in the sump area and in-line heaters for jetsystems reduced heater wattage in many machines...
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