[Elecraft] KPA500 AC power

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Depends.   If you have a stiff 120 V service from the breaker panel, a 
service that doesn't loop through other outlets, specially the ones that 
use the push in the wire type connections, then the KPA500 will run OK 
on 120 volts.   If you have other stuff on that circuit,  or have the 
maximum legal number of duplex outlets of 5 on that circuit, then you 
may be approaching the limit of a 20 Amp circuit.

The IR drop between 120 volts and 240 volts is noticeable, more so as 
the distance from the breaker panel to the load increases. The IR drop 
in the wire from the breaker panel to the outlet will be reduced by 
1/4th when operated on 240 as compared to 120. There is drop in the 
outlet, the power cord and such, all will likewise be reduced when a 240 
volt service is used.   And then if you ever go to the KPA-1500, there 
is no choice except 240 volts.

I ran a dedicated 240 volt service, 20A from the breaker panel with 
#10-4 wire and feed it from 2 single breakers.  The larger than required 
wire size makes for less IR drop.  I also have  2 duplex 20A 120V 
outlets which are fed from each leg of the 240 V service thus the reason 
for using #10-4.  That provides L1, L2, Neutral, and Ground as required 
for the 120V duplex outlets.  This way I have a good solid power feed to 
the station.

Labor is the most expensive part, copper wire is the next.

73

Bob, K4TAX



On 12/12/2018 6:13 PM, Tom Berry wrote:
> Is there any advantage to use 220 V over 110 V on the KPA500?
>
> Is it worth having an electrician come to the house and install a 220 
> V outlet for it?
>
>
> Thanks
>
> Tom AA4VV
>
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