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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