Power Requirements: 110V, 220V, and Three-Phase 220V/380V

Discovering after the machine arrives that it can't be plugged in is something many new shop owners have experienced. Before buying a machine, get three things clear: what power the machine needs, what power you have, and whether the circuit is sufficient.

Common Low-Voltage Supply Types in Taiwan

The low-voltage standard voltages and supply types listed in Article 4 of the Ministry of Economic Affairs' Standards for Supply Voltage and Frequency of Electricity Enterprises (電業供電電壓及頻率標準) include:

• 110V: single-phase two-wire.
• 110V/220V: single-phase three-wire (most common in homes and shops, with 110V outlets and 220V for air conditioners).
• 220V: single-phase two-wire, three-phase three-wire.
• 220V/380V: three-phase four-wire.
• 380V: three-phase three-wire.

Article 3 of the same Standards sets the frequency at 60Hz, with phases divided into single-phase and three-phase. Article 46 of Taipower's business regulations likewise specifies AC 60Hz supply and lists the available voltages and wiring systems by usage category.

What's the Difference Between Single-Phase and Three-Phase?

• Single-phase: Supplied over two (or three) wires; ordinary household appliances and small machines mostly use single-phase.
• Three-phase: Supplied over three phase conductors, delivering power more smoothly and making it easier to build large motors; large factory motors, air compressors, and large mixers often use three-phase.

The same "220V" could be single-phase 220V or three-phase 220V, and the two are not interchangeable. When reading a machine's nameplate, check carefully whether it says "1Φ" (single-phase) or "3Φ" (three-phase).

Power Specs for Dong-Yih Models

• DY-528MS Sweet Potato Ball and Taro Ball Portioning and Cutting Machine: single-phase 220V, 1.6KW; three-phase 380V/415V/440V must be custom ordered.
• DY-201 Automatic Steamed Bun and Mantou Machine: 2.0KW; please call to confirm the phase and voltage.

How to Read Power (kW)

kW (kilowatts) is the rate at which a machine consumes electricity. You can use it like this:

• Estimate current: For single-phase, current (A) is roughly power (W) ÷ voltage (V). For a hypothetical 1.6KW single-phase 220V machine, 1600 ÷ 220 ≈ 7.3A; current is higher at the moment the motor starts, so leave headroom on the circuit. Three-phase is calculated differently; have an electrical engineer or electrical contractor do it.
• Estimate electricity cost: kWh used per hour ≈ power (kW) × actual load ratio × hours. Machines don't run at full load all the time, so actual consumption depends on how they're running.
• Look at the total: Add up the power of all machines, steamers, freezers, and air conditioners that will run at the same time, and see whether your distribution panel and contracted capacity can handle it.

Is the Power at Home or in My Shop Enough?

You can check these yourself first:

1. Information near the meter or main switch, to see whether it's single-phase three-wire or three-phase.
2. Whether there's a 220V outlet near the planned location, and what other large appliances are on that circuit.
3. The amperage of the main switch and branch breakers.

Take the results to an electrical engineer or licensed electrical contractor and have them decide whether you need a new circuit, a new breaker, or more contracted capacity. Don't modify wiring yourself.

What If I Need to Apply for Three-Phase Power?

Taipower's application guidelines for new or additional service state that customers can apply on their own, but the application must include an indoor wiring design drawing prepared by an electrical engineer or electrical contractor. In practice, most people hire a contractor to assess the indoor wiring, apply on their behalf, and do the work. Switching from single-phase to three-phase involves the service line, the meter, and contracted capacity, so cost and time depend on the assessment by Taipower and the contractor; you can call Taipower customer service at 1911 to ask.

If you'd rather not change your power supply, ask the machine maker when shopping whether a single-phase version is available, or, as with the DY-528MS, whether a different voltage can be custom ordered.

Safety Reminder

Always leave connecting machines to power and modifying wiring to qualified personnel. Before cleaning, adjusting, or repairing a machine, switch it off and cut the power, and if necessary lock the switch and hang a "Under maintenance, do not energize" sign.

FAQ

Q: My shop only has 110V. Can I use Dong-Yih machines?
A: The DY-528MS is single-phase 220V; for other models please call to confirm, and if necessary have an electrical contractor run a 220V circuit.

Q: Are three-phase 220V and single-phase 220V interchangeable?
A: No. The machine's nameplate shows the phase, and it must be connected to the matching supply.

Q: How many kWh does a 1.6KW machine use per hour?
A: About 1.6 kWh at full load; actual use is usually below full load, depending on running load and time.

Q: Whom should I contact to apply for three-phase power?
A: Hire an electrical engineer or licensed electrical contractor to assess, design, and apply to Taipower; you can also call Taipower customer service at 1911.