Diagnosing and Fixing a Nova Series machine that was powered by 220v instead of 110v AC
How to identify signs of 220v damage on a Nova Series laser, check which components failed, and find replacement parts.
Preface: This article covers how to tell if your machine was plugged into 220v (or experienced a power surge) and which components typically fail.
Two most obvious symptoms are that the machine will power up (lights on, controller on) but the Laser Head will not jog around and the bed will not raise or lower. This is symptomatic that the 36V power supply has failed. The second symptom for the 36V power supply failure is that there may be smoke and sparks at the initial startup and then a pool of Capacitor Fluid in the control panel below the 36V power supply.
If you got lucky and did not turn on the 2nd switch marked LASER on the side of the machine, then the main contactor and LPSU will likely be safe. If the switch was on, then the main contactor coil likely fried and the LPSU is likely fried too. Check for burnt electrical smells nearby.
Use a multimeter to check at the outlet. You should have ~120v Line to Neutral and ~120V Line to Ground. Any reading over 135V and you should not plug in the machine and contact [email protected] for more information.
36V Power Supply
Green Light will be off and possibly a pool of Capacitor Oil below the power supply.
Main Contactor
May not pull in and may chatter when trying to pull in even after restoring 120v power to the machine.
LPSU
Dead, no lights, fan or screen. Depending on your model, the LPSU will look different and the location will vary. Nova 24's do not have a screen, so only will be able to see if there are LEDs or the internal fan on. If you attempt to do the red button test after restoring 120v power to the machine, it will likely not fire.
Be sure to confirm your parts match the part that you are replacing before swapping.
Technically, anything that the 220v power touches directly is no longer under warranty if the component is not rated for 220v. LPSU, Main Contactor, Chiller, 36V Driver power supply. If you source replacements from the Thunder Laser USA Ecom site, then the parts would carry the warranty from that purchase.
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