IBM BladeCenter E with 3000W step up transformer from 120v to 240v

Question

OK so Im looking to run a IBM BladeCenter E chassis. It requires 240v at 12amp running 1800w.

I want to know if i can run it off one or two 3000W step up transformers like: http://www.amazon.com/LiteFuze-convertingbox-3600-Converter-Transformer/dp/B0054R0JD2/ref=pd_cp_e_1

Now the problem i have is that i only have 120v and to get 240v i would need to patch into my breaker board (NOT wanting to do.) with a 240v running off a new breaker.

Is there a way to run 240v/12amps/1800w from a 120v line. PS: Im in Canada (So you have an idea of the electrical system.)

Answer 1

Thats cutting pretty close in terms of power i suspect - 120V at 15A (which is what the NEMA 5-15 plugs is the usual for canadian and british power plugs are rated for) - if you have , and that would result in only about 1800W of power.

Answer 2

We are in Canada and have done exactly what you're trying to do.

Now that being said, we were bringing it to trade shows and only doing it given the infeasibility of getting 208V at a trade show.

Sounds like your BC E has 4 x 1800W power supplies? If you're only running one side (slots 1-6) then you only need PSU 1 and 2 and can manage with a single 3000W transformer (the power supplies are 1+1).

If you're running both sides you'll want a transformer for each side (one for PSU 1-2 and one for PSU 3-4).

A better solution would be a BladeCenter S which can run directly off 120V.

Answer 3

A typical (US) house has 240v incoming. You could find two outlets, hopefully in the same room, on different legs and build up a special cord to derive 240v.