3 I think, they replaced them the other day with a single wrapped wire but it still goes to the 3 poles I think....
The tyre machine is from my sisters work so it's cheap, looked OK from pics.... Been a while since I've done tyre fitting tho.... Then I guess the problem is no balancer, be good for skid rims etc but maybe not for other stuff....
Oh, and good point, have been running lights, welders and all sorts through a extension lead