Top 5 Things to Know When Buying a Phase Converter

Instructions / March 11, 2022 / Leave a Comment

Everyday we get hundreds of calls with questions about phase converters. So, we thought we would take a moment and go over the top 5 things you should know before buying a phase converter. As you can see, there are a few basic things you should know before buying a phase converter. 1.Make sure you have enough single phase power. Here’s how to calculate how much single phase power you need: Take the amount of three phase amps of your load x 1.6 = amount of single phase amps. Then, take the amount of single phase amps x 1.2 = …

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When Would You Choose a Variable Frequency Drive?

Instructions, Knowledge / March 9, 2022 / Leave a Comment

A Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) is a great choice if you have a sigle motor that either needs 3 phase power or to be speed controlled. It is a cost effective choice for phase conversion if the motor will be controlled directly from the VFD rather than from buttons or a computer on your machine. Examples where a VFD is great option include a stand-alone pump or compressor, a saw that has simple on and off controlls, or a fan. It is not suitable to power both a motor and it’s on-board computer system. It is also not ideal when …

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How to Convert to 3 Phase Power?

Comparison, Instructions, Knowledge / March 9, 2022 / Leave a Comment

My machine needs 3 phase power We get calls daily from people who purchased a machine — it’s a really awesome machine — but it needs 3 phase power and their shop only has single phase. Most of the time, they didn’t realize they needed 3 phase until they went to hook up the machine and, well, couldn’t. They need 3 phase, but they don’t really know much about it. Before jumping in to buy the first option, they want to know a bit more about how to convert 1 phase to 3 phase supply make sure that what they …

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Most Common Questions about Three-Phase Power

Instructions / March 9, 2022 / Leave a Comment

How do I size a Rotary Phase Converter and what information is needed to have someone help me size? To size a rotary phase converter, you want to look at the type of machine you are running and the power requirements the machine needs. Typically, the power requirements are listed in a few different types of measurements; HP, AMPs, kW, or KVA. You will also want to verify the voltage the machine requires. These numbers are typically listed at 208-250v, 380v, or 480v. Once you know this information you can reference one of our load charts at or call one …

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What Are Rotary Phase Converters and How Do They Work?

Benefits, Comparison, Knowledge / March 9, 2022 / Leave a Comment

Have you ever heard of phase converters before? Many people have never heard of these before, but they’re useful for providing electric power. Their main purpose is to supply power to 3-phase electrical equipment by drawing energy from two single-phase lines. In many areas, installing 3-phase electricity is too expensive or isn’t available. A phase converter lets you convert single-phase power into 3-phase power, and there are 3 types of converters: rotary, static, and digital rotary. We’ll be focusing on rotary phase converters in this article, so read on to learn more. What are Rotary Phase Converters? Rotary phase converters …

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Rotary & Static Converters and Power Factor Capacitors Troubleshooting Guides

Instructions / March 9, 2022 / Leave a Comment

Rotary Converters A rotary converter is a device that uses an electric motor and a bank of capacitors to generate and maintain a third leg of power from a single-phase source. There are three things that have to be adequate for the generated leg to be of use. 1) The incoming power must be adequate in the aspect of voltage. This is achieved through the wire and other devices that bring the power to the converter. A phase converter can be a part of a successful electrical system for years, and then, all of the sudden, it can appear to …

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Things You Need to Know about Phase Converters

Comparison, Instructions, Knowledge / March 9, 2022 / Leave a Comment

Many shop tools and machines run on three-phase energy, but the energy company only supplies single-phase energy! One problem that many new mechanics and shop owners run into is how to power all that equipment. There is a solution! A phase converter can transform that two-phase current into the three-phase energy that you need to power your shop. Do you need to purchase a phase converter for your business? Read on for all you need to know about phase converters and how to choose the right one for your needs. What Is a Phase Converter? First, let’s talk about phases.Most …

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Rotary Phase Coverter vs. Utility Three Phase & Three Phase Generator

Benefits, Comparison / March 7, 2022 / Leave a Comment

It is true there are other options out there to get three-phase power to your equipment. Each option has its pros but it does come down to what is affordable for you and your situation. The options are to get three-phase power are through your utility line, a gas or diesel generator, or through a rotary phase converter. Here we give you a breakdown of the costs associated with each option so you can make an educated decision on which route is best for you. THREE PHASE GENERATOR This option is good if no power is available at the site. …

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What Is a Phase Converter?

Knowledge / March 7, 2022 / Leave a Comment

A phase converter is a device that produces three-phase electrical power from a single-phase source, thus allowing the operation of three-phase equipment at a site that only has single-phase electrical service. The first phase converters were invented nearly one hundred years ago.  These were static phase converters, and they have changed little since that time.  Over the years, other technologies have been employed as phase converters and hundreds of companies, large and small, manufacture phase converters. There are rotary phase converters, variable frequency drives (VFD) adapted as phase converters and the newest technology, digital phase converters.  This can make the …

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When Would You Choose a Digital Converter?

Benefits, Instructions, Knowledge / March 9, 2022 / Leave a Comment

Digital phase converters provide high-quality, perfectly balanced power. This is especially important if you have a CNC machine or a machine that requires the highest quality power. Benefits of Digital Converters Perfectly Balanced Power The power produced has a voltage that is balanced to within 2% of the other lines. This is a huge advantage of digital phase converters. Consistent power allows your machine to have consistent torque. If you have a machine with electronic parts, the balanced power helps ensure that the circuit boards have the power they need to communicate reliably. Low Standby Power Consumption The digital converter …

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