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Top 5 Things to Know When Buying a Phase Converter

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?

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?

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

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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Rotary & Static Converters and Power Factor Capacitors Troubleshooting Guides

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

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 Converter Troubleshooting

If you just connected your brand-new phase converter and it’s not working, first of all, check the manufacturer’s manual for troubleshooting instructions. If you think you have done something wrong with the wiring, you may want to call them as well, in order to clarify their installation instructions. Having said that, let’s first make sure the following is taken care of: Your motor is within your converter’s horsepower range. Your motor’s voltage requirement matches your converters. You have enough power coming through to support your Rotary Phase Converter and your machine. If your Rotary Phase Converter does start, but your …

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Rotary Phase Converters Sizing and Buying Guide

Rotary Phase Converter (or RPC) is a machine that is designed to change single-phase power into three-phase power. These converters could be used to run industrial machinery with three-phase motors or any 3-phase motor in your own shop. Single-phase motors are known to produce no more than 15 hp (11 kW) with many of them producing up to 5 hp (3.7 kW). There is a great demand for three-phase motors because of the power they generate (15 hp + ), easier starting, and greater efficiency than ones that work on a single phase. Phase converters are very popular among shop …

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How Can I Convert a Single Phase in a 3 Phase AC?

you can convert it with the help of phase converter. A phase converter is a device that converts electric power provided as single phase to multiple phase or vice versa. The majority of phase converters are used to produce three-phase electric power from a single-phase source, thus allowing the operation of three-phase equipment at a site that only has single-phase electrical service. Phase converters are used where three-phase service is not available from the utility, or is too costly to install due to a remote location. A utility will generally charge a higher fee for a three-phase service because of …

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A Beginners’ Guide to Sizing a Rotary Phase Converter for Your Machine Shop

What a waste to have the equipment of you dreams in your own shop just sitting there, not being able to be used because it is three-phase and your shop only has single-phase power! What can be done with it? Well, Three Phase Converter is here to save you! With a phase converter, you can get your three-phase equipment up and running just like it would run if you had utility three-phase power. Below are common questions and tips that will smooth the process of picking out the right phase converter and proper setup for your needs. WHERE DO I …

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