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+-- Thread: Phase converter help (/showthread.php?tid=7313412)
Phase converter help - WaterlooMarc - 07-06-2016
I'm thinking about getting a phase converter so I can capitalize on all these old 3 phase machines selling for much cheaper than 1 phase. But I know absolutely nothing about them other than they're more expensive than I thought!
If I wanted to power a 5hp saw I'd need a 7.5hp phase converter, correct? Converter just plugs into regular 220v outlet and machine plugs into converter?
Re: Phase converter help - Dave Diaman - 07-06-2016
Buy yourself a VFD. Much cheaper and it will give you variable speed.
Re: Phase converter help - gcrimmins - 07-06-2016
Dave Diaman said:
Buy yourself a VFD. Much cheaper and it will give you variable speed.
A VFD is a good choice, but you would need one for each machine, and they get quite expensive for motors larger than 3hp. If you want to power multiple three-phase machines, then a rotary phase converter is the best choice. You might browse the archive over at owwm.org for more information.
Re: Phase converter help - daddo - 07-06-2016
WaterlooMarc said:
I'm thinking about getting a phase converter so I can capitalize on all these old 3 phase machines selling for much cheaper than 1 phase. But I know absolutely nothing about them other than they're more expensive than I thought!
If I wanted to power a 5hp saw I'd need a 7.5hp phase converter, correct? Converter just plugs into regular 220v outlet and machine plugs into converter?
I have a simple phase converter on my metal lathe for a 3hp 230v 3 phase motor. I wired it with two start caps and a potential relay as in the pic. There will be a loss of about 20% to 30% power this way- it hasn't affected my machine much at all @ 7.2 amps.
For full power (what you are probably talking about) you want to use a motor to phase it and yes, a 7.5 would be ideal for your 5 hp motor.
Like this; http://www.temcoindustrialpower.com/products/Rotary_Phase_Converters/PC0005.html
http://www.phaseconverter.com/wiring_diagrams.html
Re: Phase converter help - Rick F - 07-06-2016
WaterlooMarc said:
I'm thinking about getting a phase converter so I can capitalize on all these old 3 phase machines selling for much cheaper than 1 phase. But I know absolutely nothing about them other than they're more expensive than I thought!
If I wanted to power a 5hp saw I'd need a 7.5hp phase converter, correct? Converter just plugs into regular 220v outlet and machine plugs into converter?
A VFD makes sense for 3hp and less, but gets expensive at 5hp and up ..
There are 4 ways .. Static, VFD, Rotary, Digital .. The latter 2 will work with a 3 phase distribution panel and can be used to power multiple machines.
Re: Phase converter help - Jeremy s - 07-06-2016
The easiest for me was to just call American Rotary and order a 20 hp rpc. It powers a widebelt and a big shaper and i can add more at any time. I cant really remember but i think mine cost around $1500...not really sure but i do know the price is long forgotten but the quality is remembered every day i walk over and turn it on.
Re: Phase converter help - Rick F - 07-06-2016
[blockquote]Jeremy s said:
That last comment says it all .. do it once .. do it right .
Re: Phase converter help - MKepke - 07-07-2016
Rick F said:
[blockquote]Jeremy s said:
That last comment says it all .. do it once .. do it right .
$1500 is a lotta $200 3HP Teco FM50 VFDs.
-Mark
Re: Phase converter help - fixtureman - 07-07-2016
MKepke said:
[blockquote]Rick F said:
[blockquote]Jeremy s said:
That last comment says it all .. do it once .. do it right .
$1500 is a lotta $200 3HP Teco FM50 VFDs.
-Mark
[/blockquote]
What if he wants to run a 5 hp tool
Re: Phase converter help - Jeremy s - 07-07-2016
MKepke said:
[blockquote]Rick F said:
[blockquote]Jeremy s said:
That last comment says it all .. do it once .. do it right .
$1500 is a lotta $200 3HP Teco FM50 VFDs.
-Mark
[/blockquote]
So you can power widebelt sanders and 8 hp shapers with vfds?
