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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Posts
    138

    DIY phase converter?

    Hello,
    Has anyone built a rotary phase converter by using a small single phase motor to get a large 3 phase motor up to speed on single phase then using the extra leg to supply the third leg of your 3 phase power?
    Like in this article:
    http://www.team.net/www/shop-talk/hm3phase.html
    Thanks

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Posts
    24221
    Why would you use the extra expense of the 1ph motor, when you can do it with a starting cap?
    If you search here, there is a few posts on RPC's.
    Al.
    CNC, Mechatronics Integration and Custom Machine Design

    “Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.”
    Albert E.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Posts
    1543
    here's a bunch of info:
    http://www.metalwebnews.com/electric.html

    I've got three units running on my place. Largest one is 35 horse.

    Karl

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Posts
    138
    Well for me I have a supply of motors avaidable to me for free, single and 3 phase. I don't have any caps or know where to get them.
    That is my only reason.
    Thanks

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Posts
    24221
    For starting, you need 'Motor Starting Grade' ( the ones left in for tuning are Motor Run type).
    These can usually be obtained from Electronic Supppliers catalogues or Local motor rewinders etc.
    Al.
    CNC, Mechatronics Integration and Custom Machine Design

    “Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.”
    Albert E.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Posts
    138
    Right on, I found a 10 horse 3 phase motor and a 2200 uF capacitor rated for 460 V, I thought I was covered but it sounds like I have the wrong type of capacitor. I will do some searching.
    Thanks

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Posts
    250
    Hey wyobmf , Here is a website that you can buy anyting you need to build you phase converter.
    http://www.americanrotary.com/home.php

    They were very helpful when i was having problems with my rotary phase converter . They sold me capacitors and instructed me how to fix it.

    Good Luck !!!

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Posts
    24221
    Quote Originally Posted by wyobmf
    Right on, I found a 10 horse 3 phase motor and a 2200 uF capacitor rated for 460 V, I thought I was covered but it sounds like I have the wrong type of capacitor. I will do some searching.
    Yes. Whatever you do don't use an Electrolytic, Unless you want to emulate a suicide bomber :nono:
    Al.
    CNC, Mechatronics Integration and Custom Machine Design

    “Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.”
    Albert E.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Posts
    138
    What about this one http://www.capacitorindustries.com/cd60B.htm
    It says it is Electrolytic motor starting.
    I decieded to go with a 5 hp motor.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Posts
    24221
    My error, I should have added polarized electrolytic, these are non-polarized.
    Al.
    Quote Originally Posted by wyobmf
    What about this one http://www.capacitorindustries.com/cd60B.htm
    It says it is Electrolytic motor starting.
    I decieded to go with a 5 hp motor.
    CNC, Mechatronics Integration and Custom Machine Design

    “Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.”
    Albert E.

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