[bmachinist]

I have an odd question that I hope someone can help me out with. I have a small shop with a phase converter wired in to run my machines. I need to wire in a single phase lathe. It would be easier to run it from my 3PH panel. I wasn't sure if I should run single phase through a phase converter. Will this work or will the unballanced load make problems? I have a 10HP idler motor with: 5HP, 2HP, and 1.5HP three phase motors running. I will want to run a 2HP single phase motor on this.
Thanks

[Al_The_Man]

I assume your 1ph lathe is 240v? If so the two 1phase legs in a RPC and most Switching converters go straight through, so in theory you could use the main 240 1ph that goes into the converter, but it will pass through the PhConv O/L's. Providing the RPC is fed from sufficient gauge wiring to avoid volt drop, it should be no problem.
Make sure you fuse it separately.
Al.

[bmachinist]

Yes it is a 240V single phase motor. The wires from the converter to the 3PH panel are 10GA. Then 10GA to the 5HP machine and 12GA to the 2HP and 1.5HP machines. I would think 12GA wire would work for the 2HP 1PH motor? Would there be a problem in only using one leg of the single phase?

[Al_The_Man]

Would there be a problem in only using one leg of the single phase?

Not sure what you mean? If 240 v motor then you just use the main two 240v 1 ph pair, if 120v then you use one of the 240v legs to neutral.
Al.