What is a Phase Converter?

A Phase Converter and How it Operates

Would you be encountering a phase converter for the first time? Well, with this extensive and detailed information about a phase converter and how it operates will help you greatly to understand more about the science and technology behind it. You realize there are cases where some applications require a three-phase power, but it happens that what is available is a single-phase says Phoenix Phase Converters. Therefore, a phase converter comes in to help in the conversion of the power available from a single source into many sources in order to help the application operate smoothly.

 

Definition of Phase Converter

A rotary phase converter can be defined as a machine on a rotation that can be compared to a motor which enhances the conversion of 1-phase utility power to a three-phase’ electricity in order to facilitate a successful operation of a three-phase equipment such as motors, resistive and inductive loads. Converters of electricity phases are mostly applied where there is no utility three-phase or it is expensive to have it installed. A well selected and sized converter is capable of enhancing the operation of any given load just like the utility three-phase and it can assure you significant years of service with fewer challenges.

 

Rotary Phase Converters

There are different type of phase converter that are offered, Static, Rotary, Digital, also VFD’s can converter single phase to three phase power, yet rotary phase converters are the best, most robust option available today, at Phoenix Phase Converters take it to even another level offering TEFC (totally enclosed fan cooled) generators.

 

 

How a Phase Converter Work

First of all, it acts like a rotary generator of electric power. A phase converter transforms a 1-phase energy supply into a three-phase power. The phase converter employs a one-phase’ two-line supply of power at the utility and forms a third power line. These three lines also referred to as the phases cannot be distinguished to utility three-phase power which is known to be more accurate compared to the utility provided to the three-phase power when the three lines are moved close to 120 degrees.

Whenever the phase converter is perfectly sized, it can successfully and efficiently produce a perfect three-phase power by ensuring all the three output voltages are well balanced on a complete range of the loads connected.

 

Types of Phase Converters

There are three main types of phase converters. They include:

1. Static Phase Converter

These converter are recommended only for easy, free spinning loads, a static phase converter never runs your equipment with three phase power, it will just get a motor started with three phase then single phase power will keep the motor running with the 3rd phase missing, lacking power, and efficiency, and can damage your motor on the equipment

 

2. Digital Phase Converters

Digital phase converters are only recommended when you are unable to use a rotary phase converter or can not have a motor running. They work great for certain applications, but not recommended for all applications.

 

3. Rotary Phase Converter

Most reliable, and clean power still today, rotary phase converters will provide 100% power, and CNC Balanced Phase Converters can run any equipment even the most sensitive voltage balancing equipment, such as CNC machine, computerized equipment, vfd’s, ect..

 

 

Benefits of Rotary Phase Converter

-It is highly preferable equipment which is a voltage-sensitive CNC machine

-They are eco-friendly compared to installing a power line of three-phase

-They are highly efficient since they can transform above 97% of the available power into operational power.

-They can last for a long period approximated to over 30 years.

 

Conclusion

So, what is a phase converter? Phase converters are highly efficient to help in generating several phase currents from just a single source. They help to lower down the cost by offering a complete three-phase power which is highly expensive for utility companies in terms of manpower and price.

Top 5 Things To Know When Buying a Phase Converter

As you can see, there are a few basic things you should know before buying a phase converter.

As a recap:

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 = required single phase amps with 20% adder. The 20% adder is factored in as a cushion simply because most towns and cities require you have 20% above what your load is.

2. Understand your load.

Is it light, medium, or heavy? To give you an idea, a light load would be something like a drill press or table saw. A medium load would machines similar to CNC machines. A heavy load would be things like HVAC, air compressors, and refrigeration.

3. The size of your load.

Know the horsepower, amps, and kilowatts. Knowing this will help you find the best phase converter for you. As a rule of thumb, you want to go 2:1 (2 times the size of your load) to find the size phase converter you need.

4. Indoor or Outdoor?

Make sure you buy a phase converter that will stay protected in the environment it will be in. For example, if you do welding you will want to make sure your converter stays protected from metal shavings. Likewise, if you are a woodworker, sawdust. If you are a farmer, you want to make sure your equipment is protected in wind, snow, and rain.

5. Who are you buying your phase converter from?

Make sure you are buying from someone who is reputable. We get calls all the time from people who previously bought a phase converter from someone who made one in their garage and it’s not working right and they have no service. By using a quality product to begin with, you will be able to get the exact amount of three phase power you need, protect your equipment, and be able to scale appropriately as needed.

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