American Rotary Phase Converter Install

Installation of the American Rotary Phase Converter in a machine shop.
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[@pacmacdaddy]

This is awesome! I want to build a shop next to my garage and I really want to use 3-phase machinery because of the advantages of 3-phase over single-phase. As you know the average American home only comes with single-phase service. Using a phase converter now gives me the solution to use 3-phase machines!

[@auxpower13]

I have an American rotary converter because three phase power is not available out where I live. Nobody is a baby for making sure you're extremely high-powered rotary phase converter is hooked up properly when it's powering an expensive Swiss lathe and other equipment not to mention the safety of the people working in your shop. Thanks for the video and for sharing your experiences getting this important piece of equipment running and demystifying something that could help a lot of people get their equipment up and running

[@reideichner8597]

HI Brad, Nice and clean! That is ALWAYS the way you do things!! Take Care, Reid

[@gulfmaster4189]

Thanks for the instructions! I bought a 30hp and a 40hp from American Rotary, this gives me a good plan to start wiring the units.

[@terrycannon570]

Thanks for the video. I am getting ready to install my new one and this opens up my eyes to how I want to do it.

[@Pyle81]

Thanks for the video, Just bought myself a used 52 yr old Wells Index 745 vertical mill. That's set up on a 3 phase 1 hp motor. So im doing some research on rotary phase converters. And it looks like the AR-5 is what there calculator calls for. Your video makes it look pretty easy. I just put 220 on 50 amp breaker out to my garage/shop for a Mig and Tig welder a yr ago. So having room for this set up won't be a issue at all. I like the heavy duty locking cord idea. That way you can utilize multiple machines all off one cord. Saving $$ not having to run expensive wire all around the room on multiple boxes mounted on the walls. Thanks again.

[@LongIslandHobbyist]

Great vid. I just got done wiring my 40hp the other day for my cnc machine. Doing a last few things and then the machine will be running.

[@jadalark1802]

How many amps dose it take to run with no load. How many amps dose it take to start.

[@hilltopmachineworks2131]

I have two RPC's from American Rotary in my shop. As you mentioned great company and products.

[@spikey2740]

Nice attention to detail. Good practice.

[@KuehlEngineering]

Awesome, this was super helpful! I will post a video when I get mine hooked up. Thank you!!

[@RaysGarage]

Excellent video Brad, I am looking forward to add one to my shop as well!

[@ronbellaire9329]

I really recommend you go back and add thermal and abrasive resistant tape to the bolted connections on the motor.

[@DarrellHallman]

Excellent video, Brad! Thank you. I'm trying to figure out how to wire up a Maxiphase Rotary Converter RPC 5-15. I'll take your advice on getting more instruction from the manufacturer first.

[@BasementShopGuy]

Always the best bet!

[@JunkMikesWorld]

I like the American Rotary units. I built my own and it does a good job. Quiet and effective. Of course if American Rotary would give me one I would be happy to switch ;). All the best! Mike

[@danmetzger5583]

Nice to see ya back Brad! Seems quite a few of you took off a while after the Bash. Vids not coming like before. I had to recover from it myself. Sure was great seeing you there again this year!

[@larrysperling8801]

nice brad. i have been using a rfc for years. i just recently bought a cheap remote control switch on ebay i set it up in parallel with my on off switch ,i keep keyfobs on my mill and pedestal grinder so i don't have to walk across the shop to turn it on or off. a real time saver {lazy}. i see a lot of comments on the vfd's and they have their applications. the problem you can get into is if the machine your are trying to power uses power for a step down transformer or other accessories .like aux power feeds or coolant pumps etec. the vfd cant slow your spindle speed and not affect any other component .and you sure cant run more than one motor at one time. and if your convertor is large enough you don't have to run out and but another vfd to power your most recent 3ph find

[@Effortless_Perfection]

Excellent, you answered all my questions

[@BasementShopGuy]

Glad it helped!

[@powaybob]

Like the Hardinge. Payed my dues at one for a few years

[@neatpleats11]

Great video. I am looking forward to getting one of these.

[@duediligence791]

Just bought an AD15 for my mill and lathe. Be sure any of you who purchase that you get one designed for a cnc with appropriate electronics inside. I installed a 100a sub panel since my mains were taken up and shifted some breakers around. Installed a 50a and a 30a then ran the 30a to my smaller 2 phase vfd powered machines (was high with individual breakers) and the 50a to the rotary phase converter. I also useD 6-3 wire all the way in one run with two outlets essentially giving me a little over kill for wire size as 10awg was all that was needed per machine. It was actually cheaper to go bigger at Home Depot buying a bundle roll, go figure. My mill and gang lathe have vfd’s as well but it’s 3ph in and out. The lathe wasn’t a candidate to convert to single and the mill probably was but I didn’t want to mess with it I needed it Running ASAP. My garage has the Same power supplies that my home has. Wonder which side sucks more juice?

[@zeke8623]

Very helpful! Thank you

[@boaterbil]

Thanks Brad. great video

[@terrylarotonda784]

Great video Brad

[@pierresgarage2687]

Guess your machines are 220V 3 phases, here it got to be jacked up to 600 volts since in Canada the mostly used standard is 575 to 600 volts. How much is that 10 HP motor weigh, from here it looks pretty small... ?

[@brosselot1]

Very good. Thanks for sharing

[@shawnmrfixitlee6478]

Super clean install Brad , Those are whisper Quiet indeed ! Thumbs up man..

[@glennedward2201]

The instructions I was given must’ve been missing a few pages but I worked my way through it anyways. Some people don’t realize that any rpc won’t work correctly if running cnc. If running cnc you need an AD or ADX model twice the value of your highest rated motor. It’s not a bad idea to go one model up if you can afford to and have provisions for the larger capacity. Also my motor just states Baldor but internal digital board is Gentec. My RPC is two days new.

[@chadjsaul]

Didn’t jknow that CNC was different rules for a rpc build. An rpc induction motor needs to be at least 1/3 hp larger than the hp of the tool you intend to power from my knowledge of the subject, but I have zero experience with CNC other than theory. I’ll remember that.

[@mikegalusha8832]

Great vid, thanks for sharing!

[@jbslittleshop2897]

I have a phasematic rotary phase converter. Makes very little noise and runs everything in my shop. Had it for over 15 years. Haven’t had an issue yet!!!

[@gman5986]

Seems like Phasematis is double the cost of American and thats why I'm looking at American.

[@jbslittleshop2897]

G man they are expensive. I have two 1hp phase converters that I bought cheap. They lasted a year or so and died. Just keep that in mind. 😀

[@gman5986]

@@jbslittleshop2897 Im not sure exactly what company your referring to in your answer."They are expensive" = Who? ............. "I have two 1hp phase converters that I bought cheap. They lasted a year or so and died. Just keep that in mind" What co. you talking about here? Both companies are expensive but American now has a Liftime Warranty on their control box and 2 years on the idler motor which is a Baldor. Phaseomatics want $5,900 for their 30hp while American sells theirs shipped for under $3k with warranty

[@jbslittleshop2897]

G man oh sorry. Phase-a-magic is expensive. I have two from Kay industries that were a lot cheaper. They ran about a year and laid down. So, cheaper is not always better. Sorry for any confusion.

[@gman5986]

@@jbslittleshop2897 No worries. I truly appreciate your info. From what Im learning American Rotary is the current most effective "Professional" choice but still expensive. My CNC Tech told me not to buy a cheap converter as it could cause one of the Drive Units in the CNC to fail and I would be a very sorry camper!

[@lwilton]

Nice video and nice install Brad. On those bolt connections, you really should have used some rubber tape on the bolts first, and the vinyl tape over the top. Just using vinyl tape can wear or punch through after a few years under motor vibration. Yea, it may not. But it might. See Stan's video on how to do bolt terminals on a motor.

[@robertkutz]

brad nice work injoy

[@bcbloc02]

Just getting over being sick, you and Adam been hanging together? lol Actually true 3 phase is the way to go, but if you don't have that then an RPC is a good substitute. I get people telling me all the time to go VFD but they don't realize that to run my machines I would still need an RPC to feed the VFD with or it is like $5000 for a VFD to run a 20hp motor from single phase power.

[@wiremonkeyshop]

I'm curious, how much power is lost by using a motor to convert phase? 20% loss? That converter unit is over $1K; how much would it have been to have 3-phase power run to your building?

[@KevinCoop1]

For those watching this video, "cords" no matter what type used are in the NEC. Under "Uses not permitted" is says that cords are not allowed to be used in place of permanent wiring within premises. That means it can not be used connected to an electrical panel on the line side as in the video. Just a minor catch, the video is very good otherwise.

[@dillonjohnson492]

Can you elaborate on this? I didn’t watch the full video so I apologize. I’m in a leased shop that doesn’t allow any hardwiring by myself. Assuming the input voltage of the converter is 240V, what is the reasoning for not being able to wire a plug to make the converter portable? I know this is a no no but I don’t fully understand the reasoning

[@tallbrian100]

For a single motor a VFD is the way to go.

[@jasonhill2180]

I run my Okuma LS 10hp lathe on a 20hp VFD. Has worked great for 10 years. At work we run much larger motors on VFDs. I also use an RPC for multi-motor machines but for most applications I prefer VFDs regardless of load.

[@stephenfairfield1071]

thank you for the step by step. I just bought the same system, and have all the associated anxieties and worries about hooking it up, so your video really came at the exact right time. I get delivery of my old plate roller next week along with the RPC. One question: did you discharge those honking big capacitors prior to the installs?

[@jasperjones6962]

I didn't get a instruction manual with mine.

[@MilanDupal]

There is available a three phase 400V power supply to almost all users here in Europe. From this point of view seems to me the US installations a bit ...elementary... Same way the installation material. Anyway, well done Brad!

[@raymondjensen4603]

Should there be a breaker on the 3 phase side.

[@jasperjones6962]

Hello I have a KO Lee surface grinder and an American Rotary 3 phase converter. The surface grinder has three lines in. How do I know which line takes the 3 phase power

[@tom7601]

Ooo, vewy, vewy, quiet!

[@kirkswater]

Great job Brad! How many horse is the lathe motor? Curious why you went with the 10HP rotary phase converter?

[@gman5986]

@ 19:18 you stated "you dont need seperate VFD's".............Whats a VFD ?...............How did you size the converter needed ? Thanks much for this great video as I wanted to hear how loud the phase converter is while running.

[@BasementShopGuy]

A VFD is variable frequency drive. They convert single phase to 3 phase. How I sized it was by doubling the horsepower of the intended machine. I have a 10hp and my motors on my biggest lathe is 5 hp.

[@CarlAlban]

Cheers

[@amarsukdeo2278]

brad I am from South Africa i enjoyed your lecture, l want to know if this product is available in SA. and will the power consumpion be more costly power wise by using a phase converter, in SA, the cost off electricity is quit high

[@BROCKWOOD64]

For your 240V source you cut back the neutral, preferring to use the ground. I know it really depends on what each color represents. OSHA (not necessary in your shop) would have required the green for ground & the white for neutral. With your way of thinking, I should be able to add a couple of 120V plugs onto my welding cart even though it is 3 wire 240V. your thoughts?

[@JTL-DK]

WOW! I'm amazed how far behind US are in electrics, here in Denmark we havent used stuff like that the last 50+ years...

[@richardkaz2336]

Seems odd that you have installed a 1ph to 3ph converter and are only using 2 of the phases. Is that so you can go from 240vac to 415vac (US voltages 110vac to 200vac) if so it would have been more cost effecting and electrically efficient to have just put in a correctly sized and well regulated single phase transformer.

[@lwilton]

No, he is using three phases. The incoming 220V AC line effectively has two phases 180 degrees apart. You want 3 phases 120 degrees apart. The rotary converter generates 2 phases each 120 degrees out (one each way) from the incoming phase. You use the two RC outputs plus one input phase lead for the total of three 120 degree phases.

[@havebenthere]

Not a fan of the ADX. Better to jump up a motor size. All the ADX does is pull in a couple capacitors momentarily. Ran into a big problem with ARPC on a compressor application, they undersized me and I paid about as much as the next size up. Beware of the ADX series it's kind of like a band-aide for not having the proper sizes unit. The harder starting equipment needs to be proper sized!!!!!!!

[@wgenerotzky]

VFDs are better but I'd stick with a RPC when the motor winding insulation isn't designed for VFD use. (the old insulation can quickly break down with VFDs)

[@BasementShopGuy]

An RPC is great to allow the ability to simply plug in and go.

[@3cx71]

i'm in the same situation rpc vs vfd to power a lathe, i'd rather a rpc just plug in and play no electrics or motor to change, i just have to find out have i got the power to run the rpc.

[@lwilton]

Do you have the power to run the lathe, plus about 30% more? Then you have enough power for an RPC. Or a single-to-3 phase VFD, for that matter.

[@tuscanland]

Can I pay you to come and wire mine?

[@GermanToolReviews]

Putting those Wiha drivers to work? Those rotary phase converters have come a long way in the last couple of decades. I use one at work to produce 400Hz power and it needs its own room and climate controls because it is so noisy and inefficient.

[@lwilton]

This kind of RPC that just generates 3 phase from single phase at the input frequency is a different beast from an MG set that will generate 50 or 400 Hz from 60Hz. The MG sets need separate armatures for the motor and generator, so are bigger. But you are right, the old ones are bigger still, and usually noisy.

[@omm7763]

This looks to me like you can single phase your machines. Looks kind of dangerous. Did you ask the manufacturer about that? If so what did they say? With the breaker power in the RPC unit and you go over and hit start on one of your machines powered to the unit is there any noise coming from the motor??? I really wish she didn’t make this into a commercial.

[@jadalark1802]

How many amps dose it takes to run with no load. How many amps dose it take to start.

[@normandyck7609]

Please define the term "SO" Thank you

[@eliduttman315]

SO is a code for the insulation on the electrical cable. S = standard/600 V. O = oil resistant outer jacket. Here's a link www.mcmaster.com/#so-cords/=18r9enw Eli D.

[@ShadonHKW]

"S" = service rated "O"= oil resistant.

[@ScottandTera]

there is also sj ?? if i am correct what is the j

[@ScottandTera]

SJ is Junior Hard Service, 300 volt, Not Oil Resistant SO is "Hard Service" 600 volt Thermoset insulation, Extra Hard Usage, Oil resistant duh just found

[@isbcornbinder]

Back to the factory written instructions. This video is a waste of time.

[@BasementShopGuy]

Bob Smith You must have missed the part where I urge everyone to always refer to their instructions and that every installation will be different than mine... if you’re not doing that and only watching someone else’s video than maybe you’re just not ready to be playing with dangerous toys like this.