How to do it: run a 3 phase motor on single phase supply. part 2

[@langdontomkins001]

First class. I did all this years ago at college and have spent 30 years bewildered. Makes easy sense. Can now get my milking machine to work on single phase. Brilliant.

[@TheInfoworks]

Thanks for the feedback, hope you are successful, cheers

[@ShadowFMX]

Brilliant! By far the most concise explanation on Tri phase motor wiring...I liked the disclamer warning,"if your of the vague,clumsy type..." Great! Hoping to see more videos in the future!

[@DukeLaCrosse20]

This really filled in the gaps in a lot of my knowledge about 3-phase motors and capacitors.

[@TheInfoworks]

That's great, thanks for the feedback. Subscribed? Cheers

[@telosfd]

I watched many American videos which are related with the electrician, because many are like your own. I like the way of thinking, I've never uploaded any videos but I'll write the formula as comment.

[@Inspironator]

Sir, You have a gift for teaching. Thank you so much for explaining and showing this series! Liked and subscribed.

[@TheInfoworks]

Thanks for your appreciation and your encouragement. It's open source info that hopefully also promotes my books. Thanks, Andy

[@2sumibenluvin]

excellent demonstration! I've got some three phase equipment (powder coat ovens) that this may help me with. Best video explanation I've found to date. Thanks.

[@gabysande]

Mate I'm the pleased one,and I have no way how to tank you enough!,but over here is all expensive and you saved me a lot of hassle,getting 3 phase was to expensive,converters too, so the choice was to get 2x2hp single phase motors,again £200+ each, plus stripping the whole burner and inlet to change them, total coast = £7!, so it worth to use as it is before swapping motors,and the wiring now is ready for single phase, this booth is 30+ years old very well made, not tin ones like on these days!

[@TheInfoworks]

That makes sense, power factors are tricky things. Thanks for this useful information, and thanks for taking the time to let me know.

[@nickhall5959]

I have spent hours and hours searching the net to try to get my head around this problem and you Sir have helped me more than everything added together in only 7 minutes. Many thanks

[@TheInfoworks]

Nick, thanks for the appreciation, please check out my books on the channel page, subscribed? see part 7 for voltage details, cheers

[@MrZhefish]

wait for a few minutes before touching the capacitors if you messing around with them! they hold a charge and may not be discharged when you disconnect the mains.

[@andrearognetta7065]

thanks man, u saved my life!! I've just bought an old column drill (kind of heirloom because it probably belongs to 1920s...) and I needed to adapt it to my home 220! greets from italy

[@TheInfoworks]

Watch them all, cheers.

[@dct3588]

Thank you so much Andy for sharing your knowledge. You really explain it very clearly. I am gonna try with my 3 phase motor soon.

[@TheInfoworks]

Thanks for the appreciation, Andy

[@TheInfoworks]

Nice one, with volt, rpm and temp check. I pleased you found this helpful. Thanks for the video clip.

[@TheInfoworks]

Marvellous news, thanks for your breaking news. Self-reliance within sight. The caps you have keep the voltage down and reduce any possibility of overheating. Cheers, Andy

[@IanMellows]

Great video Andy. I am an electronic/ electrical engineer and as such understand the concept. Found it good that you made sure to emphasize the a/c working voltage of the capacitors. Just one criticism, perhaps you should mention also that the caps can hold a charge and give a nasty unexpected kick even when the power is isolated.I would advocate connecting a 100k resistor across the capacitor bank ( 1 watt should suffice ) as a safety discharge. Yes I know they will automatically discharge through the coils upon power down but when experimenting as in your video it is all too easy to have a dodgy connection.

[@TheInfoworks]

Yep, you're right.

[@TheDiogofrancisco1]

i love this man... very intelligent and passionate ro teach youtube needs more people like this.. btw tx so much for the info sir. best regards.

[@TheDiogofrancisco1]

how many hp is the motor in the video? just to have an idea of the capacity for mine...

[@77raper]

AS AN ELECTRICIAN, THIS VIDEO IS BIG HELP FOR ME. THAT'S WHY I LIKED IT AND SUBSRIBED. THANKS AND GOD BLESS BROTHER!

[@TheInfoworks]

Cheers, see part 7 for extra interesting things.

[@valveman12]

That was a very good and instructive video. Thank you for taking the time to upload it.

[@ztechire]

I love your old school style of experimenting, Brilliant!! well done

[@TheInfoworks]

Cheers, there's more on other subjects. Subscribed? Cheers, Andy

[@GuitarPlay1nMan]

Subscribed?...am now

[@maniccmike]

Hi Andy. Very good explanation and demo. Cleared a few things up for me. Keep up the good work.cheers

[@TheInfoworks]

Thanks for your appreciation, the books are of an equally down to earth nature. Cheers, Andy

[@thornwarbler]

i wish you lived up the road! very interesting, thanks for taking the time to upload this.Best wishes Simon

[@brunoschoofs3951]

dear mister reynolds I think you've than a fantastic job in explaining the setup I studiet this in school butt if there was KZbin I would have been a better electrician thanks so much

[@TheInfoworks]

Thanks for the appreciation, cheers, Andy

[@tabhorian]

Wow, I thought you would need a three phase converter and all that other stuff. I might try this. 3 phase motors are plentiful and cheaper, but I always thought it couldn't be done. Bravo!

[@kriswarren4626]

Thanks for the video Andy, very clear and to the point, fantastic!

[@TheInfoworks]

Give it a go and experiment, subscribed? Cheers

[@destinywalker1959]

Thank you thank you thank you!!!!!!! I bought 4 3ph air compressor,bandsaws in 3ph didn't know at the time what 3ph was!!! Now I can use my stuff !!!! Yay

[@TheInfoworks]

Take your time, compressors are difficult because of the starting torque. have you subscribed? Cheers, Andy

[@CZRMAG]

I wish I would have found this info a while back. Excellent explanation. Cheers to you Andy Reynolds.

[@TheInfoworks]

Hi, it's open souce info, pleased to help, cheers

[@MrZhefish]

thank you for this informative video and also the referring to the book: one side note: wait for a few minutes before touching the capacitors if you messing around with them! they hold a charge and may not be discharged when you disconnect the mains.

[@TheInfoworks]

Hi, a pertinent point but in this case the capacitors immediately discharge through the motor coils once the power is switched off, cheers

[@rls3231]

thanks for the video today at work i salvaged a three phase moter thinking i would have to ofset the phase angle on two of the moters windings as i thought that the 3 phase moter worked on the princble that every winding's suply had a diffrent phase angle but now i am a little confused but at lest i know now that it is very easy to wire so thanks alot mate, just what i was after

[@christianrobertadzic9321]

Very nice and interesting video. Very clear and informative. Good work and keep up.

[@TheInfoworks]

Cheers

[@rdej4168]

The windings will certainly will discharge the caps--and very quickly for that matter. If a temporary connection comes loose--and they hold a charge--they'll still bite. I enjoyed the video: Good info on 3PH equipment and caps. If my budget sticks around, I'll be bringing in some 3PH experiments, myself. Take care, and hope all is well... --Robert Take care...

[@thermmaloverload]

thanks Andy, great info. one thing to think about is that as an apprentice we were always told that the old silver caps in fluorescent lights could contain PCBs. nasty stuff for if it leaks

[@grantbayford4870]

Anyone watching this video. I highly advise EARTHING the motor. Also be warned there is difference between an AC and DC capacitor. Otherwise, good video. I would of liked to see the running currents compared to the motor FLC rating.

[@christosvolikakis1523]

Very helpful Andy. I was told by an electrician that this couldn't be done. I am building a concrete recycler. The crusher is attached via conveyor belt and pulley to a varying duty 3 phase 440volt electric motor which is 100 amps, 75HP(50HP continuos), 60 Hz, 1180rpm. My problem is that I only have 240 volt single phase. I have a $5000 budget to build the frame and wire it to be mobile around a 1/2 acre property that has 240volt outlets. My choices before seeing this were, run three phase throughout the property, buy a diesel motor, buy a single phase motor, or somehow mount on a diesel truck that has a hydraulic motor. I was told that buying a VFD would not work because of the variable amperage draw while the jaw crusher crushes the concrete. From your two part series, I believe this means depending on the HP and amps of my 3phase motor, adding capacitors and rewiring main motor box to delta diagram formation, I am creating my own variable frequency drive in the form of 3+ repurposed capicitors(32+μFarrads). -not an electrician but an entrepreneur

[@TheInfoworks]

Your problem with such a high HP motor is the start current. 75 hp x 4amps per hp = 300 amps running, but the start current will be 3000 amps. Normal 240v supply is rated for 60 amps. You will have to use a frequency inverter. Cheers

[@christosvolikakis1523]

Any idea on how hard it would be if possible to make one?

[@christosvolikakis1523]

VFD right?

[@christosvolikakis1523]

Any interest in me hiring you to walk me through building this?

[@TheInfoworks]

You are better off driving it with an engine as 75Hp is far too large, and a 3 phase supply will be expensive, Cheers. Andy

[@norlure]

Thank you ! Very well explained.You made my day.

[@TheInfoworks]

Hi. Good news, yes you could probably up the voltages on the cap winding slightly. As to how long they last, well somewhere in my mind it says change every 10 years, however if the cap rated voltage is much higher then working voltage they should last a long time so go for 440v units if you can. All good here from the east coast. Andy

[@TheInfoworks]

Chris, best look at the comments on 1 to 4, but briefly using 2 phases your motor will be about 4 hp and so a run cap of about 100Uf. You will need a start cap of about the same. The problem is the start current that could be up to 8 times the run current. 4 Hp will draw about 16 amps run current so the start will be about 130 amps. However, don't let me put you off, as long as you start the compressor with an empty air tank then the duration of the start will be short. Lets hear how it goes.

[@jules2c]

Thank you for the information, you may have saved me a packet.

[@TheInfoworks]

Hi. We are into unknown territory here. The only thing I can say is that at about 220v a 9hp motor will draw about 36 amps running and at least 6 times that to start. There is only one way to be certain, but try it without a starting load first. It would be interesting to hear about your experiments.

[@panniechristou9644]

very good video ! Great stuff , thanks very much ! You did a better Job than my Uni Prof in Plymouth !

[@TheInfoworks]

Thanks for your appreciation, subscribed? Andy

[@Electrician1988]

Hi Andy very good video. "RIGHT" enjoyed it a lot. Aloha from Hawaii.

[@TheInfoworks]

THanks for your appreciation. Andy

[@SynKronos]

Excellent video. Personally I still prefer to use a timer and triac arrangement but then I speed control which negates the thermal issue as we have partial control over the inductance. This then if used in combination with capacitors as shown we can lower speed and maintain torque. Otherwise best video I have seen. :A+++++

[@TheInfoworks]

Cheers, thanks for the comment.

[@deserado11]

very interesting! ... I always assumed 3 phase stuff was akin to rocket science ... but maybe not ... a great introduction ... thanks a lot

[@TheInfoworks]

That's right it really works. Let us know how you get on with the neutral shift. For high torque starting use a start capacitor in parallel with the run capacitor and a manual switch.

[@rooferash]

Thanks for your help, I have subscribed and will be sure to go through all of the videos. Thanks again!

[@sprintervan4036]

That's brilliant Andy. Thanks

[@TheInfoworks]

Cheers, check out the books.

[@mutobangoma2099]

thank you very much, you just saved my business

[@TheInfoworks]

That is good news. Have you subscribed and checked out my books? Cheers

[@michaelcostello6991]

Great video and your diagrams made it excellent. Hope you have more lessons.Thanks Mike

[@TheInfoworks]

Cheers, Andy

[@bigtrev8xl]

Hi Andy, I saw your video a few years ago, tried it on a lathe suds/coolant pump, and it's working fine, now about to do the same on a milling machine..Cheers

[@TheInfoworks]

2012, that was an age ago, thanks for your note and hope the new project works well, you might need a start capacitor, see part 6. Cheers

[@bigtrev8xl]

I'm looking at it now. Thanks very much :)

[@icespeckledhens]

Very interesting explanation but as you say understanding of what you should be doing and good working practice is critical because you are using dangerous currents. One thing came to mind that before handling the capacitor terminals you do need to make sure they that they have fully discharged. I remember when I was working on a faulty PSU, in for repair, that one capacitor still had a very high voltage after the PSU had been isolated 48 hous later. thanks

[@gabysande]

Hi there, well today arranged the spray booth installation it has 2 fans switched on by 2 electric relays,so fitted the caps just there in the outlet,checked the rotation way, and after correcting it was on! is taking a good 5 seconds to the fans to come to full speed,but after starting didn't noticed change on power as when using 3phase,after 1 hour running motors were at 60 Celsius,so it looks like will be ok, only removed 2 thermo switches which were jumping not taking higher amps, all good!

[@TheInfoworks]

Thanks for your possitive feedback, all part of the sharing of info.

[@MultiGazman]

Good onya Andy! Thanks for clearing that up, Always wondered what the difference was between single and 3 phase!

[@TheInfoworks]

Thanks for the comment and appreciation, cheers

[@27bri27]

You could of googled it any time. No need to wonder

[@MultiGazman]

Billy Bolox And my comment concerns you how?

[@MultiGazman]

Andy Reynolds Im dead keen to play with this new found knowledge, just having a look on ebay for a compressor to dabble with.

[@TheInfoworks]

The run capacitor shifts the phase so that the second set of coils will produce power. This mean the effectively the motor is running on 2 phases and so will only produce 2/3 of the power. The start cap is to give the extra kick against a starting load. To get all 3 phases working you need a cap from both live and neutral to the third delta connection. The start cap will then also determine the direction of rotation. Hope that helps.

[@1100tech]

very VERY nice mate! I learned ALOT!

[@patrickmulholland1840]

HI ANDY HOPE YOU ALL ARE KEEPING WELL JUST TO SAY I LOVE ALL YOUR VIDEOS AND TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND EFFORT THANKS AGAIN

[@TheInfoworks]

Patrick, thanks for your warm and welcome message. Have you seem the links on my channel page under the "about" button? All the best, cheers

[@TheInfoworks]

Hi. Thanks for your comment. I have used this technique for many years and never had a problem. These have been where there is only medium starting torque required. The start winding on a single-phase motor has less resistance so could cause problems. However the measured voltages between the capacitor feed on this motor and the positive is 246v, and to the negative 226v, running on 236v mains. No spike when switched off. Hence this has proved reliable in this situation. Try it and see.

[@TheInfoworks]

Thanks for your feedback, all part of the exchange of information. Let's hear how you get on. I hope you enjoy the other videos.

[@Guds777]

Great video, it actually can teach you...

[@TheInfoworks]

Hi. Thanks for your appreciation. Sometimes a motor if it needs to start under load will need a start capacitor. Remember the capacitor connection dictates the direction in which the motor starts. Have a look at part 4 for the info on using a start capacitor. Part 3 will give some good info on voltages and capacitor values. Sometimes it is necessary to use a start capacitor to keep the overall cap voltage down. The videos mentioned should answer your question.

[@malcytull]

I've only just found this & yes, I found it very interesting. Thank you for posting.

[@TheInfoworks]

Hi, see part 7 of this play list series, and another 300 videos on my channel, cheers

[@msotil]

Thank you Andy. Your presentation was very nice and very useful. Maybe you could have also mentioned the power of the motor (HP) in relation to the capacitance used?

[@luckykhoza6784]

you are my superstar Thank you Andy

[@rdej4168]

Also a good idea to short the caps after power is removed. The windings should do it, but just to make sure they are discharged before touching anything.

[@vikramsinghrathore9576]

Great video and all the best.

[@TheInfoworks]

Hi. Thanks for the comment and the apprecaition, cheers, Andy. Subscribed?

[@SteveJordan]

Excellent explanation. You make it so easy to understand. Thanks

[@TheInfoworks]

Steve, thanks for the sub, Cheers, Andy

[@picasso7232]

THANK YOU SIR , THOSE INFORMATION WAS A QUITE USEFUL .....

[@robertbrooks98]

just stumbled on this video very informative and helpful thank you so much for taking the time to make this

[@TheInfoworks]

Hi. This question came up about 3 months ago; using this method about 30% of the Hp is not available. You can use capacitors from both the live and neutral to gain the extra power but a start cap is needed to set the direction of rotation.

[@mrdan70]

Well bugger me sideward's and call me Brenda, I never realised it was that simple! Cheers Andy.

[@davidwoodward7020]

no can do Brenda !haha

[@tttaboo]

thanks andy for the capacitor furmulas.-chris.

[@TheInfoworks]

Cheers, Andy

[@TheInfoworks]

Hi. As you say the capacitors are directly wired to the windings. These act in the same way as a bleed resistor.

[@TheInfoworks]

Thanks for your appreciation. Note: the start button in part 5 should be a dual pole switch, see comments on that video. Cheers.

[@TheInfoworks]

Thanks for your appreciation, make sure you watch all 6 videos on the 3-phase project.

[@TribesTrike]

This is great, won't have to walk past a bargain because its 3 phase !!

[@TheInfoworks]

Thanks for your enthusiasm, 2 options, see what happens and check the temperature, it will probably be fine, or add another capacitor from the other mains connection to the 3rd connection to make the 3rd set of coils work,. You will then need a start capacitor to set the rotation direction. Trial and (maybe not) error. Let's hear how you get on, Cheers, Andy

[@TheInfoworks]

Hi. Thanks for your interest. I put the capacitors on the end of a wiring tail just to make things clear in the video, as long as the caps are wired correctly then wiring them in the motor box is fine. 3 hp motor will draw quite a lot of starting current, but only for a second or so. Try the switches and monitor the performance. I hope you have watched part 6.

[@TheInfoworks]

Thanks for the comment. Yes they discharge into the coils as soon as the power is disconnected,

[@BurkenProductions]

Great to know this! Thanks for teaching us this! :)

[@TheInfoworks]

Thanks, have you subscribed? Cheers, Andy

[@rls3231]

it defintly works, i am going to look into ofseting the neutral just a little to see if i can improve its proformance.

[@SuperChromatic]

Worked a treat! thank you.

[@TheInfoworks]

That's grand.

[@munemotanakac7589]

wonderfully explained

[@TheInfoworks]

Thanks for the comment and the appreciation, subscribed? Cheers, Andy

[@mrblack61]

Excellent stuff! Im recently into playing around with engineering machinery (lathes / shapers / milling machines etc) and am keen to get my head around 3 phase. Your video makes me wonder if im gona need the VFD ive just bought! lol. Cheers D

[@mwilson70201]

I'm in the USA and would like to know the horsepower of the motor you are powering. If it's one HP would you triple the capacitor value for 3HP? Does a start capacitor have to be individually switched or will it drop out after it's job is done? This is the most sensible video I have found on the subject and I do appreciate you sharing this knowledge with us. God bless.

[@closertothetruth9209]

You're an interesting guy, love videos like this, amazed me such low capacitance did the job

[@TheInfoworks]

Capacitors are such useful things, including suppressing sparks on DC contacts (see my video) cheers

[@MrMusic1950]

Be careful for polarity of electrolytic capacitors, plus, capacitors "hold electricity" and you can get a nasty shock from them if they're not fully discharged. This is a great video. Thanks for posting it.

[@riccardoz2953]

U DONT HAVE TO USE POLARIZED ELECTROLIZER. it's AC vurrent not DC. seems u should pay more attention on the argument.

[@TheInfoworks]

Thanks for your comment. The capacitor has the effect of creating an offset from the line voltage. Let's hear how you get on.

[@bezzeghdenes]

HÍ Andy, excellent presentation !! thank you for sharing.

[@TheInfoworks]

Thanks for the appreciation, let us know how you get on. Subscribed? Cheers, Andy

[@TheInfoworks]

Simon. Interesting and useful is it not? On a separate thread, the stove is in place and going through the design and trials phase (trail and error). More later. Cheers.

[@foamaxmore]

Helped me with my 3 phase 10amp motor trying to run it as a pm ac generator or as an ac generator with in parallel caps 250-35- vac.still need some work yet tho, thank you for the info.

[@TheInfoworks]

HI. Good question, yes you get about 60% of the power, as the motor draws less power from the supply. This is not a problem in workshop conditions as the motors will generally not be running all day long, day in and day out. You may wish to subscribe for video updates. Thanks for the question.

[@TheInfoworks]

Hi. Thanks for your interest. A start capacitor is just a normal capacitor but can be larger. This is used when a motor is starting under load. My pillar drill with many speed ratios needs one. If you look at part one of this series the wiring is explained. They can be operated with a simple push switch to connect then until the motor is up to speed. They can have values of 50 uf and above because they are connected for only a second or so. Hope that helps.

[@angelodiaz9903]

Sir, thank you for this tutorial. Get to learn.

[@fareedhamzasurchy2940]

Angelo Diaz mee too

[@mikemotorsport]

connect L1 to one winding L2 to another winding and also connect L1 on the capacitors to L2. then the capacitor N to the L3 and then to the final winding. if your motor spins the wrong way swap over the L2 and L3. also the capacitor you have is very powerful it may be to big but worth a try. it will work on any voltage but its maximum design current is 500v so it will be fine but might not work right as it is so big. hope this helps

[@aardvarkiq]

Great vid, very informative. Thanks for sharing!

[@TheInfoworks]

Thanks for the appreciation, subscribed to this non commercial channel? cheers

[@TheInfoworks]

Thanks for your appreciation, hope you find the info helpful.

[@TheInfoworks]

Thanks for the appreciation. I hope you like the other capacitor videos.

[@TheInfoworks]

Thanks for your enquiry. The video shows how to experiment to find the correct capacitor value. I suggest you start with 30 uf and work from that point. The start capacitor could be by manual switch to get things working. The book I show describes several automatic methods. It is still available, so maybe that would be a good purchase.

[@TheInfoworks]

Hi. Good question. The motor plate shows it is a 1.1 Kw power motor. I have just checked the current and it draws 2.4 amps when running and over 10 amps for less than a second to start. Thanks for the comment.

[@ahmadebrahim2314]

Thank you mr Andy for your good video demonstration, I really got many watched your videos repeatedly to understand it well, the video is very clear. Perfect explanation. But I have questions regarding this topic please, what will happen if capacitors are connected in series?? and How could we control the direction of rotating??

[@TheInfoworks]

Capacitors are in parallel to increase overall value. To reverse rotation change the capacitor to the other supply connection, cheers, Andy

[@ahmadebrahim2314]

Andy Reynolds good, so the in parallel caps connection increases the speed of the motor, what about if capacitors are in series connection? What will happen? Is it possible to use series capacitors in such applications??

[@TheInfoworks]

Thanks for your enthusiastic comment, all part of increasing self reliance.

[@alfredtambunan8961]

Thank you so much. I am enlightened!