Three Ways To Run A Three Phase Motor On Single Phase, And the Pro's and Con's of Each Method

I show in detail three different methods for powering a three-phase motor with single phase power. I show all the parts, how they work together, and the pros and cons of each method. The goal is to also explain how it works, not just “put the wires here”.
If you want to chip in a few bucks to support these projects and teaching videos, please visit my Patreon page or Buy Me a Coffee.
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Notes:
1. Potential relays come in different ratings. So, you have to be sure you get one that matches the voltage of your motor. The one I show in the video says is is for "any potential" as long as the motor is rated for 120, or 240. Details in the link below.
2. Affiliate links to Amazon items shown in this video. Amazon gives me a small commission if you use the links below. Feel free to shop around though.
Packard Start Capacitor
amzn.to/2QiC22w
Supco Potential Relay
amzn.to/2QiqhsO
Powerwell Run Capacitor 60 mf
amzn.to/2NzxSV8
Genteq Run Capacitor 35 mf
amzn.to/2CCBKAI
One example of a KB electronics VFD for 1 ph-3ph rated at 5.5 amps. Make sure you get one that's the right size for your application. Not necessarily this one.
amzn.to/2CDnOGA
Technical corrections
Nothing yet
Final Note:
PLEASE UNDERSTAND...I receive hundreds of messages on all platforms (email, Facebook, comments etc) asking for advice, and help with projects. At this volume, I simply can't do one on one advice. Thanks for your understanding on this.

[@donaldcampbell7894]

For the person just learning. Needing a grasp to understand. This guy is it. He is far more advanced than the learning person needs. Yet talks to us like we are people. So humble. He is why KZbin was invented. To teach and help. Very smart man. Love the videos.

[@Jeremy_Fielding]

Thank you!

[@leeverrill]

I agree

[@oppored5947]

@@leeverrill hi

[@BeyondThePines0]

KZbin was created as a dating site 😂😂

[@dagothur8866]

@@BeyondThePines0 And Tinder was a basket weaving forum.

[@ianmib]

Just recently discovered your channel and am really enjoying your videos. I am a civil engineer, whom was required to take several circuits courses in my program with little practical application. Many years later I have taken up a woodworking hobby and have been performing maintenance on previously owned electrical motors. I share a similar you enthusiasm for the centrifugal start cap switch, its brilliant in it's simplicity and just goes to show how the simplest solutions are often the best.

[@Rayram555]

Your a genius at your skills. No one was ever able to explain the capacitors providing a extra phase like you did. Im an electrician and have maintained a 3 phase motor running on single phase through capacitors providing the 3rd phase. The motor amps were never balanced with a load. The motor held out fine for many years. This was way before variable frequency drives were available and small enough to power small pumps. Thank you . You are very entertaining and knowledgeable.

[@rozzy7341]

Ive been trying to get into this for a while.....watched loads of other vids.....but this series has been brilliant...thanks loads!!

[@chopchop727]

Wow ..very educational .. learned more watching this video then I have in 32 years of hands on Thanks!

[@s07StickEmpires]

I love these motor videos. I'm making a big collection of my own. In fact, I got a 10 amp vacuum motor today. Epic stuff Jeremy.

[@jaybroreviews]

Hey thanks so much for posting such a comprehensive video explaining these things! It is by far the best I have seen. I have an old 35mm projector attached to a lamp console that each run on 220v 3 phase. I’m probably going to scrap the lamp house because it is too impractical and would consume massive amounts of energy. I definitely either wanted to either reconfigure (not an option) or replace the motor but they are hard to find. I’m on the prowl for a VFD now. Thanks again for the post!!

[@scottturcotte1860]

I have an Arco rotophase converter I bought in the 1980's, it is a 5/15, meaning it will turn single phase 220 into 3 phase enough to start a motor up to 5 horsepower and run up to 15 horsepower worth of motors simultaneously... it has been a reliable unit for my home shop...

[@imhard2please503]

Thank you sir from Gold Coast Australia. You just saved me a packet as i was thinking the capacitor was for me. Now its VDF all the way. Next time you are down under let me buy you a beer.

[@williamcolon3647]

Great video, I've been waiting for a video like this for a while.. thank you for taking the time to post it . 👍👌🏽

[@edwardgiovannelli5191]

I work with these things for a living so I'm always skeptical of 'youtube experts' who post videos like this. That said, this guy does a really good job of presenting the basics to help a beginner familiarize themselves with VFDs. Real good job. By the way, Automation Direct (and probably others) make a line of very affordable VFDs that will run a 1/2hp 3ph motor on single phase. Just watch your amperage draw.

[@johngillon6969]

wish i had met someone like you when i was younger, I tried to understand this stuff over the years, and now at 70 yrs old I am starting to understand it when you explain it. You are so cool. thanks.

[@waltersobchak7275]

I have motors all over the place, treadmill, squirrel cage, blower motors. Even motors with a belt that turns huge fan. I will watch your how motors work first cause I'm lost on this video. Great channel by the way. You already know I hit the sub button.

[@Jeremy_Fielding]

Walter... welcome to my neighborhood!

[@The_Most_Chad_Of_Chads]

I’m a Journeyman Electrician and I’ve got to say watching your videos has taught me more than any class I ever took. Your videos are so informative yet so interesting. Awesome content.

[@ajithvargheese482]

Hello sir where are you from?

[@tomadkins2866]

@NostradamusJr. I totally agree, and that applies to many different fields. Having been an Auto Technician for 23 years in a former career, and now, 20 years in Retail IT Systems (Holy crap, I just did the math on that. Damn, I'm old.), the bulk of my formal training in both fields was mainly hands on and accompanied by "book" training. That's called kinesthetic learning, and the way most humans learn the best. You can't understand how to use a screwdriver by reading the procedure. BTW, My unofficial apprenticeship in electrical started when I was 6 and tore my moms toaster apart. I still have a love, and fascination with wrangling my personal angry pixies and respect for the guys who wrangle them for a living. Be safe, sir.

[@foomanchewthis]

Great job, Jeremy! I get a lot from your videos. Thank you so much!

[@VictorSilva-rq4kz]

Thank you Jeremy, I learned something new today.

[@johnallison4904]

Jeremy, I've been watching your vids for some time, and you just keep getting better and better. Reckon you would have made a great science and tech teacher. Many thanks.

[@nikispaniki]

Another fan of mr fielding

[@jimmilne19]

Jeremy, you are a perfect example of the American pride of excellence through independent investigation. Revealing one's own potential through learning and then giving it on to others by teaching is you by example. I love this channel. 72 years old and still learning here. And you - I would like to meet you someday - are the teacher I wish I had had when I was 12 years old! Thanks for your fine example and your channel content. Impressed I am!

[@DougHanchard]

Good video Jeremy! There are a lot of safety precautions you should incorporate into your videos, especially around capacitors. Buy some plumbing pipe straps to hold down your parts to avoid them vibrating around the table during demonstrations. Had the capacitor terminals bumped into each other, we might not be watching this video. At the very least, use velcro straps wound around the capacitors to hold them in place on your work bench. They can hold a lot of current if not properly discharged. There's a video you can work on - a capacitor discharge tool ! As Michel Auron pointed out, the caps can pack a serious wallop around inexperienced hands. I've seen guys work on high performance stereo amps and get whacked pretty good let alone 3 PH stuff, that are packed with 20 caps that can be lethal. You might want to make a test board to hold switches in place that you know you will be always connecting stuff too. It will make it easier for you once you label them and their usage and can be reused for all your projects that 'connect' to your main 'switch' board. Make it out of wood and screw in boxes for all types of switches, potentiometers, fuses, breakers, etc. You've got that knack to be a really good instructor if you wanted to pursue a career teaching electrical.

[@Jeremy_Fielding]

Thanks for the tips

[@fexaboss8727]

Jeremy, can you please talk about power factor ... thanks for this videos ...

[@danielteyehuago1633]

Thanks for your sharing it with us. This is a great tutorial and very informative... dl

[@kckoellein]

Great job, Mr. Fielding! Thanks!

[@1495978707]

The second option has issues because instead of the phases being equally spaced at 120 degrees, you have two spaced at 180 degrees and the other is at best 90 degrees, but he had worse. So the motor is fighting itself, which is why it gets so hot

[@yogeshdharia7511]

very nicely explain with practical

[@deanharmon9527]

Could you please do a load test on the DPS converter? Like an air compressor

[@rvhill69]

you Sir are the MR Rogers of electrical engineering, people can learn a lot from your vids!

[@justinhommerding3693]

Totally agree, an excellent teacher, makes what he is describing simple enough I can even understand. That is pretty amazing. Thank you very much Sir!!!

[@benniedonald]

The Captain Kangaroo for do it yourselfer's. You learn and have fun doing it. Then again I was the only child at 3 experimenting with wall outlets. Yeah I am probably the reason for childproofing home ideas.

[@danrobinson2490]

I rarely comment on any how-to video, but I felt compelled to tell you what a great job you do with these. I have watched several, and the quality is consistently very high. You have the ability to convey complex ideas in a very straightforward way. Thank you.

[@Wrongway1961]

Very cool. I've watched "HUNDREDS" of videos on this subject, and founds yours the most informative and easy to follow. I will definitely stay tuned. Thanks alot.

[@michealfigueroa6325]

I have viewed several of your videos and fine them instructive and useful...today I need a follow up on using 3 phase motors on 220 lines. How long is too long for capacitor only systems. And your view on VFD's when they cost more than the motor they are to be used with. From here it seems that VFD's are useful in places where conversion to 1 phase motors is not possible , 'cause they cost so D.. much! Thank you!

[@jlibb099]

This is a lot of information. Good to see you show the "not so good" options along with good options.

[@noahkatz9616]

In general a 3ph in/3ph out VFD CAN be used with 1ph input, but with a 40% derating of the output

[@fyx812]

I need You to come to my garage and "Tinker" around with some of my stuff... LOL...

[@scottcarlon6318]

⚒🛠🔧⚙️Super informative, glad to be part of your cobbling for fun network. I really think you’er such a wizard and gifted in your knowledge and presentation, and ability to explain in an entertaining and informative way. Thanks for the effort, hard work and personal time invested, its a true valued service you provide. 🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺

[@saltysoulcreations8537]

I was wondering if I can use a VFD to run my 3phase machine that uses a step up transformer. So the wiring comes into a switch and from there to my BIGGGG step up transformer, from there it feeds the machine and all components. Thank you for your videos.

[@themeister1966]

Great video Jeremy, very informative, keep up the great work.

[@autodid212]

you have a great electrical mind. the video you made with your kids makes your father skills 10x the electric skills. Genius

[@lastresortrescueandrepair]

Thanks for this explanation on how you can do this, I’d always heard “ it can’t be done “ but you proved it can be done. Thanks again !!

[@VentShop]

Jerremy, I would like to suggest a fourth method. You can start a three phase motor on 220/240. Wire up two legs and then literally pull start the motor like you would a lawn mower. It does not have the full horsepower but I have seen it work. Once the first one is started you can then run other motors and start them like you would with the pony motor. I don't know if it heated up as much as the run capacitor method and you obviously need a way to disconnect the load but it will work. I was told that with multiple ones around the shop the person who did it was eventually able to basically run each one on just a single phase input since he had some sort of a switch in place to switch the second phase from the line to a third pony motor. Honestly using a capacitor start method you should also be able to momentarily use a cap to start and then remove the cap and keep the other phases connected and keep it running with those phases balanced and the third generating. The person also told me that he was able to actually fool the power meter into spinning backwards with his single phase input method... I don't know if it was true or not but the power company came out to his place as per his story due to discrepancies and pulled the meter with things running to see if he had splice power in before the meter and was stealing electricity. The story went on that it all died when the meter was pulled and so the assumption was that the meter was being spun backwards because it was not able to read things correctly due to the noise the motor systems were backfeeding into the meter. He said he would leave everything running for weeks on end. They said they could put in a different meter that would be able to catch it but that the power companies cost to do so would be so large it would end up being a huge loss for them to do so vs his ability to just shave his bill down to 50 bucks a month vs 100. Again I can not say this is true or not but I saw with my own eyes a three phase motor start and run with the pull start method.

[@BlooMule]

@Wayne M I've done it using a small single phase motor coupled to the pony motor to spin it up. You get creative when you have a pile of free motors.

[@perceive8159]

I just fabricated a 60hp 220acv 3ph 1780rpm roto phase for my machine shop. Fabricated a frame that bolts on top of the 60 hp motor then a 2hp 220acv 1780rpm is mounted to that frame. Pulleys on each motor are 6 inch diameter double Grove B Belt. I then start the 2HP pony motor to operating rpm, I use a spring loaded on and off switch for this operation when I release pressure on this toggle switch it returns to off position. When the 2 motors are at the 1780 rpm I then energize power to the 60 hp through a magnetic start switch. The 60 hp continues to run on 220 and producing the third Phantom leg= 3 phase power. Because there is no power going to the 2hp pup motor now it just spins along with the 60 hp motor. I don't balance the line voltages on the 60 hp but balance the voltages on the load motors at each machine with run capacitors with 15 ph being the highest. The beauty about getting the 60 hp up to speed before you apply power is there is very little voltage draw on the circuit. While the motor is running at no load the amp draw is about 27/28 then obviously goes up under load.I have made numerous units with this approach for other people and myself and they have operated for years and years with no problems, the only thing I do check depending how hard I work the load motors are the run capacitors because they will loose there efficiency. Anyways I thought I would share this with you. But thanks for your great and informative video.

[@mr.neqtan]

Essentially, your systems are the fundamentals of a rotary phase converter. Correct?

[@michaelszczys8316]

Sounds like set up a fellow I knew had. He had a huge compressor in his garage that took 3 phase but he only had single phase power. He had a very large motor on the floor, we would turn the shaft as fast as we could with our feet and apply power to get it started then he had the compressor hooked to it and after we got it started up he would hit the switch on the 3 phase compressor and it would start right up and run. He later got a 3 phase converter with huge capacitors but that thing sounded like it was going to blow up to start the compressor

[@BenMcneil-hk8xv]

I need that motor and gear for my rolling mill

[@MrJendosa1]

I wish I seen this video sooner I got a Becker vacuum pump with 3 phase motor and can’t use it at home.

[@Zeddify]

My induction motor that I was planning to get has a fan in the back so it could dissipate the heat.

[@Gabriel-mg6om]

Automatic "Thumbs up" before I started watching... You are Awesome Sir! THANKS!

[@hullinstruments]

I’ve always loved your videos and I’m sorry to bother you but I don’t know who else to ask. I no longer have access to three phase power, but I still have my test equipment and lab. I’m constantly needing to test motor controllers and servodrives that require three-phase input. Can I power them With a single to three phase converter? Basically using one drive to convert single phase to three phase.... and then using that converted power to test another drive? I would only be doing this only to test the drive and put it through its paces. Not to run it long term. I have all kinds of massive three-phase variacs, power supplies, motor load testers, all of that good stuff… But since I no longer have access to true three phase power… I’ve got to find a way to generate clean three phase so that I can input into these drives that I’m testing and repairing for clients. Thought you might know something about this. And any ideas are welcome. Keep up the great work! I really enjoyed seeing you on Destin‘s channel ..... it was really cool considering I’ve been following you from the beginning!

[@jaybabin-o2421]

First off, thank you for sharing your knowledge! Second, do you know if method #2 would be more efficent with the motor in delta?

[@rogergregory5981]

just stick with inverters vfds as you call them I've been build control panels/electrical gear for a long time and never used any capacitor gear to run 3ph motors, you can buy low power very cheap inverters now and there very efficient

[@Eagle-md6ku]

I agree!! I don't like the idea of using caps to run 3 phase motors like that... It look super inefficient and looks like it's terrible for that poor motor

[@MrHercsk]

@Chris wow ive heard it all now! 30 years in the Electrical trade and vfd's only run toys? The benefits of vfds far outweigh the zombie hacked and outdated systems albeit able to run 3 pahase motors with caacitors! Precision contro,l balance and protection of both the machine as well as an operator are rhe reason why EVERYWHERE uses vfds for motor control. Even if youre in some backyard hick town with single phase one would still have to spend so much more time rigging a lamens converter with salvaged parts for your shop! BE SAFE USE A VFD! TECHNOLOGY HAS PROGRESSED. You missed the whole point of what was said

[@DaleLiles]

Great work! I love the effort and time you put into this. The fact that you covered such a multifaceted concept in so many different ways, in a DIY project, is incredible. Taking the time to share it all afterwards is just above and beyond. Thank you!

[@peterfrancis3865]

Thanx

[@ronbonick4265]

great info !!!

[@Migueldeservantes]

Just klick on the bell!! You have earned my respect sir!! Definitely Simple Enough. Yet to the point! Thank you very much...

[@williamgower1769]

Great video, really clear and informative. Wish I had seen this months ago !

[@chenosperformance2499]

Hi and thanks for your videos please can you connect an ac encoder motor to a vfd let me know if I need to help on some supplies thanks again

[@scottyboy7462]

you are by far the best teacher of this electrical stuff ever. been trying to grasp this stuff for years. your giant 3 phase brain is able to convert this knowledge into little spoonfuls of single phase knowledge which my muddy brain actually comprehends. thank you sir and kindest regards from Massachusetts!! 🇺🇸

[@firetoy911]

do they make waterproof or outdoor vfds? i have a 15hp irrigation pump using 36amps.. I only have single phase service though. Someone said using a vfd might allow me to vary the input into the pump to optimize capacity of the well while maintaining lowest pressure i need. how do you select the size? i mean in rotary converters i was told to buy one 2x the size of my pump motor. is that the same for vfds?

[@CaseyConnor]

Re: exploding capacitors: if you're running with the potential relay and the motor has a high load on it at startup, do you run the risk of the potential relay not being triggered, the start capacitor staying connected too long, and thus exploding?

[@Eagle-md6ku]

A high start load doesn't cause the back emf to go away.... Right? I don't really know I just hope he answers the question

[@CaseyConnor]

​@@Eagle-md6ku Yeah I also dunno... I think (?) the back EMF is proportional to rotational speed, and I meant to describe the case where the load was so high that the motor turned slowly, i.e. slow enough that there wouldn't be adequate back EMF. I hope he (or someone wise) responds, too, because it seems an important consideration for that method.

[@Eagle-md6ku]

Actually I think you are right... If you consider that the back emf is a form of impedece (measured in ohms) and that the maximum amount of current flows in this case then there must be not be much back emf. Thus the cap would continue to try to start the motor and eventually blow up. So yes I think you are absolutely right

[@a89proof]

Keep in mind that when using a potential relay, as current through the relay starts to rise, it's not a bad idea to use the relay to trigger the coil on a contactor, and allow the high current side of the contactor to make and break the load. When the contacts in a potential relay weld themselves shut, all the smoke leaks out of the start capacitors.

[@joandar1]

Dale Gribble, I love your comment about the smoke leaking out. I first heard that about 25 years ago from a friend of mines son. The way he worded it was, "Once all the Blue Smoke gets out you can not get it all back in and the tool never works the same again". I adopted the expression then and only a few times have I heard others using it, you being one most recently. Love it. Cheers from John, Australia.

[@Jeremy_Fielding]

Several people do exactly that with their setup. My goal for this video was to use as few parts as possible to show how "simple" it can be. Personally I would want displays showing voltage across each leg and several other things but then it looks more complicated and people think they can't do it. This is why I started with just one cap and built it up. But I agree with your statement completely.

[@hardwurkindaddy]

It's definitely hard to get the factory smoke back in.

[@dhollm]

So was your option #2 (run + start caps with relay) something like what a static phase converter has internally?

[@ergon58]

So happy I came across your channel man so very informative you don’t just GIVE out answers either you need to think a bit which makes the viewer that much smarter. I’ve been binging your motor and wiring videos and can’t thank you enough for taking the time to explain and share your passion and knowledge with others. And if it means anything else very proud to see you include your entire family and include them in the learning and projects. Thank you again. Jeff, Chicago IL

[@jhooah1]

Jeremy: Great Vid as usual, another "cheap" option not covered is to use a 110V motor to spin up a 220 3 phase pony motor and then turn the 220 on the spinning motor. Output for third leg is created (cleaned up with Capacitor if desired) and the 110V motor is turned off...the 220 3 phase is then running on 220 1phase, creating a third leg for another motor in the shop. I've used one like this without a 110V starting motor by rolling the pulley on the 5hp 220 3ph motor over with my foot, then hitting 220 single ph power, it runs my 2.5hp 3ph mill motor. Risk is if power went out while using I may forget to kill the system, so I should add a Magnetic switch to the start switch which would turn itself off if the grid power died. Building a larger 20hp3PH I will drive off a 110 belt pulley for start as I have a 7hp Cincinnati mill I picked up. Great Vids, keep it up.

[@bryansmith7838]

Awesome vid. I will definitely be watching more and getting caught up on the topics you already covered. Thanks for the knowledge and have fun Tinkering..

[@More350Power]

Thank you for the video ! Years ago I had found someone that told me 15 microfarads per horsepower was good, at least for a test. I ran a 1.5 Marathon 208-240/460 volt 3phase motor on single phase, wired for 208/240 with a 30 mfd capacitor and it ran smooth, ran cool for over an hour, no load of course but it was kinda cool to see it come to life. ... I always wanted a VFD but at the time,. it wasn't an option due to funds. If I end up running into more 3 phase motors, a VFD will be the route I go.

[@Omenowl]

Were those motors wired in wye or delta

[@wibblywobblyidiotvision]

Hey Jeremy, nice video. A few things, though. Firstly, and most importantly, it's worth pointing out that the kick from a big AC capacitor can be lethal. Watching you waving bare hands around those caps scared the living bejesus out of me, you want bleed resistors on those caps, particularly the start capacitor which doesn't have a coil to bleed down through. Secondly, a rotary converter has a massive advantage over a VFD - there's no need to rewire your tool - just plug it in and go (once you've barred your motor for 220v, obvs, although there's ways to go single phase 220 -> 3 phase 380 via a rotary converter and without a separate 1 or 3 phase transformer). With VFD, you need to remove or rewire all the machine's buttons, in particular the stop buttons. Back EMF from hard shutdowns lets the smoke out of VFDs. Thirdly, many tools will require multiple VFDs to run. Think milling machine with powered axes, or even a lathe with a separate coolant pump. Again, the rotary converter is a winner here. Fourthly, you can run a 3 phase motor (badly) without any caps, but you can't start it automatically - if you spin it manually and then flick the switch with only 2 phases connected, it will turn (more or less) happily enough. The same with your initial one-cap setup - you didn't have enough capacitance to spin it up properly, but if you spin it manually first and hit the power while it's spinning, you're away. A "pull start" rotary converter is quite possible, using a relay off the back EMF to drive a relay to actuate a contactor to connect the power when it's spinning... Fifthly, you can balance the phases much better by looking at the voltages between the phases on the motor terminals. If your phases are L1, L2 and L3, you'll have 230v from L1 to L2 (your live and neutral lines coming in over here in 220v euroland, or your two hot lines in 110v 'murica), then (say) your dephasing capacitor(s) between L1 and L3 give you a shadow phase. Tweak your capacitances from L1 and L3 to get something approximating 230v L1->L3, then add balance capacitors between L2 and L3 to get L2->L3 in spec as well. It's a bit of a juggling act, a good starting point is around half as much capacitance for L2->L3. Aaaaaaaand then, a small capacitance between L1 and L2 to increase your cos/phi, shove an ammeter across your input line with the motor running and add capacitance until the amperage stops dropping. About a tenth of L1->L3 on my 4 horse idler. Sixthly and lastly, once you start loading your "driven" motor, the voltages will sag. You might need to add (smaller) dephasing and balance caps to the tools themselves, or simply up the capacitance on the converter (although the latter will put the voltages over spec when unloaded). This is where a VFD might be a winner, as some machines really really don't like out of spec line voltges.

[@jrsydvl7218]

I have 2 10hp rotary phase converters and a 5hp vfd. The vfd is for my cnc milling machine. The servos and controller is 1ph so no additional boxes. My drill press and lathe share a rotary phase converter. Only 1 at a time get used but it should be able to power them both simultaneously. The vfd gives me speed control but I lose torque if I go too low on the rpm.

[@andrewevanoff1192]

@@jrsydvl7218 Rotary converters are a way of the past. Low power VFDs are very cheap these days. You get a better control, better power factor (Cos. "Phi " or those who live in the oppressed land), better speed and torque control and an ability for automatic slow start/stop (and even dynamic braking if needed) etc. Most important is that a VFD also can provide a thermal overload protection feature for the motor. I would only use the capacitor method if nothing else is available.

[@jrsydvl7218]

@@andrewevanoff1192 I need all the torque I can get my hands when using my lathe. The speed range is so wide to accomodate different materials. The best option available to me is to keep the gearbox and apply best torque at the speed. But I'd still take mechanical speed control over losing power for convenience.

[@gman5986]

Can I run a 30 Horsepower Haas VF 3 SS on a VFD or do I need a Rotary Phase Converter. Also my available power is 125 Amp Single Phase?

[@kimlground206]

1) The 125A service or feeder limitation is going to be a problem here, unless you are willing to accept lighter loading on the spindle motor (slower feed rates). 2). Jeremy didn't quite tell the whole story. . . Single phase input VFDs are seldom available above about 5 hp. I searched at length several years back for 20 hp with zero success from any vendor in the world. 3). Rotary phase converter would work for this application, if you had enough available current, which you don't. 4) Consult with power company. No matter how you wire it they can be a bit touchy about starting a 30 hp load on single phase. It tends to make all the lights in the neighborhood brown out. It helps some that this is 30 total connected hp of several motors and not one big 30 hp motor. They may even give you a competitive price on three phase power if it is already on the pole outside. For the rotary converter you need to find a pile of capacitors, a 50 hp pony motor, controls, increase feeder or service entrance to at least 200A. Might get by with 30hp pony motor here.

[@learningcoach1]

hi I have a berko heater with a 3 phase fan motor how do i run the heater with a 3 phase motor fan do i needed to re-wire the entire unit or just the fan circuit.?

[@doug8718]

Great video, Jeremy! I'm an electrical engineer, and love tinkering with things just like this. I have a 3-ph motor I have been meaning to integrate into my shop, and you've motivated me to get started. I might add that one source of potential relays is [probably older] salvaged HVAC units.

[@shanelipe2552]

@Jeremy Fielding Jeremy,. As I read the first 10 or so comments, I'm amazed at how much your subscribers enjoy your videos and take the time to give you props and good energy... The LEAST YOU could do is take a few seconds to say, THANK YOU. Also,. You're making a VERY COMFORTABLE living$$ doing this work.. Hire someone to respond to subscribers, after all, it's us that are forced to listen to all your sponsor ads, etc. Thank you for probably not reading this. Thanks for your knowledge and videos.

[@richcollins513]

Always remember when working with a VFD that it has a capacitor bank that stores a DC charge and could take a few minutes to drain down to safe levels after removing power. Check the DC terminals for voltage before touching the terminals or opening the drive. Thanks for the video Jeremy, I am a VFD repair tech guy. Love your videos.

[@Pedro72740]

How’d you get that job. I’m a maintenance technician and I’m waiting for some official training on Allen Bradley 1305, 1355, Ultra 3000, etc, instead of mostly guess work that I’ve been doing for years now. I’ll owe the company a couple years after I’m done but then I’ll be free to pursue other options. Could u give me some advice?

[@richcollins513]

I service PowerFlex VFD's for a living. I have been watching your videos a long time. This one made my day to see what I work on within your channel. R-S gives you 120V fan power generally. R-T does not give you 120V fan power. In your case it wont matter because your fans are 24V I think.

[@yom3954]

Mr. Fielding, your video is quite interesting and educative. Just a doubt...Will a 10 HP (3Phase) motor work with a VFD on a single phase line?

[@mulualemabebe1387]

can i integrate capacitor on to fridge motor?

[@MVanDii]

I may need you to walk us through the pony motor idea better. I don;t quite follow that one like I'd like

[@AxissXs]

Thanks for all the effort man, was a great series with lots of useful information.although i knew how to do identify, wire and control all these motors, i couldn't resist watching these cause i knew i'm gonna learn good stuff from your experience.it worth a lot to me and i very appreciate what you do.just one more thing, please be more careful handling electricity. thank you

[@leverman7517]

Great vid. I built my own roto phase for my shop back in '88. 1hp. 3ph. for the starter 300 mf of running cap. this powered a 5 hp 3ph as the main roto conv. and I ran a 10 hp compressor a 1.5 hp mill and a 5 hp. 3ph lathe.all simultaneously. I ran it for about 5 years. I got the wiring diagram from a Audell engineering book from the '30s and had the system checked by a friend who was an Electrical engineer at a large plant in Tn.

[@trurestorationist8243]

@Kenneth Wheeler: I was wondering if anybody would finally provide the "5th" way.... (4th way is to just kick the pulley with your foot!) which is the cheapest, and best way to do this! Good job! Do you happen to still have that wiring diagram? I sure would like to get a copy!

[@westweld]

So jeremy this is the video I was looking for that I asked about earlier.......so to run a 2hp 3 phase 460 volt motor ......I need a 220v single phase input to 460v 3 phase vfd that's 2hp?

[@westweld]

Or I can use a 230 v 3 pase input to 460v 3 pase output vfd with my rotary phase converter?

[@jayswisher575]

As a maintenance man I work with electric motors and vfds. I see some familiar faces in that equipment

[@megamanwins]

Hi Jeremy, Thank you for sharing this very informative video! I have a request, Can you make a video tutorial on how to identify the unmarked winding of the motor having 6, 9 and 12 leads coming out? Thank you.

[@muctarrturay2718]

Hello Jeremy, thanks for sharing you valuable knowledge. You video was my first insight into VFDs and using 1p to run 3p motors. I install solar pv residential and commercial systems and came across the need to run a 3p motor from 1p with a specific location. I am looking for a cost effective way of doing this and the options you presented were quite helpful.

[@s07StickEmpires]

Gonna be tough for me to obtain 3 phase motors. I'm not sure where to go to find a scrapped one. And I'm pretty sure if I want to buy one it will be deadly expensive.

[@Jeremy_Fielding]

Generally they are cheaper for the same HP because most people don't have three phase. But as far as finding a scrapped one... I think that is pretty rare.

[@greg778123]

I’ve seen them cheap on Craigslist and Facebook swipswap

[@enriqueg5556]

let me know if you want one for educational purposes that is

[@ThomasShue]

Is it possible to email you directly or talk via a cell phone? I have a 460v 3 phase motor I need to run. I have a few ways to maybe bring this.. First I have 220v 3 phase (via a RPC I built). Also I have a 220v to 460v single phase transformer. So I can get 460v single, I just need to get it to 3 phase. What's the cheapest way to achieve 460v 3 phase

[@jeromewelch7409]

Awesome video Jeremy lots of ground covered, hahah, it's important to note that when attempting to use a VFD in any application single phase or three phase using flexible metal conduit or metal conduit in your application at least from the drive to the motor, note to observe the ground termination points as most likely there will be two locations the input ground ,and motor ground will have each a single point of connection at the drive (vfd). This is to help isolate any switching harmonics from the six pulse rectifying bridge from entering the system.. It might be worth mentioning if you're going to do this on a very large motor in a residential home may want to use an isolation transformer at the rated load. As the input to the drive , most expensive installed ,but truly its the least expensive ....peace

[@wayneparris3439]

You are mostly correct. I have been running a shop made rotary converter for over 35 years and have made several. First in the U.S. we use split phase power that means that we have 2 legs of 3 phase delivered to your home and the phase angle is 120 deg not 180 deg. This supplies 2 of your 3 legs to a 3 phase motor so you get 2/3 not 1/3 of the name plate rating. The balance caps will bring up the 3rd leg along with back EMF to full line voltage. VFDs were not "a thing" when I first started running 3 phase motors on 2 phase power. For one motor sure they work well. But for the cost of a VFD, I would rather make a rotary converter as 3 phase equipment is much less expensive on the used market because all the home shop guys think they need to replace the motor.. which they don''t. Once you have the converter you can build your shop for much less cost and with higher quality equipment than a weekend warrior can with single phase equipment. Just another thought for the mixing pot.

[@Steven-qs6wj]

Dude. You are the best. Your fanboying over that potential relay cracked me up. Thank you.

[@fordx4n]

This is good to know info! I'll have to keep this video handy! Thanks for posting this

[@BisonWorkshop]

i was going to say the same thing, lol

[@pu5epx]

Nice trick, the potential relay, it basically replaces the centrifugal switch.

[@Pappy45]

Just found your videos! Thank you for these helpful instructions.

[@michaelstorm8578]

Another fine video. I put a 3 phase motor and VFD on my lathe to gain variable speed. It's worked out ok for me. I appreciate you teaching me a bit more on how it all works.

[@lawrencehofer7477]

hi there jeremy i would like to say thank you for sharing knowledge here. i enjoyed your video. very informative more power bro. god bless you. am your subscriber now. thanks

[@artalonzo8581]

Thanks for the info jeremy. That helpes mw alot with my problems..

[@messenger8279]

Excellent teacher. Clear and concise. Speaks in a language I can understand even though I am not good with electrical work.

[@TheWoodCrafter1]

If the motor is 3phase 400v can I use a VFD with 3 phase 220v output? Giving the fact that the input power is 1 phase 220 v

[@brianmoore5298]

If you can access and separate the ends of the three windings, you can change from star to delta configuration, which will change the rating from 400V to 230V.

[@gfidd]

How can i identify the VFD that has been installed in a washing machine to run a 3ph motor on 1ph

[@WikkyPlays]

Ugh I have this same sorta motor at 10:00 mins but there's no way those RPMS are 3900 like it says on the motor and I'm using a VFD :(

[@linuxman0]

I'd love to see a video of how you'd turn a three phase brushless AC motor (or other appropriate type) into a generator. I believe this is what is used for the "regenerative braking" in some electric cars.

[@YodaWhat]

It is perhaps easier to understand that with the old-fashioned _3-ph _*_with brushes_* motor, as originally invented by Nikola Tesla. When a little DC power was applied to the rotor to magnetize it, it was a 3-ph *synchronous* motor, and equally well it was a 3-ph 'generator' (actually an alternator). When the brushes are instead shorted together, it acts as an induction motor, running slower than synchronous speed, but with far more starting torque. However, it is no longer a proper 'generator' in that configuration.

[@Steveo1544]

Have you had any experience with a single phase to 3 phase digital converter product called DSP? I assume it works like a VFD but with a fixed frequency. I'm considering the Myung Youn Electronics Model My-PS-7.5 for a Baldor 5 HP capacitor motor compressor.

[@Zebra66]

The VFD info is wrong. Almost any 3ph 220v VFD can be used to run a 3ph motor from a domestic 1ph 240v outlet. You just have to derate the VFD to allow for the extra amps needed when powering a 3pH VFD from a single phase outlet. E.g. to run a 7.5hp 3ph 220v 20a motor you'd use a 15hp 3ph VFD. The VFD would have to draw 34amp 1ph to output the 20a 3ph required by the motor which is why a larger VFD is needed than if you were running it on 3ph power. I run a 7.5hp 3ph CNC spindle from 1ph power using a 3ph VFD at home. It's common practice.

[@ser7ser7i]

Beautifull lesson, thank you.

[@antiglobaljoel532]

The capacitor only gives a phase shift of 90 degrees max, when a true 3rd phase needs 120 degrees, so there is some power loss.

[@visackkhemmanyvong4577]

I have a question i have a single speed / single phase 220volt made by pentaire can use vfd to control it thank you