How Do You Convert A 3 Phase Motor Into Single Phase?
A 3 phase motor cannot be operated properly from a single phase supply. You need to create a 3 phase supply. It is also a matter of the rating of the supply – can it deliver enough power to operate your machine. That is the first step. Determine the electrical power from the motor power (mechanical output) times 1.6. This is approximate. Thus for 5hp = 5 x 746W = 3.7KW x 1.6 = 6KW approximately. At 240V that would be 6000W / 240V = 25A. For 120V that would be double = 50A, but they are unlikely to be bigger than 3hp.. Here are three approaches: – There are single phase to three phase inverters, some based on rotating machines, some all electronic. – Use a single phase to 3 phase speed controller for your motor size may be the best solution. These are called VFDs (variable frequency drives). e.g. Allen Bradley. You get speed control along with phase conversion. – Change the 3 phase motor to a single phase equivalent. Generally single phase motors will be larger, have less starting torqu
