3 phase to single phase

[matz]

Firstly apologies if this is the wrong section but I need some quick info. and this section seems well used!

Can 3 phase woodworking machines be easily and cheaply converted to single phase? I've seen this done so am assuming it does happen.

1. Is it expensive
2. Is it an easy job for an electrician
3. Does there come a point where the size of the original 3 phase motor means a conversion to single phase is impractical and if so what size.

and finally for someone dense in all things electric, why have 3 phase in the first place???

Many thanks....................

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Can 3 phase woodworking machines be easily and cheaply converted to single phase? I've seen this done so am assuming it does happen.

Are you sure you've seen conversion of the actual equipment to single-phase and not the use of a 3-phase inverter?

 

[matz]

When I say "I've seen" I mean I've read of machines for sale which have been converted, sorry!!! Again, I've read of replacement single phase motors being installed.

Whats involved with an inverter? cost and work wise?

 

[andy]

Whats involved with an inverter? cost and work wise?

inverter plugs into single phase supply, 3 phase equipment is plugged into inverter. try searchin altavista and youll find loads of info/prices on inverters

 

[plugwash]

Firstly apologies if this is the wrong section but I need some quick info. and this section seems well used!

Can 3 phase woodworking machines be easily and cheaply converted to single phase? I've seen this done so am assuming it does happen.

1. Is it expensive
2. Is it an easy job for an electrician
3. Does there come a point where the size of the original 3 phase motor means a conversion to single phase is impractical and if so what size.

it may be possible to convert a motor to single phase using capacitors but there will be some power loss and it would need a motor expert to do properly/safely (ie a normal sparky is unlikely to have a clue about it)

another possibility is simply to replace the motor with an appropriate single phase motor.

finally you can use an inverter to produce 3 phase but they are fairly expensive

and finally for someone dense in all things electric, why have 3 phase in the first place???

the main reason is it allows constant power to be delivered which tends to mean far less vibration in the motor and the generator. The only other way to get constant power is to use DC which has huge problems of its own (namely its a pita to voltage convert)

 

[Big_Spark]

All three phase motors can be converted to single phase with the addition of a suitably rated capacitor wired acorss one winding and the other two connected as one. However as plug has highlighted you need to know what your doing to achieve this with any degress of success and to do it safely.

I would suggest that you look at buying a suitable single phase motor for the machine as it will be a lot easier and cheaper than the conversion route.

 

[matz]

Many thanks for the info. much appreciated

 

[kendor]

have a looksee here for cheaper alternatives:
http://search.ebay.co.uk/single-phase-to-three-phase_W0QQsojsZ1QQfromZR40