Yanni Report post Posted January 7, 2014 I'm buying an Alder cylinder machine that comes with an Efka motor with auto foot lift etc but it's three phase. Is there anything I can buy to convert single phase into 3 phase as we only have single phase 220V(UK)in our factory, What exactly am I looking for and can you recommend any shops... Thanks. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rlpullman Report post Posted January 7, 2014 I once knew a guy that used a phase convertor to run a three phase lathe on single phase 220v. He said that it is less efficient, and runs a lot of electricity. Richard Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Itch Report post Posted January 7, 2014 We have been using this for a few years and am very happy with it.. http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/inverter-drives/4668638/ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pcox Report post Posted January 8, 2014 There are static converters and rotary converters. The static converters will run your motor but at 66 % of it's rated power. The rotarys can be made at home if you under stand electricity, but may cost more to build than replacing the motor with a servo motor. I have built several rotary's have ran all my machine shop equipment for 20 years with one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Constabulary Report post Posted January 8, 2014 (edited) covering from 380 to 220 is a quite simple task BUT you have to understand what you are doing! What you need is a good diagram of an STEINMETZ CIRCUIT, the correct capacitor and the knowledge how to do it. But if you know nothing about electricity DON`T DO THIS ON YOUR OWN - ask a qualified electrician. http://www.plctalk.net/qanda/showpost.php?p=273421&postcount=11 Again - If you understand it, it will cost you just a few bucks for the capacitor - if you don´t understand it don´t even try it. Ask an electrician or buy a servo motor. Edited January 8, 2014 by Constabulary Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dwight Report post Posted January 8, 2014 I am not certain about the UK, . . . but here in the states, . . . it is way cheaper to just go buy the single phase motor. The added benefit, . . . it doesn't take an engineer or even a highly trained tech to troubleshoot the single phase setup. But the 3 phase setup will require someone nearby who understands the thing when you get into technical difficulties. May God bless, Dwight Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Anne Bonnys Locker Report post Posted January 9, 2014 Some of these motors are set up to run both but not all. Considering power factor and losses in the conversion process it would be much cheaper to get yourself a new motor. If this is for production use then stick to an Efka or the Chinese Panasonic product as the Hohsing motors just are not great. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Yanni Report post Posted February 7, 2014 I'm confused about my motor's specs. It definitely came with a 3-phase wiring but I'm confused with the writings on the motor's labels. I've got the feeling I can wire it for 220V also but haven't got a clue how to do it. Yanni Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fat Dog Leather Report post Posted February 7, 2014 Again the only way to run the 3 phase is with a converter which is the more expensive and less effective way to run the machine. Either the servo or single phase are your better options. The connection you are attempting is feeding 2 legs of voltage into 3 legs and cannot be done. Folks come into our shop with this request and there is no easy way. ....my paying job Is an electric motor repair shop. Good luck. FDL Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Constabulary Report post Posted February 7, 2014 (edited) The motor it self runs on 380V (at 1700rpm) but can be converted to 220V/240V (at 1400rpm) thats why the different voltage is mentioned on the motor data plate. The control box runs on 220V and it takes it from the motor junction box (where you have to do the conversion). Read my post #5 http://leatherworker...70 This is pretty common in Germany as most people do not have 380V. The capacitors cost about 8 -10€ (maybe more in the UK). This and the drawing of the Steinmetz circuit is all you need. BUT again - if you don´t understand circuit drawing leave the conversion to an electrician. Edited February 7, 2014 by Constabulary Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Constabulary Report post Posted February 7, 2014 (edited) Here you have pictures of 3 very old clutch motor and they all run perfect on 220V. All have 220/380 on the data plate and they all have a capacitor so they all run on 220V. Edited February 7, 2014 by Constabulary Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites