DIY phase converter?

[wyobmf]

Hello,
Has anyone built a rotary phase converter by using a small single phase motor to get a large 3 phase motor up to speed on single phase then using the extra leg to supply the third leg of your 3 phase power?
Like in this article:
http://www.team.net/www/shop-talk/hm3phase.html
Thanks

[Al_The_Man]

Why would you use the extra expense of the 1ph motor, when you can do it with a starting cap?
If you search here, there is a few posts on RPC's.
Al.

[Karl_T]

here's a bunch of info:
http://www.metalwebnews.com/electric.html

I've got three units running on my place. Largest one is 35 horse.

Karl

[wyobmf]

Well for me I have a supply of motors avaidable to me for free, single and 3 phase. I don't have any caps or know where to get them.
That is my only reason.
Thanks

[Al_The_Man]

For starting, you need 'Motor Starting Grade' ( the ones left in for tuning are Motor Run type).
These can usually be obtained from Electronic Supppliers catalogues or Local motor rewinders etc.
Al.

[wyobmf]

Right on, I found a 10 horse 3 phase motor and a 2200 uF capacitor rated for 460 V, I thought I was covered but it sounds like I have the wrong type of capacitor. I will do some searching.
Thanks

[RMARCH]

Hey wyobmf , Here is a website that you can buy anyting you need to build you phase converter.
http://www.americanrotary.com/home.php

They were very helpful when i was having problems with my rotary phase converter . They sold me capacitors and instructed me how to fix it.

Good Luck !!!

[Al_The_Man]

Originally Posted by wyobmf Right on, I found a 10 horse 3 phase motor and a 2200 uF capacitor rated for 460 V, I thought I was covered but it sounds like I have the wrong type of capacitor. I will do some searching.

Yes. Whatever you do don't use an Electrolytic, Unless you want to emulate a suicide bomber
Al.

[wyobmf]

What about this one http://www.capacitorindustries.com/cd60B.htm
It says it is Electrolytic motor starting.
I decieded to go with a 5 hp motor.

[Al_The_Man]

My error, I should have added polarized electrolytic, these are non-polarized.
Al.

Originally Posted by wyobmf What about this one http://www.capacitorindustries.com/cd60B.htm It says it is Electrolytic motor starting. I decieded to go with a 5 hp motor.