3 phase wiring

[kaffine]

I am getting ready to wire up some 3 phase equipment in my shop using a rotary phase converter.

Is there any way to know what way I need to connect the phases to get the motor to turn the correct way or is it just trial and error?

I plan on wiring up several twist lock recepticals around the shop for diffrent equipment. I plan on making sure all are wired the same in case I need to switch machines around. Is there a set standard on how they get wired or is it site specific if they do that? Thanks.

 

[930dreamer]

L1,L2,L3 goes to T1,T2,T3. Switch one of the legs to change motor direction.
Can you post some pics of the RPC.

 

[larry_g]

You can get an istrument that will tell you the rotation when hooked up. Are you aware of a the 'wild leg' and that it should not feed the control circuit if present? have you found the converter forum on http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/transformers-phase-converters-vfd/

lg
no neat sig line

 

[kaffine]

Sorry I don't have a digital camera.

Thank you. Looks like trial and error for now unless I happen to find a good deal on a rotation meter. Looks like I need to go and recheck some of my wiring, I didn't think about making sure the mag starter is not connected to the wild leg.

 

[930dreamer]

Can't you watch which way the pulley/shaft is spinning?

 

[ddawg16]

Don't sweat it....it's called bump starting motors to check for rotation...you bump start it to see which way it turns...if correct, go have a beer...if incorrect, swap 2 legs then go have a beer.

For motor guys it tends to become a game....who has the most motors phased correctly at startup. My experience....it tends to average out to 50/50.

 

[slowtwitch]

For motor guys it tends to become a game....who has the most motors phased correctly at startup. My experience....it tends to average out to 50/50.

I was in the motor repair business for many years and your estimate is just about right.....

 

[2LTim]

Another way to check rotation is to pay attention to which way the air is blowing from the cooling fan on the flywheel. If it blows back on the compressor, great! If not, swap two legs.