Here are some pictures of my phase converter and distribution setup.
RPC is built on an old 20HP GE motor. 1725RPM. It's started by a 1.5HP pony motor.
The output is fed into a 480V to 240V transformer wired backwards, making 240V into 480V instead.
This all is mounted on a concrete pad outside the garage, with a little house to cover it. The front panels of the house come off for access. 20HP motor sits on motor mounts out of a Seadoo PWC. A lot cheaper than mounts than once made for electric motors.
On the inside is a main switch enclosure with 3 gauges for monitoring phase to phase voltages (pre-transformer) and an amp gauge for total amp draw. Also have start-stop buttons. The start-stop circuitry runs on 24VDC.
Over by the machinery (currently just sitting on top of the lathe), there's a box with start-stop switches as well, for remote start-stop. Some CAT5 cable feeds the remote, which leaves some wires left over for future expansion. It plugs into the side of the main control enclosure using a RJ45 connector.
The machinery is on the opposite corner of the garage from the phase converter, so that's why the remote.
It's all automatic, and a press of the start button engages the pony. Once up to speed, it disengages and the big motor is powered up. 1.8 seconds later the transformer is engaged. Total startup cycle takes about 5 seconds.
Power runs through conduit to L15-30 receptacles over by the machines.
The reason for running 480V is that my lathe has a 7.5HP two speed, single voltage motor, 7.5HP. Hard to find a 240V replacement at a decent price.
RPC is built on an old 20HP GE motor. 1725RPM. It's started by a 1.5HP pony motor.
The output is fed into a 480V to 240V transformer wired backwards, making 240V into 480V instead.
This all is mounted on a concrete pad outside the garage, with a little house to cover it. The front panels of the house come off for access. 20HP motor sits on motor mounts out of a Seadoo PWC. A lot cheaper than mounts than once made for electric motors.
On the inside is a main switch enclosure with 3 gauges for monitoring phase to phase voltages (pre-transformer) and an amp gauge for total amp draw. Also have start-stop buttons. The start-stop circuitry runs on 24VDC.
Over by the machinery (currently just sitting on top of the lathe), there's a box with start-stop switches as well, for remote start-stop. Some CAT5 cable feeds the remote, which leaves some wires left over for future expansion. It plugs into the side of the main control enclosure using a RJ45 connector.
The machinery is on the opposite corner of the garage from the phase converter, so that's why the remote.
It's all automatic, and a press of the start button engages the pony. Once up to speed, it disengages and the big motor is powered up. 1.8 seconds later the transformer is engaged. Total startup cycle takes about 5 seconds.
Power runs through conduit to L15-30 receptacles over by the machines.
The reason for running 480V is that my lathe has a 7.5HP two speed, single voltage motor, 7.5HP. Hard to find a 240V replacement at a decent price.
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Phase converter distribution system 012 (Small).jpg
