Phase converter location.

[lifeontherun]

I'm finishing up my new shop and working on electrical now. I currently run a rotary phase converter in my current shop and due to cost of running 3 phase to the new shop (40k+) I plan on sticking with a converter. I currently run extensions cords to the 3 phase machines im running now and just hook up whichever machine I need to run but I want to hardware the 3 phase into my new shop. Im looking for pictures if anyone has any of their permanently mounted phase converters. Im thinking of either mounting on the wall above my 200 amp panel or in the corner beside the panel. All the wiring will be run in exposed conduit on the walls. Im open to other ideas as well.

 

[cvairwerks]

Going to depend on what style converter you have...static, rotary or rotary with pony motor?

Static or rotary, stick it up high, but give it some space for cooling air. Pony start and it has to be where you can easily reach it.

 

[matt_i]

My system in a nutshell...

I run a digital phase converter (phase perfect) but conceptually its 2 poles in 3 poles out, same as an RPC.

From there I go to a panel. Inside I'm feeding a 60A x 3 pole fuse block and then a 3 pole distribution block. It feeds 2 machines which can use the 60A via hardwiring and then it feeds a 30A x 3 pole fuse block, which also feeds a separate 3 pole distribution block. All the grounds are landed in a 1 pole distribution block.

#2 THHN from the PP, #6 on the 60A side and #10 on the 30A side. The 30A side feeds a number of twistlock outlets. Complete PVC Sch 40 conduit system for future expansion or changes.

Obviously if I turn on enough stuff and start drawing enough current I'll blow fuses. But since I'm a 1 man show that's a bigger challenge, and since I have to pay for the fuses that's enough incentive right there...

 

[matt_i]

A couple of pics.

This is the basic setup. I put this into a shop that was already built, so to try to keep it cleaner I just ran vertical conduits into the attic and then crossed over to the other side of the shop. The large center conduit into the duct goes to the main single phase panel in the shop, the outer two end up going down each wall.



Start-stop is thru a 120vac circuit which closes a single relay. The converter needs a single dry contact closed to start operation. There are 4 stations just like this which run on a 3-way/4-way/4-way/3-way switch circuit, it could be expanded to more locations if needed, but this way it can be started from any location and stopped from any location. The pilot light comes on, at all of the control stations to denote that 3ph power is ON because one can't always hear the PP running from the new addition.



This is the distribution panel I mentioned above.



RPCs can be noisy so that's something to take into consideration. You could make a motor enclosure or place it outside.

 

[Norcal]

Why not use a 3Ø loadcenter or panelboard for distribution?

 

[Murphy'sSidekic]

I used a 3 phase loadcenter for distribution. I think there are some details in this vid of mine:

 

[navycryppie]

If you're running a RPC I recommend putting the motor outside your shop on it's own isolated pad. I have a 20HP motor under a shed-roof doghouse built out of the same metal as my shop. When I turn it on all you can hear is the cycling of the relays. Mine is wired into a 4 circuit Siemens three phase panel, and I'm using a North American Phase Converter control panel.

 

[86turbodsl]

Man Matt, that's a nice install. I drool for a PP. RPCs for me for now though.