To be used with Data Entry Form

Please collect the following information and complete the Data Entry Form. Please be as accurate as possible with your answers. They will directly affect the performance and life of the converter. If you can't find the information required, call the manufacturer of the machine, or locate a manual for the machine in question. This is the only way for us to be sure, that we sell you the proper size converter. We want you to be completely satisfied, so please take the time to get all the information. We will be pleased to help in any way we can.

A. Volts: Checking the single phase voltage with a volt meter is very important. Our converter works best on 220 to 245 volts. However, some buildings have 208 volts. If you have a voltage under 212 you will need to up-size to a larger converter, or use a buck boost transformer.

B. Amps: Check to see how much available single phase amperage capacity your service has, by looking for the main circuit breaker located in, or near your meter box. The main breaker will have the numbers printed on the front, or side of the breaker switch lever. Also on the inside panel cover there will be a data sheet showing max volts and amps for that panel. Most services are 100, 125, 150 or 200 amps, at 240 volts, with single phase.

C. Line Length: Measure the approximate length of your line coming from the utilities transformer to your meter box. This could affect, if and how your equipment will start. If you are in a residential area, with a length over 150 feet, you may need to look at special installation considerations. The utilities usually run small sized wire to a residence. The longer the wire length, the lower the voltage drops, during a heavy load. We may be able to correct for this by slightly modifying a standard converter.

D. Number of Meters: Go back to the utilities transformer and look to see if anyone besides yourself is connected to it. It could be important to know this so as not to overload the transformer and create line surges for your neighbors. Dimming lights and other problems can occur.

E. Wire Length between Single Phase Meter and Phase Converter: Problems are similar to point C.

F. Wire Length between Phase converter and your new 3 Phase equipment: Problems are similar to point C.

G. Three Phase Load List: listing all of your 3 phase loads and what they consist of is very important to sizing the right converter. Just over-sizing a converter for an application may not be enough. Machines such as air compressors, bailers, positive displacement pumps, that require high starting torque, may require a long duration of high current. CNC machines, lasers, transmitters, and other similar equipment usually require a higher level of line balance, than is typical of standard rotary converters. Manufacturers usually test for this requirement and should provide you with parameters for both current and voltage that should not be exceeded. If this is known in advance, it is easier to apply and modify converters to fit your needs.

H. Start Up Sequences: The best way to keep line surges down and starting torque up is to start your load one at a time. If more than one machine starts at the same time we must look closely at the start up surge requirements. In most cases you can run double the HP rating of your converter if your equipment is not pulling a full continuous load. This benefit is the result of eddy currents that exist in induction machines. As each motor load is added to the line, the motors that are not working hard actually help the phase converter to generate the artificial leg. Any type of resistive load such as a heating element, will help to cancel this eddy current. Because all loads must be considered when sizing a converter, it is important to be thorough when providing information. Assumptions and estimations can cause a bad application.

I. Motor Nameplate Data: Many imported motors or machines are equipped with systems designed to run on 50 Cycles or Hertz at 220 Volts. These motors are usually rated in (kW) kilowatts versus American machines with horsepower (HP). There is 1.341 HP per kW. Frequently, the foreign manufacturers will re-nameplate the motors with 60 Hz. for the U.S. market. Although the motors will run at 60 cycles they may not be originally designed for it. These motors are also normally built in smaller frames. Because of these two considerations, they usually run a bit hotter. This is important to know when we consider an application.

J. Voltage Sensitive Equipment: Equipment that is sensitive to the unloaded, high output voltage of a rotary phase converter's artificial or manufactured third phase would include computer systems or any equipment that has a computer control. Other equipment would include transmitters, lasers, and CNC machines. On almost all of these machines, the computer takes its feed voltage from one or two of the three wire phases. In most cases the machine just needs to be wired so that the artificial phase does not feed its voltage to any leads that might feed the sensitive equipment. In other cases the computer is fed with 120 volts and it can be connected to a cord and plugged into a separate 120 volt outlet. Exceptions to this are AC Variable Frequency Drives, DC Drives and Motor Controllers, and transmitter systems that are voltage sensitive on all three phases. Various ways of balancing and controlling or regulating the converter output can be done; first is internally in the phase converter itself, second is externally via a 3 phase transformer with taps and third is, if the machine has a transformer with taps, it may be capable of a functional adjustment.

ARE WE ASKING FOR TOO MUCH?
In a great many applications very little of this data is actually required. HOWEVER, our goal is your satisfaction, and a system that you can count on! We have the support of so many fine OEMs, utility companies, small one man machine shops, and electricians because we persisted in asking the harder questions. Now, we have a reputation for success. Please remember that each installation is unique and as can be seen by the questionnaire, there are many unseen factors that can change the outcome of what you expect from your system. We market our converters for universal applications rather than build custom units for each machine. Providing you with the most value for your money comes with proper application through asking the long hard questions.

We will provide you with a product that you can rely on for years to come. It will operate trouble free and provide you with the confidence you demand. Pull the lever on the disconnect and you’ve got three phase power. Count on it! ....with just a few questions....