3-Phase Converters

A 3-phase converter is a device that transforms three-phase AC electrical power from a single-phase electrical power source. Three-phase electric power provides a "smoother" and more consistent form of electricity that is suitable for operating highly efficient and economical three-phase induction motors.

When utility three-phase power is unavailable or too costly, 3-phase converters are the practical alternative for converting single-phase electricity into three-phase electric power. With a 3-phase converter, you can run your your 3-phase equipment on single phase electrical power anywhere and anytime three phase electric power is needed.

Types of single-phase to three-phase power converters

There are a number of methods for converting single-phase electric power to three-phase power, including:

Rotary Phase Converters, Auto Transformers, Static Phase Converters, Digital Phase Converters, CNC Rotary Converters, And Variable Frequency Drives (Vfds).

Of these types of 3-phase converters, only Rotary Phase Converters and CNC Converters  scored consistently high marks in all categories of testing and research conducted by the U.S. Phase Converter Standards Organization.

Differences between Rotary Phase Converters and CNC Rotary Phase Converters

The basic difference between Rotary Phase Converters and CNC Rotary Phase Converters is the that CNC Rotary Phase Converters have additional power conditioning that produces lower harmonic distortion and a smooth sign wave. This is necessary for maintaining power that is safe for computer circuits and other applications with very sensitive circuitry.

Because 3-phase Rotary Phase Converters use a balanced 3-phase generator with power factor correction, the power that is generated is balanced, safe and of higher quality that that provided by other types of converters. In many cases, Rotary Phase Converters produced power of even higher quality than that provided by electric utilities.

When buying a three-phase converter of any type, you should consider if it meets the minimum standards set by the  U.S. Phase Converter Standards Organization.

3-Phase Standards

A Quality 3-Phase Converter Will:
1. Be Safe to the Operator
2. Be of Industrial Quality - Lasting 5 Years or longer
3. Produce True Balanced 3-Phase Power
4. Produce Safe 3-Phase Power That Will Not Damage Equipment

Source: U.S. Phase Converter Standards Organization (USPhaseConverterStandards.org)

There are several companies that manufacture 3-phase converters including top- rated Ace andTEMCo, both of whom offer long warranties on products with excellent quality, service, and product ratings.

Other prominent manufacturers are Phase-a-Matic, American Rotary/Gentec, Des-Co Industries, Kay Industries/PhaseMaster, and PhaseMaxx, among others. 

For more information on this topic, read this article The Benefits of Using a 3-Phase Converter.