Rotary Phase Converters - A Quick Look

By Jose Sanborn

A rotary phase converter is a machine that converts single-phase electric power into three-phase electric power. 3-phase power means that you can have three different loads running while using one generator on a single phase of electric power.  Rotary phase converters (RPC) are very useful for a wide variety of tasks and equipment power needs.

A rotary phase converter's main components are the three terminals or "legs.”  Each of these legs can apply a different, single phase current to separate motors.  To keep your converter running as long as possible you must keep the voltage between the legs balanced so you do not damage the machinery you are running.

RPC's are useful anywhere three phase devices are needed but only where only single-phase power is available.  Therefore, if you have three different phase motors but only a single-phase power supply, a rotary phase converter can provide the solution.

To determine whether you have a good RPC you have to look at the voltage balance it produces.  This can be seen when you have the converter drive something like a three phase motor.

The quality of the power output by your RPC depends on many things, including the capacity of the converter, the power demands of the things you are supplying power too, and even the quality of power needs of the equipment you are operating.

There are also many ways to improve the quality of your converter if it is not functioning properly.  You can insert capacitors between the three terminals to attempt to balance the load or you can use idlers with power ratings much higher than the loads on the converter.  Just be sure to take good care of your RPC and you will be able to use it for many years to come.

For further information, see Rotary Phase Converters

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