I need some help with a triphase 208V motor.?

Question

Well the truth is that I just purchased a tortilla machine and it is wired to run on 208V 3phase power but I only have 220Vsingle phase power at my restaurant , now the question is : can it be converted to run on single phase rather than 3phase , converting my whole power supply will be very costly
also there is 5 wires comming out of the machine 3 blacks L1,L2 and L3 also a green wire for the ground , but there is also a white wire that says N, I suppose is for neutral . I know that I should contact a Licenced Electrician that is obvious
but I just want to touch bases with you and see what do you think. thanks for for your input , god bless.

Answer 1

You can not convert the motor to operate on single phase. You have two options.

1) Replace the motor with a 1-ph motor of similar HP.

2) Buy a phase-converter to operate the existing motor.

Depending on the size of the tortilla machine's motor, the phase converter is probably the most economical solution.

Check out the link below. They offer several pieces of equipment that allow you to operate 3-phase equipment on a single phase service.

L1, L2, and L3 are the three phase leads. N is the neutral, and the green wire is the equipment ground.

Answer 2

There are inverters available for the purpose of converting single phase to 3 phase. Some models are completely solid state and some are combination of a motor that runs on single phase and a generator that generates 3 phase.

I can tell you that there is NO easy way to do what you need, and what is available, you cannot do it yourself.

I am guessing, the reason your machine require 3 phase is that there is a motor inside that require 3 phase. You might want to contact the vendor and see if there is a single phase version available or if it can be converted. (usually can)

THAT will probably end up the easiest and least expensive way.

Answer 3

Hi

-You can't convert a 3 phase motor to a single phase because the construction is different. A single phase motor has an auxiliary circuit to generate starting torque.

-There is no need to convert your power supply to a 3 phase. You can buy an inverter to run your motor. The inverter takes the 220 AC voltage and converts it to a 3 phase voltage. There are many brands and models, you should find one for your needs.

-Your motor is connected as a 3 phase star load. This means that you have 3 loads (inductive + resistive) connected to the same node, this is the N wire.


Alex

Answer 4

Three phase motor will not run on single phase power.
Inverters are possible , but fairly expensive. While running you pay for the electricity of the motor and the inverter as well, so you have a higher operating cost.
In my opinion if the motor is 3 horsepower or less, replace the motor. Over 3 HP then consider having 3 phase current brought in.
You don't say if this is a residence or business. It is easier to have 3 phase brought into a business and I've heard of people being refused 3 phase to their home. 3 phase is cheaper to run per hour.

Answer 5

My house is half 2 phase and half 3 phase. I have a little experience with this. You can make or purchase a 3 phase convertor. There are plenty of sites on the web to check this out, just search "2 phase to 3 phase convertor". Although not outrageously expensive., this is not totally cheap. The reason there are 3 phase motors is for an easy start on a heavy load. But, I would try just replacing the 3 phase motor with a 2 phase. You can get one less than a hundred bucks on ebay. Match the HP, pulley, bolt pattern.

Answer 6

Other than checking whether a single phase motor is available for this equipment, check how much it would be to get 3 phase power into the building, and then check how much a 3 phase motor-generator combo would cost for the size unit you want to power. ~
http://www.phaseconverter.com/
http://www.convertaphase.com/

Answer 7

no it cant be converted.but look on the wiring diagram to be sure.youll have to get a single phase motor