Phase Converter

[Polishrifleman]

So I bought a hydraulic auto hoist without knowing exactly what I was getting into.  It's heavvvvvvvy etc... but the main issue I am having is it is 3phase and I have single Phase.  The specs of the motor as per the brochure are as written "2 h.p., 208-230v, 1 PH; 200-230V, 3 PH 60 Cycle"  Does the ; mean "or", can I convert it down?

Thanks for the responses.

[Nick1911]

It means or, in my experience.  Usually under an access plate, there is a wiring diagram and several terminals that tell you how to wire a motor for 1 or 3 phase, sometimes for 120v or 240v.

[Polishrifleman]

Thanks Nick, so in your experience the motor can handle either 3ph or 1ph based on how it is wired and I should be able to find a wiring diagram under a faceplate to the motor to show me (or a proffessional) how to rewire it to change it to single phase.

[Ron]

It sounds from what you typed out it will work either way depending on how it is wired.

If there are no instructions on how to convert it it back and forth is there a electrical schematic provided with the unit?

If there is a print you should take a pic of it and post it. This would help us determine what you have and how to wire it up.

[280plus]

yea, what GoRon said... show us the schematic.

Personally, I've never heard of a motor being convertible as far as phase, voltage yes but I've never seen phase conversion. That doesn't mean I'm right though, as I've been finding out lately...

[Big_R]

In the elecrical connection box on the motor, there should be 6 bolt heads (where terminals connect) and jumpers that go between them.  You should be able to configure the jumpers based on either 240 vac or 208 3 phase (most common in residential wiring).  You need a schematic to make sure you have the jumpers in the right spot.  Generally, there is an abbreviated schematic inside the terminal cover.  

Since you're asking the question, it is probably worth having an electrician take a look.

Ryan

[Ron]

Personally, I've never heard of a motor being convertible as far as phase, voltage yes but I've never seen phase conversion.

Me neither.

I am thinking he has one or the other.

[Leatherneck]

Nor have I (heard of single/three phase convertible motors). But the mere presence of the mention of single phase--"2 h.p., 208-230v, 1 PH; 200-230V, 3 PH 60 Cycle" --indicates to me that it can be wired for residential single phase power. Find the schematic, wire it up and turn it on; at worst, the motor will run underspeed. It's cheaper to buy a new single phase motor than to rewire the thing.

TC

[280plus]

I didn't realize you were getting your info out of a brochure, I thought it was off the motor tag. You NEED to check the motor tag, that's the only way to tell exactly what phase it is. I believe what the brochure means is that you can order it either 1 PH or 3 PH. So you would just order you one with 1PH. If you're buying used and its a 3 PH then IMHO it would be easier and maybe cheaper to just change the motor.

[cfabe]

Changing the motor is probably the easiest solution if you can find a suitable repalcement (likely you can). However there are a few different ways to make a 3 phase motor run on single phase service, both DIY methods and purchased phase converters.

[Polishrifleman]

Thanks guys, I pulled the motor housing off and it is a Toshiba Single Phase motor, as mentioned in an earlier post there are jumpers I guess that allow you to run it in either single phase or 3 phase so I am good to go.  Just need to hire a pro to come over and hook it up.

[280plus]

I'd still sure love to see a pic of the diagram and the tag. Inquiring minds want to know...

[Big_R]

I thought so.  I'm traveling for work right now, but had I been in MN, I coul have looked at a particular brand of high vac pump that can be wired with either single phase or 3 phase.  The connections are labeled L1, L2, and L3 for three phase and usually something like A and B for single phase.  It varies from different motor manufacturers and is usually best left up to a pro for installation.

I've maybe run across three motors like this in about 15 years of doing industrial maintenance.

Ryan

[280plus]

Amazing...I woulda never thunk it...

What the hell ELSE don't I know?

[ilbob]

If I had to guess I would have said most likely the thing can be supplied with either a single phase motor or a three phase motor. Never heard of one that can be both. 3 phase motors will run single phased but will burn out. I suppose there is no reason you could not make a motor that would do it and not burn up.

[280plus]

Apprently they do but they're not all that common, at least in my field.