[TheForge] Fwd: Shop tools & layount (3-phase converter)

[theforge@mailman.qth.net]

Yes, to get optimum performance you should add run capacitors, 
especially if you are only running a single motor off of the 
converter.   I expect that your unit has both run and start.    The run 
capacitors are there to balance the current, rather than voltage.     
For the average  home shop where you just want to be able to run that 
single bargain industrial machine I would just wire up a second motor of 
same or larger size as a rotary converter, use a rope to start  it.   If 
your machine motor gets hot with your usage, then I would go to the 
trouble of balancing the current with capacitors, otherwise just keep it 
simple and be happy.    The power company doesn't measure power factor 
for residentials.    For your situation Ralph,  it would be worth 
monitoring the current with an amp meter and adding capacitors as needed.

Charles


Ralph Sproul wrote:

>Charles,  Thanks for writing this reply to the converter topic.
>
>I have one question.  On the Static converters your mentioning the size of
>the capacitors for starting and running loads.  Does one have to "tune" the
>third leg of a rotary phase converter with capacitors?
>
>I'm asking as the store bought 7 1/2 HP  rotary phase converter that was
>included in my Iron worker package deal has a bank of capacitors in
>it.........is this just for starting? or is this to bring the manufactured
>leg up to acceptable voltages?.......or both?
>
>  
>