electrical question

[Homer]

little life lessons I know nothing about - my compressor is single phase, my new building is 3 phase -what will I need to do to convert? or is it only going from 1 to 3 that is a problem? stupid question-  but I know nothing about electricity, except when it goes out. J

[jason-23]

here is the smart answer.....get a f'in electrician you idiot!!!! 

[innothread]

You can run single phase equipment off of 3 phase power, just not the other way around.  Make sure it's the correct voltage though for your new building.

[screenxpress]

I'll pop this in until one of the electricians on the board posts.

Even though I have run a lot of stuff, I'm not an electrician (at least not licensed), but the short answer is yes.  You can go 3 to 1, just not (easily) 1 to 3.

Just watch for the 'wild leg' (seriously).  Not talking about the one you find in the shower.   

I think most 3 phase will come in as 120/120/208.  Check them all to neutral (voltohmeter) and stay off the 'wild leg' (208) unless you're going to a 3 phase device.

Here's some reading material for you -

http://www.3phasepower.org/

http://www.3phasepower.org/1phaseloadson3phasepower.htm

[Northland]

Shouldn't be a big problem using a single phase motor on a three phase service. It may draw a higher amperage because the most common 3 phase voltage is 208 volts... on a single phase service the common voltage would be 240.
An electrcian can tell you if you have the correct motor overload protection for your application.

[ebscreen]

You could also replace the motor with a 3 phase version. Less amps, more efficient etc.
Lots of people doing the reverse of that so 3 phase motors can be had relatively inexpensively.

[jsheridan]

little life lessons I know nothing about - my compressor is single phase, my new building is 3 phase -what will I need to do to convert? or is it only going from 1 to 3 that is a problem? stupid question-  but I know nothing about electricity, except when it goes out. J

No you won't

What that means is your new space is wired for 3 phase, meaning if you need 3 phase it's there to use. Your electrician guy will pull a single phase line to the compressor location.

[Socalfmf]

dude

just buy a new one...much easier...

[mk162]

You could buy a new motor like was mentioned before.  They should only be around $300 or so.  Chances are, if it's old, the motor ain't doin' too hot anyway.

[Homer]

The compressor is 2 years old - lots of life left in it. I may get a new one just to be more efficient. Thanks!

[mk162]

Probably the easier and faster route, and then check out converting the old one to 3-phase and keeping it as a backup.  Backups are a good thing.

[IntegrityShirts]

I wouldn't buy a new compressor just because the building has 3 phase!  More than likely if it's a modern 3-phase panel you can take the cover off and look inside and it will be pretty clear which breakers are single phase and which legs of power they utilize.  The main thing to be aware of with 3 phase is to balance each leg of power so you try to distribute your building load across the legs so when you do run 3 phase equipment you don't have an unbalanced leg of power.

I'd probably pay an electrician to wire a circuit for the compressor, watch him do the work and ask questions.  Cheaper than a new compressor which you'd probably have an electrician to hook up either way right?

[Homer]

yeah, we know enough electricians - I wouldn't buy a new compressor, just a motor. I'm not Sam -I'm not made of money mmk. . .

[IntegrityShirts]

yeah, we know enough electricians - I wouldn't buy a new compressor, just a motor. I'm not Sam -I'm not made of money mmk. . .

haha yeah I was going to say, just buy a new 3 phase servo a/c press and skip the compressor! 

Motor plate on the compressor should give the voltage range which is probably 230-240v which should be compatible if you have 240V 3 phase service.

[alan802]

yeah, we know enough electricians - I wouldn't buy a new compressor, just a motor. I'm not Sam -I'm not made of money mmk. . .

haha yeah I was going to say, just buy a new 3 phase servo a/c press and skip the compressor! 

Motor plate on the compressor should give the voltage range which is probably 230-240v which should be compatible if you have 240V 3 phase service.

Still need a compressor for that auto though.  Chopper cylinders and lift cylinder need a good amount of air.