What is a Rotary Phase Converter & When to Use One?
If you need three-phase power but only have access to single-phase utility power, you have a few options to bridge the gap. One of the most popular and versatile solutions is a rotary phase converter. But don’t think of this as a simple phase converter—instead, think of it as a third-phase generator.
How Does a Rotary Phase Converter Work?
A rotary phase converter consists of two key components:
The Control Panel – This is mounted on the wall and contains a variety of essential electrical components, including capacitors, contactors, and time delay relays. These components ensure that the system operates smoothly and efficiently, making the "magic pixies" (electricity) do what we need them to.
The Idler Motor – Installed on the floor, this is a standard three-phase motor that acts as the generator for the missing third leg of power. Any 12-lead three-phase motor will work for most applications, but choosing the right idler is crucial, as we’ll discuss shortly.
Installation Overview
Installing a rotary phase converter is straightforward:
Supply Power – You run 240V single-phase utility power into the control panel.
Connect the Idler – The idler motor is wired to the panel to generate the third phase.
Distribute Three-Phase Power – The output from the control panel (L1, L2, and L3) is connected to a three-phase load center, giving you full three-phase power.
Why Choose a Rotary Phase Converter?
A key advantage of rotary phase converters over other single-to-three-phase conversion methods is that they can power multiple types of loads at once. Other conversion methods, like static or digital phase converters, can only run one electric motor at a time. With a rotary phase converter, you can run a variety of equipment, including:
Electric motors
CNC machines
Heaters
Computers and controllers
Sensitive electronics
Choosing the Right Idler Motor
Not all idler motors are created equal, and choosing the right one depends on what kind of loads you’re running.
For Basic Loads – If you're only running electric motors with direct-on-line (DOL) starters or basic three-phase heaters, any standard three-phase motor can be used as an idler.
For Sensitive Loads – If your setup includes CNC machines, variable frequency drives (VFDs), or other sensitive electronics, you’ll need a balanced rotary phase converter designed to generate a smooth and stable third leg of power.
The Best Rotary Phase Converter Option
At Edick Electric, we only offer one brand of rotary phase converters—North American Phase Converter. Made 100% in the USA, they are the industry leader in high-quality, precision-balanced phase converters. Their CNC-balanced rotary phase converters are trusted by companies like SpaceX, ensuring the highest level of performance and reliability.
For applications that don’t require a perfectly balanced third leg, we can also supply a North American Phase Converter panel while allowing you to use any three-phase motor as an idler. We can provide the motor or let you source your own to save costs.
Get Three-Phase Power the Right Way
If you need a complete three-phase power solution, we believe North American Phase Converter is the best way to go. Whether you're running basic motors or high-end CNC machines, we have the right solution for your needs. Contact us today to learn more about how a rotary phase converter can power your business efficiently and cost-effectively.
