Your Workshop

Run Three-Phase Workshop Machinery from Single-Phase Power
Metal and Woodworking Workshops

HAVE YOU EVER BROUGHT A MACHINE AND FOUND THAT YOU CAN’T USE IT BECAUSE IT NEEDS 3-PHASE POWER?

Have you ever bought a machine and then discovered that you cannot use it because it requires three-phase power?Perhaps you found the perfect lathe, milling machine, saw or air compressor, only to discover that it has a three-phase motor. Or perhaps you have moved to a property with a large workshop or shed, but only a 240 V single-phase supply is available.The first step is usually to ask an electrician or electricity distributor about connecting utility three-phase power. Depending on the property and available network, you may be told that:

  • The connection and electrical upgrade will be prohibitively expensive.
  • An assessment or design fee is required before a firm quotation can be provided.
  • The work may take several months.
  • Ongoing network or commercial supply charges may apply.
  • Three-phase power is not available at the property.

Even when a three-phase connection is possible, additional electrical work may be required to upgrade the switchboard and run new cabling from the connection point to the workshop.

Connection costs and timeframes vary considerably between properties, electricity distributors and locations. It is therefore worth comparing the complete cost of a utility upgrade with the available alternatives.

POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVES

Replacing the Motor

Replacing a three-phase motor with a single-phase motor may be possible on a simple, single-motor machine. However, it is not always the easiest or most economical solution.

Large single-phase motors can place substantial starting demand on the available supply. Many industrial machines also contain more than one motor, together with contactors, transformers, brakes, pumps or electronic controls designed to operate from a three-phase supply.

Changing the main motor may therefore require significant alterations to the machine’s original electrical system.

Installing a Variable Speed Drive

 A variable speed drive—or VSD—can be an effective solution for a compatible individual motor, particularly when speed control or soft starting is required.

However, a standard 240 V-input VSD will normally produce approximately 240 V three-phase output rather than 400–415 V three-phase output. The motor may need to be compatible with this voltage and correctly reconfigured.

A VSD is generally selected and programmed for a particular motor. Supplying an entire machine can be more complicated when it contains multiple motors, 415 V contactors, control transformers, electronic controls or equipment requiring a neutral connection.

For a detailed comparison, see Rotary Phase Converter vs VSD: Which Is Right for Your Machinery? https://www.phasechangeconverters.com/rotary-vs-inverter


The Phase Changer Option

A Phase Changer provides another way to operate three-phase machinery where utility three-phase power is unavailable, impractical or too expensive to install.Phase Changer models use an available single-phase or two-phase supply to produce three-phase power for correctly selected machinery. They are suitable for many common workshop applications, including:

  • Lathes
  • Milling machines
  • Saws and drills
  • Air compressors
  • MIG welders
  • Dust and sawdust extractors
  • Pumps
  • CNC and other machinery with electronic controls

A Phase Changer sits in the workshop and can supply one complete machine or multiple machines, provided the converter, incoming supply and electrical installation are correctly sized for the connected loads.

Modern Microprocessor Control

Traditional rotary converters can experience voltage-balance and starting difficulties as machinery loads change.

Phase Changer combines proven rotary-converter principles with Australian-developed microprocessor control, automatic output monitoring and solid-state capacitor switching. The controller responds quickly to changing loads and automatically manages the converter’s operating stages.

This provides a stable and practical three-phase supply for correctly selected workshop machinery without relying on slow mechanical contactors for capacitor switching.

One Phase Changer, Multiple Machines

A correctly sized Phase Changer can supply several workshop machines from one central three-phase installation.Machines may be used individually or, where the converter and incoming supply have sufficient capacity, at the same time. Correct selection depends on:

  • The largest motor
  • Motor-starting requirements
  • Whether a machine starts under load
  • The combined load of machines operating together
  • Electronic controls and auxiliary equipment
  • Neutral requirements
  • The available incoming supply

We assess the complete machine and application rather than relying only on the motor’s kilowatt rating.

Models from $5,500 Including GST

The Phase Changer range covers applications from small workshop machinery through to larger commercial equipment.

Prices start at $5,500 including GST for the standard PC2-240 model. Freight, electrical installation and optional equipment are additional.

Smaller models may be supplied with a suitable plug-in connection where the available electrical supply permits. Larger models require installation by a licensed electrician on a correctly sized dedicated circuit.

A Relocatable Business Asset

Money spent extending utility three-phase infrastructure generally remains with the property.A Phase Changer is a relocatable asset. If you move your workshop, change premises or no longer require the equipment, the converter may be moved or resold.This can make it particularly attractive for:

  • Rural and regional properties
  • Home-based businesses
  • Tenanted workshops
  • Temporary facilities
  • Businesses planning to relocate
  • Properties where utility three-phase is unavailable

Let Us Check Your Machinery

Before recommending a model, we need to understand the machinery and available electrical supply.Please send us:

  • A photograph of the machine’s electrical rating plate
  • The motor size in kilowatts or horsepower
  • Details of any additional motors or electrical equipment
  • Whether the machine starts under load
  • Your available single-phase supply
  • Your postcode
  • Any machinery you may add later

We can then help identify the most appropriate Phase Changer for your workshop.

ASK US TO CHECK YOUR MACHINERY 

CALL US— 0413 359 227 tel:+61413359227

EMAIL YOUR MACHINERY DETAILS:mailto:info@phasechanger.com.au?subject=Phase%20Changer%20Model%20Assessment