When you need to feed a three-phase load from single phase power, you need to use a three-phase power converter, which can be static, rotary or solid state depending on various cost versus performance considerations. To go in the opposite direction, single-phase power is typically tapped off of one or two phases of a three-phase source. To get DC from AC, e.g. to power electronics, AC to DC converter chips are the ticket.

To obtain training in designing or using these devices, you can either attend engineering school (online or on campus) or research schematics and related information that will allow you to implement a power converter device with cost and performance factors commensurate with your requirements. If you're looking to bolster your power and phase converters education and training, consider the following:

1. Learn all about three-phase-to-single-phase converters.

2. Know how to select and use AC to DC converter chips.

3. Educate yourself on the trade offs when selecting electrical power converters.

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Understand how three-phase-to-single-phase converters are used

Normally, three-phase power converters convert single phase to three phase. However, if you need to power a single phase load from a three-phase source you can either connect the load across two of the three phase conductors or you can connect the load between the one phase conductor and system neutral. For example, from a 120V three-phase source, 240V single-phase loads can be fed 208V from across two-phase conductors, while 120V single phase loads can be fed 120V from across one phase conductor and neutral. You can learn about designing three-phase to single-phase converters by taking electrical engineering courses or by visiting a website that explains the connections and calculations.

I recommend: MUST University offers accredited online degree programs in electrical engineering and is self-paced and very affordable. The 3 Phase Power Resource Site has a section that explains, in a clear and concise fashion, how to design your own three-phase-to-single-phase converters, given the source voltage, the required load voltage and the style of the source transformer.

Familiarize yourself with AC to DC converter chips

AC powered electronic devices require a power supply to take AC from the wall and convert it to DC to power the electronics. Today there are integrated circuits that perform this functionality with far less size than discrete component technology of the past. Seek training on how to design AC to DC converter chips and also how to design circuits that use them.

I recommend: EMedia Asia has an article describing an AC to DC converter chip that exhibits 0.02% linearity. Vicor sells a number of AC to DC converter chips and provides a data sheet and technical information on each one, which will allow you to informally educate yourself on how these devices work.

Learn how to select and size electrical power converters for a given application

You want to optimally select and size electrical power converters and industrial power inverters for each job, to save money while ensuring that sufficient power is delivered to the load(s). A three-phase power converter can be static, rotary or of digital solid state design. Static units are the cheapest, but only provide 2/3 the power. A digital phase converter can be the most expensive, but they have highly stable load balance characteristics.

I recommend: PhasePerfect provides a collection of articles and press releases that describe the current technologies and equipment capabilities of modern power and phase converters. American Rotary provides a lot of helpful information on selecting and sizing various types of phase converters for the job.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  From a single phase source, connect a three-phase power converter to a three-phase motor. This results in less vibration than with a single-phase motor.

The best 3 phase power converter will take your 1 phase power source and turn it into 3 phase power with little or no output distortion. When you are looking for a power converter to operate any types of equipment from welders to computers, you'll want to find a converter you consider trustworthy and capable of meeting your needs for a long time.

Start your search using the guidelines established by the U.S. Phase Converter Standards Organization. The group's highly qualified electricians have tested many 1-to-3 phase converters in the search for the best operable systems. Their recommendations include sticking to rotary converters for most industrial and electronic needs, but there are several other options out there.

1. Look for rotary, static or digital phase converter manufacturers with years of experience. Avoid buying a converter from a company that hasn't been around for very long.

2. Find a converter that will work with your equipment. Avoid converters that don't produce balanced output with a chance they can damage your equipment.

3. Ask what type of guarantee or customer support the company offers before buying a 3 phase converter. If the guarantee is not there, go elsewhere.

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Buy rotary 3 phase power converters

Rotary and CNC rotary phase converters are the number one converters recommended by the U.S. Phase Converters Standard Organization because of their smooth power transition and ease on your machines. The CNC converters were found to have an even smoother sign wave and power distortion due to the advanced power conditioning of the converter. The CNC converters handle power surges and the normal changes in power up-load due to start up and shut down very well.

I recommend: Buy a traditional rotary converter or the Series 7000CNC Pro from TemCo. The U.S. Phase Converter Standards Organization has certified all their converters trustworthy. Trust the ACE Phase Converter Smooth Sine Signature Series, another certified rotary converter.

Look for industrial power inverters

Power inverters should only be used for motor-only equipment. They won't work well for any advanced electronics, computers, ovens or welders. Inverters are affective at taking a power source and turning it into a three phase source that is somewhat choppy and not always completely harmonic. While they are not great for all advanced equipment, the inverters work like other types of 3 phase converters including the digital and static types.

I recommend: Buy an inverter from Philtek. The company has been around for many years, and has a full line of inverters to choose from. Find the inverter you need with the power source your job requires at Major Power.

Consider other types of power and phase converters

If you need a momentary start-up three phase conversion, static converters will work for you. They don't run three-phase machinery. Instead, they convert the power shortly for a three-phase start-up and then require the machine to run on a single phase after that. Digital converters can come as well-rounded rotary enhanced digital converters or purely digital. The pure digital converters are electronic and produce a pretty good three-phase conversion and they are quiet runners. To convert your AC to DC power, consider using a transformer or AC to DC converter chips.

I recommend: Find a digital phase converter at Phase-a-Matic, or consider the digital three phase converters from Phase Perfect for your 3-phase machinery or multiple power loads. Get an AC to DC power converter at Voltage Converter Transformer.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Use a qualified electrician to install all 3 phase to single phase converters and single to 3-phase converters. Follow all local electrical codes to ensure the safety of your workers and keep your equipment running smoothly.

Power and phase converters are important electrical devices in the manufacturing and processing industries. These devices convert electrical power from one form to another, such as changing voltage or current characteristics as per the application requirements.

While interacting with the suppliers of power and phase converters, you will come across various technical terms that indicate types, specifications and technologies for these devices. This guide will help you understand technical terms, including digital phase converters, transformers and inverters.

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Electricity phases

For any AC current, electricity phases are important characteristics. Generally, electric power suppliers use a single phase or three-phase system for transmitting electrical power.

I recommend: To learn the basics of electricity phases, read through the description at Power To Go, a supplier of generators.

Single or three-phase power

A single-phase power system uses only one phase of electricity and there is only one alternating voltage. A three-phase system uses three wires for three different phases. A three-phase system has three alternate voltage peaks after a phase lag of 120 electrical degrees. Industrial power suppliers use a three-phase power system, as it has smooth wave form and improves the durability of electrical machinery.

I recommend: E-Rate Central provides definitions for various electrical terms, such as single phase and three phase.

Phase conversion

Three-phase power has many benefits, however, procuring three-phase electricity supply is expensive. Phase conversion is the process of converting single-phase electricity supply to three-phase electricity supply.

I recommend: The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) provides the definition for this term. In addition, you can read through an informative document at Metal Web News (PDF), an online information resource.

Digital phase converters

A digital phase converter is a phase converter that utilizes microprocessors and software to achieve a phase conversion.

I recommend: PhaseConverterInfo.com provides information about these types of phase converters.

Transformers

A transformer is a device that converts electricity supply from one voltage to another. Uses of transformers vary from safety and efficiency, to interoperability across different voltage supplies.

I recommend: You can learn the basics of transformers at Electrical Construction & Maintenance, a technical resource for the electrical industry professionals.

Inverters

An inverter is an electrical instrument that converts direct current into alternating current. An inverter is used to run an electrical appliance on batteries and provide uninterrupted power supply in the event of electricity failure.

I recommend: For the definition of this term, read through the glossary at ETA Engineering. You can learn more about various types of inverters at Best Buy Solar, a provider of solar energy solutions.

VFD (Variable Frequency Drive)

VFD is electronic equipment that allows an electric motor to run at varying rotational speeds. It is frequently used to start large capacity three-phase AC synchronous motors.

I recommend: To understand the basics of VFD, read through the description at Natural Resources Canada.