Getting Started with Your Phoenix Phase Converter

Congratulations on your new Phoenix Phase Converter. This guide walks you through the installation process from unboxing to first startup.

Step 1 — Choose Your Location

• Mount the converter in a dry, ventilated location near your main panel or equipment
• Allow at least 12 inches of clearance on all sides for airflow (ODP units)
• TEFC units can be mounted closer — but maintain access for wire connections
• Keep the converter off the floor in areas where flooding or water intrusion is possible

Step 2 — Size Your Single-Phase Input Circuit

Your single-phase input breaker and wire must be sized for the converter's input current. Rule of thumb: input amps = 2 x three-phase FLA of your equipment. Refer to the wire size chart on the converter nameplate or call (800) 417-6568 for specific wire and breaker sizing.

Step 3 — Wire the Converter

• Input (L1, L2, Ground): Connect your single-phase feed to the L1 and L2 input terminals. Ground to the converter chassis.
• Output (T1, T2, T3, Ground): Connect to your equipment's three-phase input terminals. Ground the equipment chassis.
• Use conduit — vibration can damage unprotected wire connections over time
• Do not connect the converter output to another converter's input or a VFD output

Step 4 — First Startup

1. Apply single-phase power to the converter (NL Series: auto-starts; PL Series: press Start)
2. Wait 3–5 seconds for the idler motor to reach full speed
3. Start your three-phase equipment normally
4. Let equipment run for 5 minutes, then measure output voltage on all three legs — target within 2% of each other

Step 5 — Verify Voltage Balance

With equipment running at full load, measure L1-L2, L1-L3, and L2-L3. All three readings should be within 2–3% of each other. If any leg reads significantly high or low, call us for capacitor tuning guidance.

Need help? Call (800) 417-6568 — our engineers are available to walk through installation with you.

Related Articles

• How to Size a Rotary Phase Converter
• Rotary vs Digital
• Phase Converter FAQ

Getting Started — FAQ

How long does it take to install a phase converter?

A qualified electrician can complete a straightforward installation in 2–4 hours. This includes mounting, running conduit and wire, making connections at the panel and at the converter, and performing startup verification. More complex installations (long runs, multiple disconnects, outdoor mounting) may take longer.

Do I need a permit to install a phase converter?

In most jurisdictions, yes — adding a new electrical circuit to your panel requires a permit and inspection. Check with your local building department. A licensed electrician will handle permit requirements as part of their scope of work.

What tools do I need for installation?

Standard electrician tools: wire strippers, conduit bender (if running new conduit), torque screwdriver for terminal connections, true-RMS voltmeter for startup verification. The converter itself includes mounting hardware.

What should I do if the converter starts but my equipment won't start?

Verify the converter output terminals are correctly connected to your equipment's L1, L2, L3 input terminals. Check for loose connections. Measure voltage on all three output legs — if one reads significantly lower, check for a loose connection or failed start capacitor. Call (800) 417-6568 for troubleshooting help.

My equipment trips the breaker on startup — what is wrong?

Most likely the converter is undersized for the load, or the single-phase input breaker is undersized. Verify converter HP vs. equipment HP x multiplier. Verify input breaker is sized at minimum 2x equipment three-phase FLA. Call us — we troubleshoot startup issues every day.

Related Articles

• How to Size a Rotary Phase Converter
• What Is a Rotary Phase Converter?
• Rotary vs Digital Phase Converters
• Phase Converter FAQ