What Are The Major Categories of Phase Converters?
There are three major types of phase converters: Static Phase Converters, Rotary Phase Converters, and Digital Solid State Converters. Read on to learn more about each kind of phase converter and which one is right for your application.
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Static Phase Converters
Static phase converters are the most basic type of phase converter. They use capacitors to start a 3-phase motor, but then run it on only single-phase power. The load is limited to about two-thirds of its rated capacity.
What are static phase converters?
Static phase converters can start 3-phase motors, but cannot be used for CNC machines or other sensitive equipment. Once the motor has started, the static converter disengages and the motor runs on single-phase power only. The resulting power is unbalanced — the equipment can only operate up to around two-thirds its rated horsepower before forcing too much current through the motor windings. This unbalanced output and "single-phasing" is hard on 3-phase equipment and can shorten motor life. Any application that requires balanced 3-phase output, or will be operated at or near full capacity, needs a rotary or digital phase converter to operate safely and effectively.
Rotary Phase Converters
Rotary phase converters are much more sophisticated units. They use a spinning idler motor to generate true three-phase power — often more balanced than utility-supplied three-phase.
There are two types of rotary phase converters:
- Basic: These provide excellent three-phase power with voltage on all three lines within +/- 10% of one another. Suitable for most shop equipment like lathes, mills, and saws.
- Professional: A more precise system that maintains voltage balance within +/- 5% or better, which is required for sensitive loads including CNC machinery, laser cutters, and medical equipment.
What are CNC phase converters?
CNC phase converters are rotary phase converters engineered to maintain the tight voltage balance (within +/-5%) that CNC machines require. At Phoenix Phase Converters, every unit is built with a custom-balanced idler motor, soft-start circuitry, and power factor correction to produce extremely smooth and balanced 3-phase output. Our NL Series and PL Series converters are trusted by machine shops across the country to reliably power Haas, Mazak, DMG Mori, and every other brand of CNC equipment. All Phoenix converters are American-made and backed by a lifetime warranty.
Digital Solid State Phase Converters
Digital solid state phase converters are the most advanced type of single-to-three-phase converter. They use a digital signal processor (DSP) to produce virtually perfect three-phase power for the most demanding applications.
What are digital phase converters?
Digital phase converters use microprocessor-controlled power electronics to continuously monitor and adjust voltage output in real time. This produces the most precisely balanced three-phase power available from any converter — ideal for sensitive CNC equipment, medical devices, and laboratory instruments. Phoenix Phase Converters offers DualZone digital phase converters with our patented dual-zone technology, which allows you to run your largest equipment at full capacity even when your utility service is limited.
Which Type of Phase Converter Is Right for You?
For most industrial and commercial applications, a rotary phase converter is the best choice — it provides reliable, balanced three-phase power at a fraction of the cost of running three-phase utility service. If you are running CNC machines or other voltage-sensitive equipment, look for a professional-grade rotary converter rated at +/-5% balance or better.
Not sure which converter you need? Try our sizing wizard or call us at 800-417-6568 — our team has over 50 years of phase converter engineering experience and can size your system in minutes.
