Everything business owners and facility managers need to know about converting single-phase to three-phase power — from sizing and installation to cost savings and troubleshooting.
If you operate a machine shop, woodworking facility, farm, or any commercial operation that relies on three-phase equipment, you've likely faced a frustrating reality: your location only has single-phase power. Extending utility three-phase service to your site can cost tens of thousands of dollars — if it's even available. That's where a phase converter comes in.
This guide draws on over 50 years of hands-on experience in the phase converter industry to give you a clear, complete understanding of how these devices work, which type is right for your application, and how to get the most from your investment.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Phase Converter and Why Do You Need One?
- Phase Converter Types: Rotary vs. Static vs. Digital
- Common Applications
- How to Size a Phase Converter for Your Equipment
- Installation Basics and Safety
- Cost Considerations: Phase Converter vs. Utility Three-Phase Service
- Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Phase Converter and Why Do You Need One?
Understanding Single-Phase vs. Three-Phase Power
Before diving into phase converters, it helps to understand the power they're converting.
Single-phase power is the standard electrical service delivered to most homes and small commercial buildings in North America. It consists of two conductors — one hot (live) and one neutral — delivering power in a single alternating sine wave at 60 Hz. Single-phase is sufficient for lighting, small appliances, and motors up to about 5 HP, but it has limitations: the power delivery pulsates, dropping to zero twice per cycle, which makes it inefficient for heavy-duty motors.
Three-phase power uses three conductors, each carrying an alternating current that is offset by 120 degrees from the others. Because the three sine waves overlap, power delivery is continuous — there's never a moment where voltage drops to zero. This produces smoother torque, greater efficiency, and the ability to drive large industrial motors. Three-phase motors are also simpler in construction (no starting capacitors or centrifugal switches), more reliable, and last longer than their single-phase equivalents.
The Problem
Three-phase equipment is the standard in manufacturing, metalworking, agriculture, and countless other industries. But three-phase utility service is typically only available in urban and industrial zones. If your shop, farm, or facility is in a rural or suburban area, you probably only have access to single-phase power.
Getting the utility company to extend three-phase lines to your location can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000+, depending on distance and infrastructure. In some cases, it's simply not feasible.
The Solution: Phase Converters
A phase converter is an electrical device that converts single-phase power into three-phase power. It generates the missing third phase (or "manufactured leg"), enabling you to run three-phase equipment from a standard single-phase electrical service.
Think of it this way: your single-phase service provides two of the three required sine waves. The phase converter creates the third, producing a complete three-phase output that your equipment needs to operate.
Phase converters have been the go-to solution for decades, enabling thousands of businesses to run industrial-grade machinery without the enormous expense of utility three-phase service. They're used in everything from one-man garage shops to large agricultural operations.
Phase Converter Types: Rotary vs. Static vs. Digital
Not all phase converters are created equal. The three main types — rotary, static, and digital — each have distinct characteristics, advantages, and ideal use cases. Choosing the right type is one of the most important decisions you'll make.
Rotary Phase Converters
A rotary phase converter is the most popular and versatile type on the market. It uses an idler motor (a specially designed three-phase generator motor) combined with start capacitors and run capacitors to generate a balanced three-phase output.
Here's how it works: when energized, the idler motor spins and acts as a rotary generator, producing the third phase of power. The mechanical rotation of the motor creates a smooth, continuous sine wave that closely mimics true utility three-phase power.
Pros:
- Balanced power output — Voltage variance typically 3–5% across all three legs, which is acceptable for the vast majority of equipment
- Can run multiple loads simultaneously — One rotary converter can power your entire shop
- Handles heavy starting loads — Motors with high inrush current (compressors, saws, pumps) start reliably
- Extremely durable — Industrial-grade rotary converters can last 20–30+ years with minimal maintenance
- Wide HP range — Available from 1 HP to 500+ HP
- Cost-effective for multi-machine shops — One converter powers everything on a three-phase sub-panel
Cons:
- Larger physical footprint — The idler motor requires floor or wall space
- Audible noise — The spinning motor produces a hum (typically 60–70 dB, comparable to a conversation)
- Not ideal for voltage-sensitive electronics — The 3–5% variance may not meet the needs of precision CNC controllers or sensitive medical equipment
- Requires periodic maintenance — Bearing lubrication every few years, capacitor inspection
Best For: Machine shops, woodworking facilities, farms, welding shops, HVAC operations, and any application where you need to run multiple three-phase machines from a single converter. Rotary phase converters are the workhorse of the industry and represent the best value for most users.
At Phoenix Phase Converters, our rotary units are built with industrial-grade components, oversized idler motors, and heavy-duty capacitors — backed by a lifetime warranty that reflects our confidence in their longevity.
Static Phase Converters
A static phase converter (also called a solid-state converter) uses capacitors and electronic components — but no moving parts — to generate a third phase and start a three-phase motor. However, here's the critical distinction: a static converter only provides true three-phase power during motor startup. Once the motor is running, it effectively operates on single-phase power.
Pros:
- Lower upfront cost — Typically 40–60% less expensive than a rotary converter of equivalent HP rating
- Compact size — No idler motor means a much smaller unit
- No moving parts — Zero mechanical maintenance
- Silent operation — No motor hum
Cons:
- Runs motors at reduced capacity — Motors operate at roughly 2/3 of their rated horsepower on a static converter
- One motor at a time — Cannot power multiple machines simultaneously
- Not suitable for sensitive equipment — Significant voltage imbalance on the manufactured leg (can exceed 10%)
- Cannot power CNC machines, VFDs, or electronic controls — Only suitable for simple motor loads
- Shorter equipment lifespan — Continuous voltage imbalance causes motors to run hotter, reducing their service life
Best For: Single-motor applications with simple loads — a standalone drill press, an air compressor, a grain auger, or a hydraulic pump where the motor doesn't need to deliver full rated power. Static converters are a budget option, not a performance option.
Digital Phase Converters
A digital phase converter (sometimes called an electronic phase converter) represents the newest technology in the category. It uses power electronics — specifically insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) and a digital signal processor (DSP) — to synthetically generate a near-perfect third phase.
Rather than relying on a spinning motor, a digital converter samples the incoming single-phase power thousands of times per second and electronically constructs a third sine wave that is precisely synchronized in voltage, frequency, and phase angle.
Pros:
- Near-perfect power quality — Voltage balance within 1–3%, comparable to utility three-phase
- Ideal for sensitive equipment — CNC machines, VFDs, laser cutters, EDM machines, and programmable controllers run flawlessly
- Compact and quiet — No idler motor; similar footprint to a small electrical panel
- High efficiency — 95–98% energy efficiency
- Fast response — Adjusts output in real time to compensate for load changes
Cons:
- Higher cost — Typically 2–3x the price of an equivalent rotary converter
- Electronic components can fail — More complex circuitry means more potential failure points
- Limited HP range on some models — Some manufacturers max out at 50–100 HP
- Sensitive to power surges — May require additional surge protection in areas with unstable utility power
- Shorter warranty periods from most manufacturers — Many offer only 1–5 years (compared to the lifetime warranties available on quality rotary units)
Best For: CNC machining centers, precision manufacturing, medical equipment, laboratories, data centers, and any application where voltage quality is critical. If your equipment has digital controllers, VFDs, or sensitive electronics, a digital phase converter is worth the investment.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Rotary | Static | Digital |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voltage Balance | 3–5% variance | 5–10%+ variance | 1–3% variance |
| Multiple Loads | ✅ Yes | ❌ One motor only | ✅ Yes |
| CNC Compatible | Most applications | ❌ No | ✅ Ideal |
| Noise Level | Moderate hum | Silent | Near-silent |
| Maintenance | Low (bearings/caps) | None | None |
| Cost | $$ Moderate | $ Low | $$$ High |
| Lifespan | 20–30+ years | 10–15 years | 10–20 years |
| Best For | General shop use | Single-motor budget | Precision/sensitive |
Common Applications
Phase converters serve an enormous range of industries. Here are the most common applications and what to consider for each.
CNC Machining and Metalworking
CNC mills, lathes, plasma tables, EDM machines, and machining centers are among the most demanding applications for phase converters. These machines combine high-horsepower spindle motors with sensitive digital controllers, servo drives, and variable frequency drives (VFDs).
What you need: A rotary phase converter works well for most CNC machines, especially those with built-in VFDs (the VFD handles voltage regulation internally). For machines with older analog controls or extremely tight voltage tolerances, a digital phase converter provides the cleanest power.
Sizing tip: Size the converter to your largest single machine, then add 50% if you plan to run additional equipment simultaneously.
Woodworking
Table saws, planers, jointers, wide-belt sanders, shapers, and dust collection systems are the backbone of a commercial woodworking shop. These machines typically use three-phase induction motors with high starting torque requirements.
What you need: A rotary phase converter is the standard choice for woodworking. These motors are straightforward induction loads without sensitive electronics, so the 3–5% voltage variance of a quality rotary converter is perfectly acceptable.
Pro tip: Size your converter for the largest motor in your shop (often the dust collector or wide-belt sander), then you can run your other machines on the same three-phase panel.
Welding
Three-phase welders — including MIG, TIG, and stick welders — draw heavy, intermittent loads. Industrial welding shops often have multiple welders running simultaneously.
What you need: Rotary phase converters handle welding loads exceptionally well because they tolerate the rapid load fluctuations inherent to welding. Size the converter generously — welders have high peak demands even if their average draw is moderate.
Agriculture
Grain dryers, irrigation pumps, feed mills, augers, compressors, and milking equipment all frequently require three-phase power. Farms and rural agricultural operations are among the most common phase converter customers because three-phase utility service rarely extends to agricultural areas.
What you need: Rotary converters dominate in agriculture. They're rugged, reliable in harsh environments (dust, temperature extremes, moisture), and can be installed in barns, outbuildings, or outdoor enclosures. A single rotary converter can power the entire operation.
At Phoenix Phase Converters, we've been serving agricultural customers for over 50 years. Our founder, Daniel Floreancig, built the company on the principle that farmers and ranchers deserve the same industrial-grade power solutions as urban manufacturing facilities.
HVAC and Refrigeration
Commercial HVAC compressors, chillers, rooftop units, and walk-in cooler/freezer systems frequently use three-phase motors for their efficiency advantages. Restaurants, grocery stores, and warehouses in areas without three-phase service rely on phase converters.
What you need: Rotary converters handle compressor loads well, but note that compressors have very high starting (locked-rotor) currents — often 5–7x their running amperage. Ensure your converter is sized for the starting load, not just the running load.
General Industrial
Hydraulic presses, air compressors, conveyor systems, packaging equipment, printing presses, and pumps — the list goes on. Any facility with three-phase industrial equipment and single-phase utility service needs a phase converter.
How to Size a Phase Converter for Your Equipment
Proper sizing is the single most important factor in getting reliable, long-lasting performance from your phase converter. An undersized converter will produce poor voltage balance, cause premature motor wear, and potentially damage sensitive equipment. An oversized converter wastes money but won't cause harm — when in doubt, go bigger.
Step 1: Identify Your Largest Load
Look at the nameplate of your largest three-phase machine. Note the horsepower (HP) rating and the voltage (typically 208V, 230V, or 460V).
If the nameplate only shows amperage, you can calculate approximate HP:
For 230V three-phase:
HP ≈ (Amps × 230 × 1.732 × 0.85) / 746
For 460V three-phase:
HP ≈ (Amps × 460 × 1.732 × 0.85) / 746
Step 2: Add Up All Loads That May Run Simultaneously
If you plan to run multiple machines at the same time, add up their HP ratings. Be realistic — you likely won't run every machine at once, but consider your typical peak usage.
Example:
- CNC mill: 10 HP
- Air compressor: 7.5 HP
- Dust collector: 5 HP
- Typical simultaneous load: 22.5 HP
Step 3: Apply the Right Sizing Rule
For rotary phase converters:
- Size the converter to at least 1.5x your largest single motor OR to the total HP of all simultaneously running loads — whichever is greater
- If your largest motor has a hard-starting load (compressor, hydraulic pump), go to 2x that motor's HP
- Example: If your largest motor is 10 HP and total simultaneous load is 22.5 HP, choose at least a 25 HP rotary converter
For static phase converters:
- Size to the exact HP of the single motor you plan to run
- Remember: the motor will only deliver about 2/3 of its rated power
For digital phase converters:
- Size to the total connected load that will run simultaneously
- Digital converters are more precisely rated, so you don't need as much overhead — but a 10–20% buffer is still wise
Step 4: Consider Starting Current (Inrush)
Motors draw 5–7 times their running current when starting. Equipment like air compressors, hydraulic units, and large saws have especially high inrush demands. If your phase converter can't handle the inrush, the motor may fail to start or the converter may trip.
Hard-starting loads include:
- Reciprocating air compressors
- Hydraulic pumps and presses
- Large saws and grinders starting under load
- Scroll and screw compressors
- Refrigeration compressors
For these loads, add an extra 25–50% to your sizing calculation.
Step 5: Match the Voltage
Phase converters are voltage-specific. Make sure the converter matches your equipment's voltage:
- 230V — Most common for equipment under 100 HP in North America
- 460V — Common for larger industrial equipment
- 208V — Found in some commercial buildings with 208/120V panels
If you have a mix of voltages, you may need a transformer in addition to your phase converter.
When in Doubt, Call an Expert
Sizing mistakes are the #1 cause of phase converter problems. If you're unsure, reach out to a manufacturer who will take the time to review your equipment list and recommend the right unit. At Phoenix Phase Converters, our team walks you through the sizing process — call us at 800-417-6568 and we'll make sure you get the right converter the first time.
Installation Basics and Safety
Installing a phase converter is a straightforward electrical project, but it involves high-voltage wiring that must be done correctly. If you're not comfortable working with electrical panels and three-phase wiring, hire a licensed electrician. An improper installation can damage your equipment, void warranties, and create a fire or electrocution hazard.
Basic Installation Overview
Here's what a typical rotary phase converter installation looks like:
- Mount the converter — Install in a dry, ventilated location. The idler motor generates heat and needs airflow. Keep it away from excessive dust, moisture, and chemicals. Wall-mounted or floor-mounted depending on size.
- Run single-phase input — Wire your single-phase supply from a dedicated breaker in your main panel to the converter's input terminals. Use properly sized wire based on the converter's input amperage rating and wire run distance.
- Install a disconnect — Mount a disconnect switch between your panel and the converter for safety and code compliance.
- Connect three-phase output — Run three-phase wiring from the converter's output to a three-phase sub-panel or directly to your equipment. Use a three-phase breaker panel if you're powering multiple machines.
- Ground everything — Follow NEC (National Electrical Code) grounding requirements. Proper grounding protects equipment and personnel.
- Test before loading — Start the converter without any load. Verify that all three phases are present and that voltages are balanced (within 5% of each other for a rotary converter). Then test under load.
Wire Sizing Guidelines
Wire sizing depends on amperage and distance. Here's a simplified reference for common 230V installations:
| Converter HP | Recommended Input Breaker | Minimum Wire Size (up to 50 ft) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 HP | 40A | 8 AWG |
| 10 HP | 60A | 6 AWG |
| 15 HP | 80A | 4 AWG |
| 20 HP | 100A | 3 AWG |
| 30 HP | 125A | 1 AWG |
| 40 HP | 150A | 1/0 AWG |
| 50 HP | 200A | 3/0 AWG |
These are general guidelines. Always consult NEC tables and your local electrical code for specific requirements. Longer wire runs require upsizing.
Safety Essentials
- Always disconnect power before working on wiring
- Use a lockout/tagout procedure when servicing the converter
- Verify dead circuits with a voltmeter before touching any wires
- Follow NEC and local codes — Permits may be required in your jurisdiction
- Install surge protection — Especially important for digital converters and CNC equipment
- Label your panel — Clearly mark single-phase and three-phase breakers to avoid confusion
- Never back-feed your utility — Phase converters should never be connected in a way that could energize utility lines
Professional Installation
Many customers install their own phase converters successfully, especially if they have electrical experience. But there's no shame in hiring a licensed electrician — it ensures code compliance, proper sizing of conductors and breakers, and peace of mind. Some jurisdictions require a licensed electrician for three-phase installations.
When you purchase from Phoenix Phase Converters, every unit ships with detailed installation instructions and wiring diagrams. Our technical support team is also available by phone to walk you through the process.
Cost Considerations: Phase Converter vs. Utility Three-Phase Service
One of the most common questions we hear is: "Should I get a phase converter or just have the utility company extend three-phase service to my location?" The answer almost always favors the phase converter — and it's not even close.
Utility Three-Phase Service Costs
Getting three-phase power from the utility involves running new lines from the nearest three-phase transformer to your property. Costs include:
- Line extension fees: $15,000–$100,000+ depending on distance (the utility typically charges per pole or per foot of line)
- Transformer and equipment: $5,000–$25,000+
- Trenching/underground conduit: $20–$60 per linear foot
- Permits and engineering: $1,000–$5,000
- Monthly demand charges: Many utilities charge a minimum monthly fee ($50–$300+) for three-phase service regardless of usage
- Timeline: 3–12 months from application to energization
Total typical cost: $20,000–$150,000+
And here's the kicker: if you ever move your business, that investment stays in the ground. It has zero residual value.
Phase Converter Costs
A quality rotary phase converter costs a fraction of utility service and can be operational in days, not months:
| HP Rating | Approximate Rotary Converter Cost | Approximate Digital Converter Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 5 HP | $800–$1,500 | $2,000–$3,500 |
| 10 HP | $1,200–$2,500 | $3,000–$5,500 |
| 20 HP | $2,000–$4,000 | $5,000–$9,000 |
| 30 HP | $3,000–$5,500 | $7,000–$13,000 |
| 50 HP | $4,500–$8,000 | $10,000–$20,000 |
| 100 HP | $7,000–$14,000 | $18,000–$35,000 |
Prices reflect 2025–2026 market ranges for quality, industrial-grade converters. Budget/imported units may cost less but typically carry shorter warranties and lower build quality.
Additional installation costs:
- Electrician labor: $500–$2,000
- Wire, breakers, sub-panel: $200–$1,000
- Total installed cost: Typically $1,500–$15,000 for most applications
The Math Is Clear
For a 20 HP application:
- Utility three-phase: $25,000–$75,000 + ongoing demand charges + months of waiting
- Phase converter: $2,500–$5,000 installed + no monthly fees + operational in a week
That's a savings of 80–95% — and the converter is a portable asset you can take with you if you relocate.
Other Cost Factors to Consider
- Energy efficiency: Quality rotary converters are 93–95% efficient. Digital converters reach 95–98%. The electricity "lost" in conversion is minimal — typically $10–$30/month for a moderate shop.
- Maintenance costs: Rotary converters need bearing lubrication every 3–5 years (about $50–$100 if you do it yourself). That's it.
- Resale value: Phase converters hold their value well. A quality rotary converter can be resold for 50–70% of its purchase price.
- Warranty: Most manufacturers offer 1–5 year warranties. Phoenix Phase Converters stands behind every unit with a lifetime warranty — the best in the industry — because a well-built rotary converter should last decades.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even the best phase converters can encounter issues, usually related to installation, sizing, or power supply problems. Here's how to diagnose and resolve the most common problems.
The Converter Won't Start
Possible causes:
- No input power — Check the single-phase breaker. Make sure it hasn't tripped.
- Loose wiring — Inspect all connections at the input terminals. Vibration can loosen wire lugs over time.
- Low input voltage — Measure voltage at the converter input terminals. If it's below 200V (on a 230V system), your utility supply may be sagging. This is common in rural areas during peak demand.
- Failed start capacitor — Start capacitors are the most common wear component. They typically last 8–15 years. A failed start cap will prevent the idler motor from starting. Replacement is inexpensive ($30–$80).
- Seized idler motor bearings — Try spinning the motor shaft by hand (with power OFF). It should rotate freely. If it's stiff or locked, the bearings need replacement.
Voltage Imbalance
Symptoms: Motors running hot, equipment tripping on overload, poor performance.
Possible causes:
- Undersized converter — The #1 cause. If your load exceeds the converter's capacity, the manufactured leg voltage will drop significantly.
- Incorrect capacitor values — Run capacitors fine-tune voltage balance. If they've degraded or are incorrectly sized, balance will suffer.
- Unbalanced loading — Very light loads can cause high voltage on the manufactured leg; very heavy loads can cause low voltage. This is normal behavior within a range.
- Low utility voltage — If your incoming single-phase is low, the converter can't produce balanced three-phase output.
Fix: Measure voltage on all three legs at the converter output (L1-L2, L2-L3, L1-L3). They should be within 5% of each other on a rotary converter. If one leg is significantly low or high, contact your manufacturer for capacitor adjustment guidance.
Motors Run Hot
Possible causes:
- Voltage imbalance (see above)
- Overloaded converter
- Poor ventilation on the motor itself
- Ambient temperature too high
Rule of thumb: Every 2% of voltage imbalance reduces motor efficiency by about 1% and increases winding temperature. Keep imbalance under 5% for optimal motor life.
Tripping Breakers
Possible causes:
- Undersized breaker — The input breaker must be sized for the converter's full-load input amps, not just the connected equipment's amps
- Undersized wire — Inadequate wire gauge causes voltage drop, which causes higher current draw, which trips breakers
- Equipment fault — A shorted motor or ground fault downstream of the converter
- Starting inrush — Large motors drawing high inrush current on startup. Solution: stagger motor starts (don't start everything at once)
Humming or Vibration (Rotary Converters)
Some hum is normal — the idler motor is spinning at 1,725 or 3,450 RPM. But excessive vibration can indicate:
- Mounting issues — Make sure the converter is securely bolted to a solid surface
- Worn bearings — Replace if vibration increases gradually over time
- Imbalanced idler motor — Rare, but can happen if the motor is damaged
CNC Machine Faults or Alarms
If your CNC machine throws power-related alarms after installing a phase converter:
- Check voltage balance — CNC controllers are more sensitive than standard motors
- Verify grounding — Poor grounding can cause ground-fault alarms
- Consider upgrading to a digital converter if voltage quality from a rotary unit isn't sufficient
- Install a power conditioner or line reactor between the converter and the CNC if intermittent issues persist
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run multiple machines from one phase converter?
Yes — with a rotary or digital converter. This is one of the biggest advantages of rotary phase converters. Install a three-phase sub-panel fed by the converter, and you can run as many machines as the converter's HP rating supports. Static converters are limited to a single motor.
How long does a phase converter last?
A quality rotary phase converter can last 20–30+ years with minimal maintenance. The main wear items are bearings and capacitors, both of which are inexpensive to replace. Phoenix Phase Converters backs this up with a lifetime warranty — we expect our units to outlast the equipment they power.
Is converted three-phase power as good as utility three-phase?
For practical purposes, yes. A quality rotary converter produces power within 3–5% voltage balance — well within the tolerance of virtually all three-phase motors and most equipment. Digital converters achieve 1–3% balance, which is indistinguishable from utility power for even the most sensitive loads.
The only scenario where a converter falls short is if you need three-phase power for hundreds of horsepower across a large facility — at that scale, utility service may make more economic sense.
Do I need a permit to install a phase converter?
It depends on your local jurisdiction. In many areas, a phase converter installation is treated like any other electrical sub-panel addition and requires a permit and inspection. In rural areas, requirements may be less stringent. Always check with your local building department.
Can a phase converter damage my equipment?
Not if it's properly sized and installed. An undersized converter can produce voltage imbalance that stresses motors and electronics over time. An oversized converter will not cause any harm — it simply has unused capacity. This is why proper sizing matters.
What's the difference between a phase converter and a VFD (Variable Frequency Drive)?
A VFD converts single-phase power to three-phase power for a single motor and allows you to control that motor's speed. A phase converter provides three-phase power to a panel or facility for multiple loads at a fixed 60 Hz frequency.
VFDs are ideal when you need speed control for one specific motor. Phase converters are ideal when you need three-phase power for your entire shop. In many setups, a phase converter feeds the shop's three-phase panel, and individual VFDs control specific machines — they work together.
How much electricity does a phase converter use when idle?
A rotary converter draws power to keep the idler motor spinning even when no equipment is running. This idle draw is typically 15–30% of the converter's full-load rating. For a 20 HP converter, that's roughly $15–$40/month in electricity at average U.S. rates.
Tip: Install a switch or contactor to shut down the converter when not in use. Many shops put their converter on a timer or use a magnetic starter for easy on/off control.
Can I use a phase converter with a generator?
Yes, but with caution. The generator must produce clean, stable single-phase power and be sized to handle the converter's input requirements (typically 1.5–2x the converter's HP rating in generator kW). Cheap or undersized generators can produce unstable frequency and voltage that causes problems. Consult your converter manufacturer before pairing with a generator.
What about three-phase transformers? Do I need one?
If your equipment requires a different voltage than your phase converter produces, you'll need a step-up or step-down transformer between the converter and the equipment. The most common scenario: your converter produces 230V three-phase, but your equipment requires 460V three-phase. A 230V-to-460V step-up transformer solves this.
Is it worth buying a cheap imported phase converter?
Usually not. Budget converters — often imported from overseas — may use undersized components, thinner wire, lower-quality capacitors, and weaker idler motors. They may work initially but tend to fail sooner, produce worse voltage balance, and carry minimal warranties (often 1 year or less).
A quality American-made phase converter costs moderately more upfront but delivers decades of reliable service. Phoenix Phase Converters are manufactured in the USA with industrial-grade components, and every unit includes a lifetime warranty and 90-day money-back guarantee — so there's zero risk in choosing quality.
How do I know if I need a phase converter or if my utility can provide three-phase?
Call your electric utility and ask two questions: (1) Is three-phase service available at my address? (2) What would it cost to extend three-phase service? If the answer to #1 is no, or the answer to #2 is more than a few thousand dollars, a phase converter is almost certainly your best option.
Making the Right Choice
Choosing a phase converter doesn't have to be complicated. Here's a simple decision framework:
- Budget solution, single motor, non-sensitive: Static converter
- Best value, multiple machines, general shop/farm: Rotary converter
- Premium power quality, sensitive electronics, CNC: Digital converter
For the vast majority of business owners and facility managers, a quality rotary phase converter hits the sweet spot of performance, reliability, and value. It powers your entire shop from a single unit, handles high starting loads, lasts for decades, and costs a fraction of utility three-phase service.
When you're ready, choose a manufacturer that stands behind their product. Look for:
- ✅ American-made construction with industrial-grade components
- ✅ Expert sizing assistance so you get the right unit the first time
- ✅ A meaningful warranty — not just 1–2 years, but a warranty that reflects true confidence in the product
- ✅ Responsive technical support for installation and troubleshooting questions
- ✅ A money-back guarantee so you can buy with confidence
Phoenix Phase Converters has been manufacturing phase converters in the USA for over 50 years. Every unit ships with a lifetime warranty, 90-day money-back guarantee, and flat-rate shipping — plus direct access to our team for sizing, installation, and technical support.
Ready to power your three-phase equipment? Browse our phase converters or call us at 800-417-6568 — we'll help you find the right solution for your application.
Published February 2026 by Phoenix Phase Converters — Over 50 years of American-made phase conversion expertise.