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Wiring Diagram Phase Converter Handbook
Complete Wiring Reference
Wiring Diagram Handbook
Complete installation reference for all Phoenix Phase Converter models. Detailed wiring diagrams for converting single-phase to three-phase power.
All Phoenix Phase Converters must be installed by an industrial licensed electrician. Working with 230V and 460V electrical systems is extremely dangerous. Always verify your local and state electrical codes before installation. These diagrams are provided as a reference — consult a qualified electrician for your specific installation.
⚡ NL SERIES
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Browse our full lineup — every converter ships with wiring diagrams included
Shop All Converters | (800) 417-6568NL Series Wiring Diagrams — Standard 230V Phase Converter
The NL Series is Phoenix Phase Converters' standard 230V rotary phase converter. These units start automatically when power is applied — no start/stop button on the front lid. The NL is the most popular model for shops running CNC machines, lathes, mills, woodworking equipment, and other three-phase industrial tools from a single-phase power source.
Input
Single Phase 230V
Supply Power
Output
Three Phase 230V
To Equipment
Control
Automatic (No Start/Stop Button)
HP Range
3 HP to 100 HP
NL & NH Model Wiring Schematic — Connection Overview
Page 3
GP100NL Wiring Diagram — 100HP Configuration
Page 4
NL Model 40 — Terminal Block Connections (L3, L2, L1)
Page 5
GP40NL Original Wiring Diagram — NL and NH Models
Page 6
💡 Installation Tips — NL Series
Breaker size should be at least 2× the full load amps of your equipment.
Use a disconnect if your wire run from the main breaker panel exceeds 50 feet.
L1 and L2 should operate any magnetic controls, single phase loads, or resistive loads.
230V connection for NL models (low voltage). Check the motor nameplate for wiring details.
Keep wire under 50 feet from the main circuit breaker panel to the phase converter.
⚡ NLA SERIES
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Standard 230V rotary phase converters, 3-100 HP — Starting at $843 | Lifetime Warranty | Free Sizing Help
Shop NL Series →NLA Series Wiring Diagrams — Compressor Duty / AutoLink 230V
The NLA Series is specifically engineered for high-inrush applications including air compressors, pumps, HVAC systems, and equipment with hard-starting motors. The built-in AutoLink system provides additional starting torque and protection during the high-current startup phase. May include a 230/460V three-phase step-up transformer for 460V equipment.
Input
Single Phase 230V
Supply Power
Output
Three Phase 230V (High Inrush)
To Equipment
Control
AutoLink System
HP Range
3 HP to 100 HP
NLA AutoLink Wiring Diagram — Compressor Duty Configuration
Page 7
💡 Installation Tips — NLA Series
Designed for high inrush loads — do not substitute a standard NL for compressor duty applications.
The AutoLink system provides additional starting protection for hard-starting motors.
If using a transformer, always install a disconnect or AutoLink box before the transformer.
The NLA includes built-in overcurrent protection for compressor-type loads.
⚡ PL SERIES
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AutoLink compressor-duty converters with auto start/stop — Starting at $1,239 | Lifetime Warranty | Free Sizing Help
Shop NLA Series →PL Series Wiring Diagrams — Start/Stop Control 230V
The PL Series features a convenient start/stop button on the front panel, giving you full control over when the phase converter runs. Identical to the NL internally but with the addition of T1/T2 timer terminals for the start/stop control circuit. Perfect for CNC machines, mills, lathes, and shops where you want to turn the converter on and off as needed.
Input
Single Phase 230V
Supply Power
Output
Three Phase 230V
To Equipment
Control
Start/Stop Button (Front Panel)
HP Range
3 HP to 100 HP
PL & PH Model Wiring Schematic — Connection Overview
Page 8
PL Model Overview — Panel Layout and Connections
Page 9
PL Model Wiring — Detailed Internal Connections
Page 10
PL Model Phase Converter Connection — Complete Wiring with Notes
Page 11
PL & PH Detailed Wiring Diagram — Full Schematic
Page 12
💡 Installation Tips — PL Series
PL models have start/stop buttons on the front lid — look for T2/T1 timer terminals.
Do NOT use wire nuts on the idler motor, even temporarily. Use polaris plugs or bolt-down lugs.
L1 and L2 should operate any magnetic controls, single phase loads, or resistive loads.
230V connection for PL models (low voltage). 460V connection for PH models (high voltage).
Keep wire under 50 feet from main circuit breaker panel to the phase converter.
⚡ PLT / PLTA SERIES
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Premium start/stop converters for multi-motor shops — Starting at $1,199 | Lifetime Warranty | Free Sizing Help
Shop PL Series →PLT / PLTA Series Wiring Diagrams — 460V Transformer Packages
The PLT and PLTA Series solve a common problem: you have single-phase 230V power but need three-phase 460V for your equipment. These packages include a built-in step-up transformer that converts the 230V three-phase output to 460V three-phase. The PLT uses an external transformer with a fusable disconnect, while the PLTA integrates the AutoLink system for additional protection.
Input
Single Phase 230V
Supply Power
Output
Three Phase 460V
To Equipment
Control
Start/Stop + Step-Up Transformer
HP Range
3 HP to 100 HP
PLT & PLTA Wiring Diagrams — Both Transformer Configurations
Page 13
PLTA Model Wiring Diagram — AutoLink Transformer Package
Page 14
💡 Installation Tips — PLT / PLTA Series
PLT = Start/Stop converter + external transformer with fusable or non-fusable disconnect.
PLTA = Start/Stop converter + AutoLink system + transformer (integrated protection).
Transformer must always have a disconnect or AutoLink box installed before it.
Recommended installation within 50 feet of your main breaker panel.
The LOAD terminal block on the PLTA connects directly to the transformer output side.
⚡ NH SERIES
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230V to 460V converter + transformer bundles — Starting at $2,400 | Lifetime Warranty | Free Sizing Help
Shop Transformer Packages →NH Series Wiring Diagrams — 460V Standard Phase Converter
The NH Series operates identically to the NL but at 460V. It takes single-phase 460V input and produces balanced three-phase 460V output. No start/stop button — the converter runs continuously when energized. Ideal for facilities with 460V single-phase utility service powering 460V three-phase industrial equipment.
Input
Single Phase 460V
Supply Power
Output
Three Phase 460V
To Equipment
Control
Automatic (No Start/Stop Button)
HP Range
3 HP to 100 HP
NH Model 340V Wiring — Panel Layout and Motor Connection
Page 15
NH 460V Wiring — Complete High Voltage Configuration
Page 16
💡 Installation Tips — NH Series
NH wiring is identical to NL except the idler motor uses the 460V (HIGH) connection.
460V systems require extra safety precautions — higher voltage is more dangerous.
Make sure your utility service is large enough for 460V phase converter installation.
Keep wire under 50 feet from main circuit breaker panel.
Connect idler motor and load side (L3, L2, L1) for 460V three-phase output.
⚡ PH SERIES
Ready to order your NH Series?
460V standard phase converters for high-voltage equipment — Starting at $1,499 | Lifetime Warranty | Free Sizing Help
Shop NH Series →PH Series Wiring Diagrams — 460V Start/Stop Phase Converter
The PH Series is the 460V version of the popular PL model with a start/stop button on the front panel. Takes 460V single-phase input and delivers balanced 460V three-phase output with on-demand control. Includes T1/T2 timer terminals for the start/stop control circuit.
Input
Single Phase 460V
Supply Power
Output
Three Phase 460V
To Equipment
Control
Start/Stop Button (Front Panel)
HP Range
3 HP to 100 HP
PH Model 340V Wiring — Panel Layout and Connections
Page 17
PH 460V Wiring — Complete High Voltage Start/Stop Configuration
Page 18
💡 Installation Tips — PH Series
PH is the 460V equivalent of the PL model with start/stop control.
T2/T1 terminals are present for the start/stop timing circuit.
460V — exercise extreme caution with high voltage wiring.
L1 and L2 should operate magnetic controls and single phase loads.
Must be installed by an industrial licensed electrician.
⚡ DUALZONE SERIES
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460V premium start/stop converters — Starting at $1,699 | Lifetime Warranty | Free Sizing Help
Shop PH Series →DualZone Series Wiring Diagrams — High Power Multi-Motor Phase Converter
The DualZone Series delivers maximum power using two idler motors in a single oversized converter panel. Designed for large machine shops running multiple high-HP machines simultaneously, or single pieces of equipment requiring 40 HP and above. The dual-motor configuration provides balanced, clean three-phase power for the most demanding industrial applications.
Input
Single Phase 230V
Supply Power
Output
Three Phase 230V
To Equipment
Control
Dual Idler Motors
HP Range
40 HP to 200+ HP
DualZone Overview — Schematic and PL Configuration Wiring
Page 19
DualZone Wire Diagram — Dual Idler Motor Terminal Connections
Page 20
💡 Installation Tips — DualZone Series
DualZone uses two separate idler motors for higher total power output.
The converter panel has two distinct sets of L3/L2/L1 terminals — one per motor.
Mount the phase converter closer to your single phase panel and run the 3-phase line to your equipment.
Use a disconnect if your line is over 50 feet — check local and state codes.
If connecting to a transformer, install a disconnect or AutoLink box before the transformer.
⚡ REFERENCE
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High-power multi-motor phase converters — Starting at $4,500 | Lifetime Warranty | Free Sizing Help
Shop DualZone Series →Motor Lead Diagrams, Wire Colors & Power Draw Reference
General reference section covering motor lead configurations for both 9-lead (NEMA 215T frame and smaller, YY/Y) and 12-lead (NEMA 254T frame and larger, ΔΔ/Δ) motors, wire color standards, and idle power draw information. Use this section when wiring the idler motor on any Phoenix Phase Converter model.
Motor Cutaway — Internal Components of a Three-Phase Idler Motor
Page 21
Lead Diagram — 9-Lead and 12-Lead Motor Wiring for Low and High Voltage
Page 22
Idle Power Draw — Terminal Block Connections Reference Photo
Page 23
💡 Installation Tips — Reference
NEMA 215T frame and smaller: 9 Leads, YY/Y configuration.
NEMA 254T frame and larger: 12 Leads, ΔΔ/Δ configuration.
Lead colors: T1/T4 = Blue, T2/T5 = White, T3/T6 = Orange, T7 = Yellow, T8 = Black, T9 = Red.
Always check the motor nameplate for the correct wiring diagram before connecting.
Do NOT use wire nuts on the idler motor — use polaris plugs or bolt-down lugs only.
Ready to order your Phase Converters?
Browse all models — NL, PL, NH, PH, DualZone — Starting at $843 | Lifetime Warranty | Free Sizing Help
Shop Phase Converters →Frequently Asked Questions
What size breaker do I need for a phase converter?
The breaker size should be at least 2 times the full load amps of your equipment. Check your equipment nameplate for the FLA (full load amperage) rating and double it. For example, if your machine draws 40 amps, you need at least an 80-amp breaker.
What is the difference between NL and PL phase converters?
The NL Series starts automatically when power is applied — no start/stop button. The PL Series includes a start/stop button on the front panel with T1/T2 timer terminals. Both convert single-phase 230V to three-phase 230V. Choose PL if you want to turn the converter on and off manually.
Can I use wire nuts on the idler motor?
No. Never use wire nuts on the idler motor, even temporarily. Wire nuts can loosen from motor vibration and cause arcing, overheating, or fire. Always use polaris plugs or bolt-down lugs for a secure connection.
How far can the phase converter be from the breaker panel?
Keep wire under 50 feet from the main circuit breaker panel to the phase converter. If your run exceeds 50 feet, install a disconnect between the panel and the converter. Always check your local and state electrical codes for requirements.
What is the DualZone phase converter?
The DualZone uses two separate idler motors in one oversized panel for maximum power (40 HP to 200+ HP). It's designed for large machine shops or high-HP equipment. Mount the converter close to your single-phase panel and run the three-phase line to your equipment.
Do I need an electrician to install a phase converter?
Yes — all Phoenix Phase Converters must be installed by an industrial licensed electrician. Working with 230V and 460V power is dangerous and requires professional installation to ensure safety and code compliance.
What is the difference between 230V and 460V phase converters?
The NL/PL models work with 230V single-phase input and produce 230V three-phase output. The NH/PH models take 460V single-phase and produce 460V three-phase. The PLT/PLTA models are unique — they take 230V single-phase input and step it up to 460V three-phase through a built-in transformer.
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