THREE-PHASE POWER

RESOURCE GUIDE
AMERICAN ROTARY ADVANTAGE
American Rotary has been making premium rotary phase converters for more than a decade. For more than
10 years, American Rotary has led the industry in innovation and design. We have introduced, field-tested, and
proven several technologically advanced features which have driven increases in the reliability and precision
voltage balancing capabilities of phase conversion, unmatched in the industry.

We provide the industry leading telephone support for technical, application and sizing issues. We stand behind
our products with the best warranty in the industry. We use premium components to ensure that our products
perform for you. American Rotary is a UL Certified Control Panel Builder, and our rotary phase converters are
available UL Listed to US and Canadian Safety Standards. We have partnered with Baldor Electric, one of the
world’s largest and most respected manufacturers, to supply our custom-engineered idler/generators. The
engineers at American Rotary worked with the engineers at Baldor for over a year designing a custom induction
generator for phase conversion, which reduced the inrush current on start-up so drastically that American
Rotary’s induction generator was granted a Soft Start rating, and a resulting reduction in operating cost!

American Rotary is listed with D&B as well as the Better Business Bureau, and we are committed to high ethical
and privacy standards.

WHAT IS A PHASE CONVERTER?

A phase converter is simply a machine that converts single-phase electricity into three-phase. Three-phase
power is often needed to operate machines and other industrial equipment, making a phase converter a great
tool to have where three-phase power is not readily available or too expensive to install.

The two most popular converter styles are:

1 ROTARY PHASE CONVERTERS 2 STATIC PHASE CONVERTERS

These are much more sophisticated units that These straightforward units will start a 3 phase
create true three-phase power, often more load but run it only under single phase power.
precise than utility-supplied three-phase power. The load is limited to about 2/3 of its rated
capacity.
American Rotary manufacures two types of
Rotary Phase Converters:

Pro Series: Our AR General Purpose Series

provides utility-grade power with voltage on
all three lines being +/- 10% of one another.
Typically designed for light/medium duty
NOTE
general purpose loads. Check out more frequently asked
questions by following the link below!
Digital Smart Series: Models AD, ADX, AUL,
AMP and AI all carry most benefits from our www.americanrotary.com/faqs
Digital Smart Series. These units have more
precise electronics that keep the voltage
tolerance between +/- 5% or less. This is
appropriate for more sensitive loads including
CNC machinery.

2 | Three Phase Power Resource Guide R2.2

WHO ARE PHASE CONVERTERS FOR?
Now that you know what a phase converter is, you can probably imagine all the possibilities where three-phase
power is used and even more, needed with the use of a phase converter.

The primary industries of application for who might need three-phase power are as follows:

AGRICULTURE MACHINING/CNC APPLICATIONS

Often, farms are located in areas which do not CNC phase converters are phase converters
have access to the 3-phase power grid. Paying that meet the requirements of 3-phase CNC
the power company to bring 3-phase power applications by maintaining at least a +/-5%
onsite is expensive, and often cost-prohibitive. voltage balance. The voltage balance obtained
American Rotary phase converters provide with CNC phase converters are optimal for any
reliable and cost-effective phase conversion for application. The more balanced the output of
any agricultural setting. the rotary phase converters are, the better a
piece of equipment will operate and the longer
FOOD SERVICE it will last. By balancing the output voltages,
All of American Rotary phase converters rotary CNC phase converters can be used
have been designed to provide the precision on any type of equipment especially voltage
output voltage needed for voltage sensitive sensitive equipment such as CNC machining
applications such as pizza ovens, regular ovens, centers, milling machines, lathes, PLC’s, EDM’s,
rotisseries and ice cream machines. This type of and any other type of equipment that relies on
quality performance is ideal for Hobart mixers, balanced input power.
wine presses, coffee grinders and other types of
food processing machines. METALWORKING
Phase converters are perfectly suited for
INDUSTRIAL/OTHER precision metalworking equipment such as
General Industrial Machinery accounts for wire EDM’s, CNC lathes, CNC mills, and other
so many different applications; there are voltage-sensitive applications. General Metal
too many to list! American Rotary phase Fabrication equipment such as grinders,
converters convert single phase power to welders, shears, brakes, and benders, are often
3-phase power so any shop environment can run on American Rotary phase converters.
take advantage of the tremendous advantages When converting from single phase to
of 3-phase equipment, without being three-phase power, American Rotary phase
burdened by demand charges and expensive converters produce balanced 3-phase output
installation by the power company. American to accommodate both very small, lightly
Rotary phase converters are quiet, easy to loaded machines and very large or heavily
install, reliable, and robust enough to handle loaded machines...all with just one phase
even the most demanding applications. converter.

WOODWORKING
While a single phase converter can be used
to operate a single piece of machinery,
woodworkers often need to start and run
multiple 3-phase machines (sometimes
simultaneously), which also have varying load
conditions. The balanced output of American
Rotary phase converters allows for the safe
operation of very small, lightly loaded 3-phase
machinery on the same rotary 3-phase
converter as larger, hard-starting equipment.

3 | Three Phase Power Resource Guide R2.2

TYPES OF CONVERTERS
American Rotary offers 7 different types of Rotary Phase Converters.

AR GENERAL PURPOSE AD DIGITAL SMART SERIES

The AR Rotary Phase Converter provides The AD Rotary Phase Converter is specifically
utility-grade power and is designed for light/ suited for CNC, VFD, rectified and any other
medium duty general purpose loads. voltage sensitive equipment.

Best for: Light to medium duty, general- Best for: Any load, especially resistive,
purpose loads such as; mills, single speed rectified and computer loads such as CNC,
lathes and drill presses. VFD, EDM, and battery chargers.

ADX EXTREME DUTY SMART SERIES AUL UL LISTED SERIES

The ADX Smart Series Rotary Phase UL licensed units may be required by your
Converter is designed for high inertia/friction state or local inspector. If you require a UL
loads. The ADX rotary phase converters have licensed unit our AUL model is the right model
current control to provide consistent torque for you delivering all the power and features of
while starting high inertia, extremely hard our ADX and AI units.
starting loads, yet are precise enough for CNC
applications.

Best for: High Inertia/friction loads such as

pumps, fans, compressors, blowers, dust
NOTE
collectors and flywheels. Shown in optional floor mount style.

4 | Three Phase Power Resource Guide R2.2

 AI INDUSTRIAL GRADE ROTARY PHASE CONVERTER AMP MOBILE

The AI Industrial was designed specifically The AMP Mobile rotary phase converter is
for the demands of industrial and agricultural plug-and-play ready for a quick and cost-
applications. Our AI Industrial digital phase effective installation. Equipped to run 208-
converter is designed with a Type 3R 250V equipment in three tiers:
enclosure for ultimate protection.
Tier 1: 1 Breaker and 1 Receptacle
AI Industrial can save you thousands of dollars Tier 2: 2 Breakers and 2 Receptacles
a year over utility and diesel generated power Tier 3: 3 Breakers and 3 Receptacles
sources.
These built-in features allow this unit to be
Lead times may exist. Call us for further details. little to no installation costs! In addition, this
unit comes built with our top of the line Smart
Series features to run any and all load types
making this unit fully versatile for your needs!
PHASE CONVERTER PANEL

This DIY Rotary Phase Converter Panel is

manufactured in the USA by American Rotary
and can be paired with your stock motor. (Motor
not included, this is the converter panel only).

A detailed installation manual and quick start

guide are included.

REQUIRED: Delta wound connection, 3-phase

stock motor, 60 Hz, recommended 1700-1750 RPM

5 | Three Phase Power Resource Guide R2.2

PRODUCT LINE COMPARISON
American Rotary engineered the entire phase converter system to provide optimum performance. We are the
only manufacturer that has developed a real induction generator, along with two separate optimized start and
run circuits. For ease of installation, we build the starter into the converter.

BEST FOR AR AD ADX AMP AI AUL

Designed and Manufactured in USA • • • • • •

Powerful VIT Idler • • • • • •

Soft Start • • • • • •

Magnetic Starter W/ Controls • • • • • •

Expandable N/A • • N/A • •

Wall or Floor Mount Option • • • N/A N/A •

Automation Control Integration OPTIONAL OPTIONAL OPTIONAL OPTIONAL OPTIONAL OPTIONAL

480 Input Voltage Option N/A OPTIONAL OPTIONAL N/A OPTIONAL OPTIONAL
UL / CSA N/A N/A N/A N/A OPTIONAL •
Integrated Digital MicroSmart Controller N/A • • • • •
Nema 3R N/A OPTIONAL OPTIONAL N/A • OPTIONAL
Digital Voltage Monitoring N/A • • • • •
Smart Current Control (CTR) N/A N/A • OPTIONAL • •
N/A = Not Available

American Rotary has designed each one of its Rotary Phase Converters to serve the specific needs of its
customers. Each Rotary Phase Converter is manufactured with the highest quality components available
and supported by the industry’s best warranty!

6 | Three Phase Power Resource Guide R2.2

SIZING A PHASE CONVERTER
So how do you size a Phase Converter you might ask?

Sizing a Phase Converter doesn’t have to be stressful or confusing. American Rotary offers a quick way to find
the unit that is right for you by using our Phase Converter Wizard!

https://www.americanrotary.com/sizingchart/

BUYING...5 THINGS TO KNOW

These are our top 5 things you should know before
buying a phase converter:

1. Verify you have enough single phase power available

for your set up.

2. Understand your load - are you going to run a light,

medium, or heavy duty load?

3. What is the size of your load? - Power specifications

are needed when sizing for the proper converter.

4. Indoor or Outdoor? - American Rotary offers both

Type 1 and Type 3R enclosures, but which one is right
for you?

5. Who are you buying your phase converter from? -

Make sure you are buying from a reputable company.
American Rotary stands behind their products while
leading the industry in technological advancements
and customer support!

You can also reach one of our sales engineers via email at [email protected] or by calling our office at
1-888-743-6832.

7 | Three Phase Power Resource Guide R2.2

WIRE AND BREAKER SIZE RECOMMENDATIONS
For all voltages: Conductors recommended are based off minimum single-phase breaker which is sized
based on largest starting load. For combined HP’s greater than 50% of maximum total HP listed in the table
below, consult NEC and local codes for conductor sizing. The below charts do not replace or supersede any
requirements by local, state, or national electric codes.

MINIMUM RECOMMENDED WIRE

SIZE
LARGEST LOAD
MAX TOTAL MIN 1-PHASE 3-PHASE
FOR OPTIMAL
MODEL KVA LOAD RUNNING BREAKER SIZE 1-PHASE INPUT OUTPUT (IDLER
PERFORMANCE
HP (AMPS) (AMPS) + LOAD)
HP (AMPS)
5 2.5 2.5 (7) 5 (14) 20 12 12

10 5 5 (14) 10 (26) 40 10 12

15 7.5 7.5 (21) 15 (42) 50 8 12

20 10 10 (28) 20 (56) 60 6 10

25 12.5 12.5 (35) 25 (70) 80 4 8

30 15 15 (42) 30 (84) 100 3 8

40 20 20 (56) 40 (112) 125 1 6

50 25 25 (70) 50 (140) 150 1/O 4

60 30 30 (84) 60 (168) 175 2/O 3

75 37.5 37.5 (105) 75 (210) 200 4/O 2

8 | Three Phase Power Resource Guide R2.2

CASE STUDY SUMMARIES
FOOD INDUSTRY WOODWORKING INDUSTRIAL/OTHER

THE KNOTTED CONE MOUNTAIN HEART WOODWORKS - OLIVETTI BICYCLE COMPANY -

“My American Rotary converter A MOUNTAIN OF POSSIBILITIES CYCLING TO THREE PHASE
powers my machinery that I “Never have had any issues and “The machines that I run are old
have directly from Italy. They run never bogs down. These converters manual machines, the two mills
on three phase power and my do their job very well for us. We’ve are from about 1952 and they
electrician recommended their been really pleased with how this need three phase power. Being a
converters to help reduce the has turned out!” residential garage shop, all I have is
amount it needed.” — Garrett Pickrel single phase. I needed a way to get
— Kathy Turek these machines to power up. The
Mountain Heart Woodworks is American Rotary Phase Converters
Kathy Turek is the founder of The a family owned and operated have been a great solution to this
Knotted Cone Gelato Company lumber yard and wood design problem of not being able to get
in Appleton, WI. Inspired by a trip shop. Originally operated off of the power that I need directly
to Europe, she found a passion gas motors, they soon realized through the line.”
to bring gelato to the dairy state. they needed to find a more — Peter Olivetti
While The Knotted Cone is sold efficient way to keep up with
out of a food truck, the gelato is demand. About four hours away Peter Olivetti is the owner
made in Kathy’s lab with industrial from true three phase power, and founder of Olivetti Bicycle
food service equipment, requiring bringing in three phase to their Company in Boulder, CO. Peter
three-phase power. Kathy’s lab is remote location wasn’t feasible. found in the early stages of
located where three-phase power After calling American Rotary, starting his business that he would
is not available. She needed a they determined that the best need three-phase power to run
solution and American Rotary was solution would be the heavy duty a few pieces of his necessary
able to help. After looking into industrial-grade AI-150 converter. shop equipment. He found it is
what machinery would be needed, Since the AI-150 installation, quite cost-prohibitive to bring
she spoke with American Rotary’s the crew was able to move all in three phase power to his
team and came to the solution that operations indoors, increasing shop. Peter learned through an
the ADX40 would be the best fit. In production and efficiency and American Rotary phase converter,
2016, Kathy officially opened her have been running their entire he is able to take his incoming
truck for business and has been business off of 2 American Rotary single phase power and produce
bringing gelato to the Fox City AI Industrial phase converters. clean, three phase power for his
area since! equipment. Since the installation
of his American Rotary Phase
Converter, Peter has been able
to successfully run his two mills
without issue - allowing him to
grow his business and satisfy the
needs of each of his customers.

9 | Three Phase Power Resource Guide R2.2

 REAL ESTATE MACHINERY AGRICULTURE

MAXIMIZING REAL ESTATE YATES PRECISION MANUFACTURING FARM IRRIGATION

OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH “YPM currently has 4 CNC When Dusty and his father Richard
THREE PHASE POWER Machines: a Mori Seiki MV-40M chose to lease out their 30 acres
Amy is a real estate agent in 5-axis mill, a Mazak QT-10 2-axis of farmland in Indiana, they
Buffalo, NY who specializes in lathe, a Haas VF-2SS 4-axis mill, wanted to get the greatest return
renting out commercial properties. and a Tsugami M08SY twin spindle possible. To do so, they’d need
A majority of her clients require y-axis lathe. We run all of our irrigation pumps & pivot towers
three phase power to perform machines of of an American Rotary that require three-phase power
their daily operations and Amy ADX60. With our shop being in a - an amenity that many farms
needed a solution to get three rural area, three-phase power isn’t like Dusty and Richard’s lack.
phase readily available. The readily available. Without American Paying a hefty sum to have three-
American Rotary team reviewed Rotary and their fantastic phase phase power installed wasn’t
the single phase power available converters, none of this would have their top choice. They turned to
at each location and verified her been possible.” the American Rotary team, who
clients’ needs. They came to — Jacob Yates helped them zero in on the right
the solution that the industrial product for their farm: the 150hp
AI-150 unit would be a great fit. American Rotary AI Industrial PAD.
Yates Precision Manufacturing is By investing in a phase converter
Since installing phase converters, owned and operated by Jake and
Amy has continued to lease out from American Rotary, Dusty and
Ashley Yates in Southwestern Richard were able to increase the
properties that fit her client’s three PA. Jake found that with an
phase spaces for their needs. A revenue from their land by over
increase in his product demand, 60% and the farmers were able to
business park that has sat vacant came a need for production
for over a year now is home to a increase their production, making
equipment that would be able to them more profitable, too!
cabinet shop and meat processing keep up. He found that most of
facility! the equipment required strictly
three phase power, which their
shop did not have. He called up
American Rotary and discussed
the specifications on the CNC
equipment that he needed to
power. Together, they found that
the ADX60 Digital Smart SeriesTM
was the best fit for their needs.
With the addition of the American
Rotary Converter, Jake and Ashley
have been successfully powering
all of their three phase equipment
and continues to grow and expand
their business.

10 | Three Phase Power Resource Guide R2.2