Clarck PC60 phase converter

[frank horton]

anyone with experience of this or similar

Clarke PC60 5.5HP Power Phase Converter 230V 1-phase input / 400 - 415V 3-phase output

The Clarke PC60 5.5HP Power Phase Converter is a compact and efficient solution designed to enable 400-415V, 3-phase motors and equipment to operate

www.orionairsales.co.uk

The specs for this are ok for my use and the cost is not outta the way either...
or find something similar ......
I like the idea of plug n play......
One thing that puzzles me on the machine there is a selecter for 1hp, 1.5hp and 3hp....
I assume this would cover the spike on start up and continu run time....
I'd be running on max....
remember this is for home / hobby use.....not 8 hour days....

 

[500e]

We have one, runs 1hp motor ok
Had it 2 years runs motor 2/4 hours at a time saves us running the big 3 phase generator
May only be used once a month so not heavy used

 

[addjunkie]

Its a static phase convertor, what are you trying operate….

 

[frank horton]

Mr junkie.....thanks
there's a long list of machines both for wood and metal.....the biggest is the wood panel saw n planer at 4 HP each....
Plus the usual metal mills n lathes all no bigger than 3HP.....
It's just me working so only one machine at a time.....my 3 phase comp will have to go as I dont want it kicking in when I'm useing something else.....
I have a 40amp supply....

 

[addjunkie]

Its quite a rough 3 phase as it generates its own third phase, some brands have a capacitance adjustment to try to smooth things out. Inrush current may be an issue on your bigger loads starting them.

Some machines struggle to start with them, my lathe for example, a two speed motor would onlyrun on the low soeed and was really sluggish to start. It now has an idler motor and is much smoother.

Heres a link to the instruction book

https://www.sitebox.ltd.uk/docs/clarke_6012785/pc20_60.pdf?srsltid=AfmBOop1NfHSZ7z1hYA6hlXAAx5frIv6MINot12fQ-2MixDmeD9rCKxx

What googles says as it better at typing than me

A Clarke static phase converter enables 3-phase, 400/415V motors to operate from a single-phase 230V supply by using capacitors to generate an "artificial" third phase
. It relies on an interaction with the motor, providing a starting boost and using capacitors to shift the phase angle to create a 3-phase output, suitable mainly for induction motors.
How the Clarke Phase Converter Works:

• Input and Output: The converter takes single-phase 230V input and outputs 3-phase 400V–415V, designed for 3-phase induction motors.
• Capacitive Shading (Third Phase Generation): The device uses internal capacitors to shift the phase of the voltage, creating a "derived" or third artificial phase, creating a 3-phase voltage output.
• Startup and Operation: Upon starting, the converter often provides a high-capacitance boost to get the motor turning. Once up to speed, the motor itself helps maintain the third leg.
• Load Dependence: Static converters like the Clarke models (e.g., PC20, PC60) are not "true" 3-phase sources. Their performance is highly dependent on the motor's load, making them best for applications with low-to-moderate starting loads.
• Capacity Selection: The converter has switches to match the capacitance to the specific horsepower (HP) of the motor being driven.

Key Limitations:

• Motor Type: Suitable for 3-phase induction motors, but generally not for resistive loads like heaters or welders.
• Not for High Load: Poor for frequent stop/start, compressors, or heavy-load starts.
• Voltage Imbalance: The generated third leg may not be perfectly balanced with the other two.

Usage Tips:

• Ensure the motor HP is matched to the switch settings on the converter.
• Do not adjust the switches while the converter is running.
• If a control circuit requires a neutral, a separate feed might be necessary.

Personally speaking if you are wanting easy, reliable etc Id suggest a rotary phase convertor, rather than a static, or a cheapy far east vfd on each machine, but thats not always plug and play

 

[Seadog]

You can help matters by running an off-load (pony) motor.

 

[knighty]

for the £466 price tag you could get a 240v to 415v 3phase inverter... which would be much better

there's a few people here who use them, I'm sure one will be along to recommend one

something like this... https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005008319366991.html