Single phase from three phase

[Welderpaul]

Can i run a single phase machine from a three phase supply? We have 3P&N sockets, 16 and 32 amp, but no single phase sockets. Presumably just wiring live to one phase, and neutral to neutral in the plug will give me what i need??

Or am i going to break something

 

[piman]

Hello Paul,

Yes that will give you what you need. However be certain that you have a neutral, i.e. a five pin socket as the four pin is three phase and earth. Unless your single phase device is double insulated you will need phase, neutral and earth.

Alec

 

[Welderpaul]

Its 5 pin - 3 phases, neutral and earth.

Presumably if the 3ph socket is rated at 16 amps, the single phase machine would also be protected up to 16 amps??

 

[Archie]

Yes that's what I've done in my barn. The only thing to be careful of is drawing too much power from a single phase. If you're wiring up several that might be in use at the same time it might be worth putting a few on each phase.

 

[madkayaker]

as all ready said be sure to get a N and not 2 lives. and L and N gives 230V any 2 L gives 400V

If you can balance the single phase loads across the phases as this reduces N current and your leggy bill