Can you run a 3 phase motor on single-phase power? (Yes! Learn How)

Can you run 3 phase motor on single phase power supply? Yes you sure can. In this video, we cover three different ways you can use a three phase motor if you only have access to single phase (230v) power. This is a common question when using an industrial piece of equipment in a residential or commercial application. Most residential and some commercial applications only have single phase power available.

⚡ Option 1: VFDs can create a simulated third phase to power the three-phase motor. This allows you to use the three-phase motor on single phase power. For example, a 1 horsepower three phase motor will take a 1 horsepower single phase VFD. Most manufacturers make single phase VFDs as large as three horsepower. If your motor is over 3 horsepower, you’ll go with option two.

⚡Option 2: You can leverage a three phase VFD and oversize it by a factor of two. For example, if you have a 10HP three phase motor, you’d want a 20 horsepower three phase VFD.

⚡Option 3: Either of these are good options for simple applications, like a drill press. But if you have more than one motor on your machine, it’s typically going to be much easier to use a rotary phase converter instead of purchasing multiple VFDs to control multiple motors. A single rotary phase converter is sufficient for any number of downstream devices.

00:00 Introduction
00:27 Can you run a 3 phase motor on single-phase power?
00:50 Option 1: Single Phase VFD
01:03 Option 2: Three Phase VFD
01:22 Option 3: Phase Converter



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