Single Phase 100amp to 208v?

[Spike]

Hi
I have a home shop/ garage and have to run a 1/2hp 3 phase 208v motor. Are my options
1] 3 phase service from the Electric company economically
unfeasable
2] a motor change don't really want to

3] a phase converter this was mentioned in a previous post about
3 phase single phase and I would like more info can anyone
help?

[Wgoodrich]

YOU SAID;
I have a home shop/ garage and have to run a 1/2hp 3 phase 208v motor. Are my options
1] 3 phase service from the Electric company economically
unfeasable

REPLY;
Many residential neighborhoods have no three phase utility system available. If you have three phase available you will most likely be charged a commercial rate per Kw used which is much higher than residential rating. Then the power company normally requires a sweep meter installed that will measure and mark the highest amp usage in any given 20 minute period of each month then you will be charged a sur charge for the power company having to have the three phase equipment there to serve your needs whether you use it or not. Even if you power is shut off you will normally be charged this surcharge from the highest reading per month during a given year until you order the equipment removed from your structure. Single phase if your better choice on a small scale residential set up due to excessive cost as discribed above over residential charges for the same work on a smaller motor. Smaller motor would be less than 25 horse power normally if a single motor in a building. Three phase if 25 horse power or more is often requried by the power company to limit that larger horse power motor from causing bounce in the primary power company wiring that also serves other residents in the area that then wouild experience dimming of lights in related nearby houses. If a smaller motor then single phase is the better choice.

YOU SAID;
2] a motor change don't really want to

REPLY;
BEST CHOICE CHANGE TO SINGLE PHASE. The cost of a roto phase or static phase convertor and three phase panels and related equipment that will be required will well offset the cost of changing to single phase motor. Remember a 220 volt single phase motor has two hot windings. A 220 volt three phase motor has three hot windings in that motor. Each is designed with the certain number or wraps in the windings to work on each type of power source. Do not attmpt to use single phase to run a three phase motor unless that third hot leg is generated either electronically by a phase convertor sized for that certain motor or a roto phase generator sized to generate the third hot leg and can accept that certain motor. Also the three phase related panels and breakers etc. will also be required adding up to it being cheaper to replace the motor with a single phase same horse power motor.

YOU SAID;
3] a phase converter this was mentioned in a previous post about
3 phase single phase and I would like more info can anyone

REPLY;
This principle of a three phase convertor is explained in your previous posting.

Good luck

Wg

[Spike]

Thank you for the quick reply. I will switch over the motor. It good to get advise from uninvolved parties. The electric company was more than happy to supply 3 phase power and now I know why.
Thanks again