Hi all.
I'm a bit puzzled.
When we in the UK talk of single phase we refer to one leg of the three phase system generated by the power supplier, and a neutral leg. which is, if I remember correctly, connected to the centre of the three phase 'star' at the generator.
So we have 240Volt (nominal) between each phase and the neutral line. And 415 volt (nominal) between any two phases.
Unless specially requested (and paid for) we get use of just one leg and the neutral.
I have been running my 415 Volt three phase motors via a 240 to 415 transformer, then using capacitors to make the ghost phase. It works, but not very satisfactory as the pony motor soon gets too warm.
However, I recently watched the video...
By sbirdranch 'Building a phase convertor (parts 1 to 3)'
I began considering checking if my motors are 240/415 Volt. And if so maybe I can run them as 240Volt. Saving the transformer and making the purchase of run capacitors a bit less expensive.
But then I got to wondering about the American supply.
I think they have three phase 120 Volt to their houses, and they obtain the 240 Volt by utilising two of the phases.
They don't appear to use the neutral line in this set-up as this would not give 240 Volt required. I'm not altogether clear on this point.
I someone could take a few minutes and look at the link, then get back abs tell me whether or not I can use our normal single phase system in the same way, I would be very grateful.
(also, does this require the motor to be connected in Delta ?)
Dave,