Phase converter???
Phase converter???
(OP)
Hi everyone, I run a few machines in my home workshop, I own a couple of phase converters one is a rotary (with motor) type the other a digital type that run two different lathes, a couple of years ago I bought a standby phase converter just in case, now I have another 3 phase machine 3hp motor that I need to set up, I got the coverter out wired a motor to it but it doesn't appear to do anything, the main box has a start stop button but also has another remote box attached with a speed control and start stop button.
When the start button is pressed on main board a breaker is activated and a sound of very quite humming a though things are working ok, however motor doesn't run, tried pressing start and stop on remote (stop does trip breaker then start re-activates it, but still motor doesn't run.
Anyone confirm what this actually is, am i missing something, maybe the motor is wired wrong? at the moment it has the jumper bars set to delta (the triangle sign) not actually tried it on the star setting.
I have however put a meter on the feed out of the box (motor feed) but there doesn't appear any volts across any phases.
Anyone any advise to try before I give up and buy another unit???
Pics are attached.
Regards Jeff
When the start button is pressed on main board a breaker is activated and a sound of very quite humming a though things are working ok, however motor doesn't run, tried pressing start and stop on remote (stop does trip breaker then start re-activates it, but still motor doesn't run.
Anyone confirm what this actually is, am i missing something, maybe the motor is wired wrong? at the moment it has the jumper bars set to delta (the triangle sign) not actually tried it on the star setting.
I have however put a meter on the feed out of the box (motor feed) but there doesn't appear any volts across any phases.
Anyone any advise to try before I give up and buy another unit???
Pics are attached.
Regards Jeff





RE: Phase converter???
My guess is that one of the switching devices has failed because they are subjected to the largest electrical stresses, but it could be anywhere on the PCB's. It has a distinctly old-fashioned appearance (1980s or '90s) and without a circuit digram fault-finding is going to be tricky, not to mention hazardous if you aren't au fait with power electronics and equipped with appropriate test equipment. There will be around 340V DC present on the big blue capacitors so be careful and allow plenty time for it to discharge before touching it. Obviously if you have a multimeter then you can carefully check for stored charge. You will quickly burn up money in labour charges trying to fix it, especially without circuit drawings. The good news is that the older through-hole PCBs are often repairable if you can find someone to diagnose the fault, and that most of the components look to be of Western European origin rather than obscure stuff from China.
Best bet is probably to watch on ebay for a second-hand variable speed drive.
RE: Phase converter???
The unit was manufactured by a company called Glentronic Ltd in scotland, unfortunately not still in business (see new pic attached).
Not being an electrical techy when the unit is switched on should there be a voltage at the outgoing terminal block (where the motor wire is attached) even if a motor isn't attached??.
As you suggest probably look out on ebay..but thanks for your time anyway..J
RE: Phase converter???
http://www.ndc-uk.com/manufacturers.php?manf=Glent...
http://www.laurence-scott.com/products/control-gea...
FWIW I picked up a 15kW Allen-Bradley VSD for the lathe in my home shop from eBay - it cost under £50 excluding shipping. There are bargains to be had if you are patient!
RE: Phase converter???
I don't doubt that this will work, I just have never seen one myself.
So I suspect the two blue capacitors are shifting the AC one direction, while the two inductors are shifting the other.
RE: Phase converter???
Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter
RE: Phase converter???
RE: Phase converter???
RE: Phase converter???
RE: Phase converter???
RE: Phase converter???
http://files.engineering.com/getfile.aspx?folder=8...
Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter
RE: Phase converter???
Jeff