| 1. |
DO NOT connect 220V power or a ground or neutral
to the center terminal of the Phase-A-Matic static
converter as the resulting dead short will damage it
instantly. The single-phase neutral wire is not required
for operation of the converter. Properly ground all
electrical equipment. Use a grounding clip to attach the
ground wire to the conduit box. Resistive or single-phase
loads must only be connected to lines A and C. This
product is designed for indoor use only. Do not use in wet
or damp locations. Do not mount on equipment with
excessive vibration. |
| 2. |
The red indicator light should only come on when the
motor is starting, and should go out once the motor has
reached operating speed. The light should never stay on
longer than 3-5 seconds since the converter could be
damaged if it stays on longer. When testing the converter
for the first few times after installation, keep your hand
near the off switch to prevent damage to the converter due
to a wrong or loose connection. |
| 3. |
For machines with magnetic switch gear, DO NOT connect
the Phase-A-Matic static converter until you identify
which two wires operate the magnetics. To easily locate
these two wires, connect 220V single-phase power to any 2
of the 3 wires on the machine, and press the start button.
When the correct combination is found the magnetics will
work. Connect these two wires to the outside terminals of
the converter, lines A and C, and the third wire to the
center terminal, line B. The magnetics should still work
with the center terminal, line B, disconnected. |
| 4. |
The horsepower of the first motor to
start, or Idler Motor if used, must fall within
the minimum and maximum HP range on the converter.
However, after the first motor, or Idler Motor, has
started, motors below the minimum range may then be
started and can usually be left running as the main motor
is stopped and started. |
| 5. |
Always start a machine out of gear or in lowest spindle
speed at initial hook-up to reduce load. The Phase-A-Matic
static phase converter has a built-in weak link which is
designed to fail rapidly if hooked to a higher horsepower
motor. On a lower horsepower motor the light could stay on
after the motor is running, which would cause rapid
failure of the converter, thus providing protection
against possible motor damage. |
| 6. |
Fuses should not be used
between the Phase-A-Matic static phase converter and the
motor. A blown fuse still leaves two lines to conduct
which can damage the converter. Magnetic starters are
preferred. If fuses are used, they should be placed on the
single-phase lines L1 and L2. |
| 7. |
Using the Phase-A-Matic static
phase converter as in "Method Number 1" will
produce approximately 2/3 of the rated horsepower. |
| 8. |
Heavily loaded applications, such
as compressors, blowers, water pumps, hydraulic pumps,
etc., the motor pulley diameter must be reduced by 1/3, or
a 50% larger motor must be fitted. Otherwise, "Method
Number 2", the Idler
Motor System, could be used. Or, use our Phase-A-Matic Rotary Converter. |
| 9. |
Power may be left on the converter
without the load applied. Current draw is approximately
8mA (.008 amp). The converter operates best when mounted
vertically with the conduit box on top. Installation
should be performed by a qualified electrician. Refer to
local codes for proper wire sizing. Wires should be sized
as appropriate for the motor's rated amperage. This unit
is not recommended for use with phase-loss monitors. |
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Method Number 2
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Method #2
IDLER
MOTOR SYSTEM |
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Full or close to full horsepower can
usually be obtained by running a three phase motor and
PHASE-A-MATIC static converter combination as shown in
illustration below. The
motor windings functions as a rotary transformer, or
generator, and running unloaded, consume very little
power. Used motors are inexpensive and readily
available. A single machine or complete shop can be
operated with greater flexibility using this method. The
idler motor should be at least 50% larger than the
largest motor you want to run to accommodate the higher
starting current. A good quality 3450 RPM, wye-wound,
220V motor is the best choice. A 1725 RPM motor can be
used on applications not heavily loaded. Lines A and C
should always energize any magnetic switch gear or
single phase loads. Always start the idler motor before
applying the load. |
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Heavy starting loads may cause the
output voltage on line B to drop sufficiently to cause
the phase converter to return to the starting mode. At
this point, the converter's start circuit has the
combined HP of the idler motor and the load motor. This
will be indicated by the light on the converter coming
on when the load motor is started. If the combined HP is
greater than the converter's maximum HP range, DAMAGE
TO THE CONVERTER MAY OCCUR. To prevent damage to the
converter, place a heavy duty, single pole switch on
line B, between the PHASE-A-MATIC static unit and the
three pole switch. The switch must be in the
"on" position before the idler motor is
started, and turned to the "off" position
after the light on the converter has gone out. This will
prevent the converter from being damaged by an overload.
Never turn the switch back to "on" while the
idler motor is running. Doing so could cause damage to
the converter. See following diagram.
Method Number 2 Isolation Switch
Installation
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Method
Number 2 Isolation
Switch Installation |
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Troubleshooting
| A. |
If the motor fails to start, and any of the
following symptoms occur: clicking noises from the
converter, light flashes on and off and motor just hums or
buzzes, motor starts intermittently and light goes
off before motor reaches operating speed; this could
indicate that either the motor is wired for 440 volts, or
the Phase-A-Matic static phase converter being used is too
high in horsepower for the motor, and a smaller size
converter should be tried. Also, check for proper
connection of magnetics as per paragraph #3 above, or improper overload heaters in
magnetics. |
| B. |
No voltage when measured across lines B and C
without motor running: Normal. |
| C. |
Converter occasionally hums when motor is
turned off: Normal. |
| D. |
Motor runs backwards: Reverse three-phase
lines A and C. |
| E. |
For further assistance contact
us at 661-947-8485, weekdays
8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Pacific Time. |
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