Hi group. I am in a situation with my business and I am looking at some options as to where I can make use of some of my equipment at home. The machine uses about 50 amps 3phase 208volts and was wondering if anyone has used an inverter (if that is the correct term) in their garage to run a mill or something of the sort. I figure if anyone would be doing it they would be on this foum and I am looking for some ideas or advise about doing it. My current service at the house is 200 amp.

Thanks in advance,

Yep, you can run a rotary phase converter-- essentially a single phase motor driving a 3 phase motor/generator.

Depending on how heavily the motor is loaded, another option is you can purchase a VFD controller and drive your 3-phase motors off single phase with variable speed control using the VFD controller. Depends on the type of equipment. I have converted a couple 3-phase mills & lathes to run on residential single phase using the VFD with the benefit of variable speed control. However, you'll need one on every piece of equipment with its own VFD. If you buy a rotary phase converter sized to your largest piece of 3-phase equipment you can use it to power all of that equipment in its current state without any retrofitting.

check this out
http://www.vfddistributing.com/vfd-blog/2008/10/how-to-derate-a-three-phase-input-vfd-for-single-phase-input-applications/

We had a single phase to 3-phase transformer in the shop at work to operate the 3-phase motor operated valves.

I run my 10 HP - 3 phase air compressor off of a static phase converter connected to 240 - single phase current.
I've had a few problems with it over the years such as burned wire terminals and capacitors.
One time, I tried to take the converter back to the man that built it for me and found out he had passed away so I had to fix it myself.

John,
I dont know what type of equipment it is, but if you want it to work properly make sure to get a rotary type converter. The static converters work ok under light loads, but only allow the motor to develop about 75% of its true horsepower. A rotary converter will be more expensive but will allow almost full horsepower on the motor. 50 amps is a pretty hefty load for 3 phase, what type of equipment is it ??? My shot blaster is probably the biggest motor I have and it is only 30 amp 3 phase.

Check with your provider, usually if you can show consumption values to justify 3 phase power, they will run the source to you at no extra cost.

John,
I dont know what type of equipment it is, but if you want it to work properly make sure to get a rotary type converter. The static converters work ok under light loads, but only allow the motor to develop about 75% of its true horsepower. A rotary converter will be more expensive but will allow almost full horsepower on the motor. 50 amps is a pretty hefty load for 3 phase, what type of equipment is it ??? My shot blaster is probably the biggest motor I have and it is only 30 amp 3 phase.

Thanks for all the replys. The machine is a Shrink-wrapping machine so it has pretty good size heat tunnel. My Landlord will not resolve a water issue in the building I am leasing and I have an "out" in my lease and I am trying to come up with a temporary solution for my business until I can figure out what to do next. The power company will not run 3 phase out to my place of residense. I have talked to an electrician and he was talking along the same lines as a Rotary converter but I wanted to get a second opinion on this and knew some of you guys would chime in and give your 2 cents. One thing is for sure, owning a small business is tough right now.

Thanks,

Is there no way to change the equipment to single phase?
Just a thought but since phase converters are so danged expensive, you might be better off to relocate the business.
If its anything like around here there are more and more empty buildings around everyday.
By the same token, you might find a good used converter with so many business going belly up.

You might try searching crazedlist (http://crazedlist.org/index.cgi?ocat=&catAbbreviation=&oareas=)

I built a rotary converter for my uncle. He had a 3 HP Bridgeport mill. We had to use a 5 hp 3 phase motor for the converter. but it worked great. His friend had a static converter and using the same mill, he was not able to reverse the direction while the mill was running with the static converter. My uncle had no problem at all with his rotary converter.
Keep in mind if you use a rotary converter at 230 volts, you will get 230 volt 3 phase, so that will reduce your 50 amps at 208 requirement accordingly. Plan on some noise with the rotary.
Squido

Run a "Pony Motor" - I have the schematic at work... ah, here it is
http://www.pbase.com/shayfah/image/109342126

http://www.metalwebnews.com/howto/phase-converter/phase-converter.html

http://www.electro-tech-online.com/electronic-projects-design-ideas-reviews/2709-converting-3-phase-motor-single-phase.html