Notices
Garage & Workshop Tips & Ideas for the garage or workshop. No Truck Tech Discussion   

Converting a 3 phase compressor to a 1 phase

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 10, 2005 | 03:36 PM
  #1  
Fourwheelinj1's Avatar
Fourwheelinj1
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
Converting a 3 phase compressor to a 1 phase

I bought an old Industrial Air Machine air compressor from a guy this weekend. It came out of a military warehouse and is a 5 hp 80 gallon 2 stage. It weighs over 400 pounds. Anyway I bought it with the idea of switching the motor out for a 5hp single phase. I bought the compressor for 80 bucks so I figure 300 for a motor still isn't bad. What I want to know is the motor it has now is using a seperate magnetic starter and a label on the side says this unit must use a magnetic starter, if I convert to a single phase motor will I still need the magntic starter and if so can I make the 3 phase magnetic starter work, or will I need a new 1 phase magnetic starter as well? Also does anybody know where i can get parts or a manual for this brand? I can't find any info on google.
 
Reply
Old Oct 10, 2005 | 08:00 PM
  #2  
chrono4's Avatar
chrono4
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,377
Likes: 2
From: Elkhart IN
if your converting because of no 3 phase, then google phase converters, theres lots of diagrams for them.
 
Reply
Old Oct 10, 2005 | 08:07 PM
  #3  
Fourwheelinj1's Avatar
Fourwheelinj1
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
I already posted this but some how its gone. What does it mean when an electric motor is drip proof or open drip?

Here is a link to a newer version of the compressor, but mine is very similar ust different motor.

http://aircompressorsdirect.com/cata...products_id=33
 

Last edited by Fourwheelinj1; Oct 10, 2005 at 08:33 PM.
Reply
Old Oct 10, 2005 | 08:40 PM
  #4  
Greg 79 f150's Avatar
Greg 79 f150
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,848
Likes: 1
From: Kentucky
Originally Posted by Fourwheelinj1
I bought an old Industrial Air Machine air compressor from a guy this weekend. It came out of a military warehouse and is a 5 hp 80 gallon 2 stage. It weighs over 400 pounds. Anyway I bought it with the idea of switching the motor out for a 5hp single phase. I bought the compressor for 80 bucks so I figure 300 for a motor still isn't bad. What I want to know is the motor it has now is using a seperate magnetic starter and a label on the side says this unit must use a magnetic starter, if I convert to a single phase motor will I still need the magntic starter and if so can I make the 3 phase magnetic starter work, or will I need a new 1 phase magnetic starter as well? Also does anybody know where i can get parts or a manual for this brand? I can't find any info on google.

Yep, just use two of the poles (T1 and T3) on the 3 phase starter contactor rather than using all three of the poles, assuming you are using a single phase 220 volt motor. Be sure to put your line conductors ( hots) on L1 and L3 contacts on top of the starter. ..

For a five hp, a mag starter with the in line heaters( thermal overloads) on the load side of the contactor is a good idea too. Just be sure the heaters are sized for your F.L.A. draw on your new motor.
 

Last edited by Greg 79 f150; Oct 10, 2005 at 08:49 PM.
Reply
Old Oct 10, 2005 | 09:43 PM
  #5  
Torque1st's Avatar
Torque1st
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
You will need a REAL 5HP motor to run that compressor, not just some mis-rated 5HP "compressor duty" motor. User Fixnair can probably help you some.
 
Reply
Old Oct 10, 2005 | 10:08 PM
  #6  
"Beemer Nut"'s Avatar
"Beemer Nut"
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 6,658
Likes: 4
From: "Islander"
Change the replaceable coil in the starter for the voltage you'll be running as well the correct heaters for motor protection.
.....=o&o>.....
 
Reply
Old Oct 11, 2005 | 12:26 AM
  #7  
fixnair's Avatar
fixnair
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,616
Likes: 3
From: Sapulpa OK
Club FTE Gold Member
A 5 HP three phase starter is not near big enough to run a 5 HP single phase motor. I would get a contactor rated for the appropriate amperage and a fused disconnect with timed delay fuses. The Air conditioning people use a lot of single phase contactors for residential air conditioners. Check with them. Wire your pressure switch to operate the contactor in response to air pressure.

You should also be aware that a 5 HP single phase motor requires a great deal of power to start the compressor, more than most households are wired for and you will probably need to run # 8 AWG wire. Pretty big stuff! Starting amperage will probably in the neighborhood of 75 amps.

Good luck
 
Reply
Old Oct 11, 2005 | 01:12 AM
  #8  
Torque1st's Avatar
Torque1st
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
A new 5HP motor will run $500+ also.

A rotary converter could be used to run the compressor also. Looks like a 10HP rotary converter would be needed. Check out this site:
http://www.andersonconverters.com/ $589 for a 10HP unit tho.
 

Last edited by Torque1st; Oct 11, 2005 at 01:29 AM.
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-3

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

 Brett Foote
story-5

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

 Brett Foote
story-9

2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Oct 11, 2005 | 08:30 AM
  #9  
fixnair's Avatar
fixnair
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,616
Likes: 3
From: Sapulpa OK
Club FTE Gold Member
Smile

If you do not have the power available to run that much horsepower you could remove the 5 HP motor and install a 3 HP single phase motor. You would also have to reduce the motor pulley size. Contact the Mfgr. for correct speed and pressure curves. If they are not available you could approximate the pulley size by reducing its diameter by the same ratio you reduced the HP, or 40%.
 
Reply
Old Oct 11, 2005 | 08:39 AM
  #10  
Torque1st's Avatar
Torque1st
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
Some compressors require a certain RPM for proper oiling. They usually have a range for proper operation tho.
 
Reply
Old Oct 11, 2005 | 10:04 AM
  #11  
alchymist's Avatar
alchymist
"Mifflin Clay"
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,177
Likes: 4
From: Mifflin, PA
Club FTE Silver Member

Originally Posted by fixnair
(snip)
You should also be aware that a 5 HP single phase motor requires a great deal of power to start the compressor, more than most households are wired for and you will probably need to run # 8 AWG wire. Pretty big stuff! Starting amperage will probably in the neighborhood of 75 amps.(snip)

Good luck
If not already equipped, an auto unloader will help with the startup current.....
 
Reply
Old Oct 11, 2005 | 03:28 PM
  #12  
Fourwheelinj1's Avatar
Fourwheelinj1
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
This is the motor I was looking at getting. If I get this and a new magnetic starter rated for 1 pahse 5 hp then what amperage breaker and size wire will I need. I just had my shop wired and I have a 200amp subpanel. This is not run off my house but a seperate direct line from the power pole. This is very similar to the 3 phase motor that is currently on the compressor.

Leeson Reversible Electric Motor — 5 HP, 1740 RPM

Single phase, open drip-proof motor has a 1 1/8 inch diameter x 2 3/4 inch shaft. Turns at 1740 RPM counter-clockwise viewed from shaft end; electrically reversible. Heavy duty motor draws 21 Amps on 230 Volt current. Capacitor-start, capacitor-run. 184T frame style.
 
Reply
Old Oct 11, 2005 | 03:44 PM
  #13  
alchymist's Avatar
alchymist
"Mifflin Clay"
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,177
Likes: 4
From: Mifflin, PA
Club FTE Silver Member

A 30 amp breaker should hold it if it draws 21 amps..... as above, make sure you get the correct starter....
 
Reply
Old Oct 11, 2005 | 08:24 PM
  #14  
Fourwheelinj1's Avatar
Fourwheelinj1
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
So I am a little confused, what exactly is the function of the magnetic starter? If the motor draws 21 amps and the motor draws like 4 times as much at startup wouldn't I need something crazy like 80 amp breaker and wire to handle 80 amps?
 
Reply
Old Oct 12, 2005 | 12:12 AM
  #15  
Torque1st's Avatar
Torque1st
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
More reading here:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s....php?&t=411818
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:40 PM.

story-0
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-30 18:33:59


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-2
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-4
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-5
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-6
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-8
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE