Can all VFDs convert single phase to 3 phase?

crtten · Monday at 1:25 AM

I have a 240 volt 10hp 3 phase air compressor that I’m trying to run using a VFD. I only have 240 volt single phase service.

I have found a used VFD locally that is made for 30 hp motors. The make/model is ABB ACS401603022. I read through the manual and in the wiring guide it states that the input power supply should be 3 phase with a note: “Do not use in 1~ supply!”

I’m taking this to mean that it can only use 3 phase power input and not single phase.

I was under the impression that all VFDs could convert single phase to 3 phase, and you simply derate the VFD by half if you are using a single phase input.

Am I wrong?

memphisjed · Monday at 6:09 AM

All whales are mammals is not equivalent to all mammals are whales.

RH68 · Monday at 7:03 AM

Usually only the smaller HP VFD’s can run off of single phase. There may be some specific models in the higher HP range that can but most won’t. You will babe to look at the specs.

Overland · Monday at 7:39 AM

This is a document from Fuji that states their 3 phase VFD's have UL approval for single phase supply, with reduced ratings per the table attached.
My interpretation would be that most 3-ph VFD's are capable of running off 1-ph.
Talk to ABB and try to understand why their manual has this statement.
Bob

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BT Fabrication · Monday at 7:44 AM

not everything will work on 1 phase.
better off not to buy it and get a 7.5hp or less single phase. basically just wasting $.
how big is your power supply 1 phase?

crtten · Monday at 12:06 PM

BT Fabrication said:
not everything will work on 1 phase.
better off not to buy it and get a 7.5hp or less single phase. basically just wasting $.
how big is your power supply 1 phase?

Power supply is residential 200 amp service.

The 30 hp VFD is used and only $250, so I figured it was worth it if it was able to run on single phase. I have contacted ABB to see if that is the case or not.

BT Fabrication · Monday at 12:30 PM

crtten said:
Power supply is residential 200 amp service.

The 30 hp VFD is used and only $250, so I figured it was worth it if it was able to run on single phase. I have contacted ABB to see if that is the case or not.

running 30 hp will take about 150A of that 200A service...

CarbideBob · Monday at 12:43 PM

Many VFDs in this HP range will not be happy with single phase or even turn on at all.
This is lot of power needed.

JST · Monday at 12:52 PM

"In principle" any VFD can run off single or 3 phase. The incoming voltage is "rectified" to DC, so the input type is "in theory" irrelevant.

In actual practice, the design of the thing determines whether it can use single phase at full power, at reduced power, or not at all. There may be any of a number of good reasons why it might not. Or, there may simply be a "phase loss" detector that requires 3 phase input regardless of any other issue.

The key is what the manual says. If it is possible, most manuals will state that, and give the conditions of use.

Sometimes, the device can, but the manual does not say so. Then you are "on your own".

Since that one says specifically that it will not use single phase, there is the answer. Move on to plan B.

The simple and foolproof way of deciding this is to look at the manual and see if that usage is listed. Many small power VFDs will run on single phase, and some will even accept 120V input.

Once you get above 5 HP, it is probably not going to be an option, and even 3 HP may not allow it. There are exceptions to any rule, however.

Overland · Monday at 2:46 PM

JST said:
"In principle" any VFD can run off single or 3 phase. The incoming voltage is "rectified" to DC, so the input type is "in theory" irrelevant.

In actual practice, the design of the thing determines whether it can use single phase at full power, at reduced power, or not at all. There may be any of a number of good reasons why it might not. Or, there may simply be a "phase loss" detector that requires 3 phase input regardless of any other issue.

The key is what the manual says. If it is possible, most manuals will state that, and give the conditions of use.

Sometimes, the device can, but the manual does not say so. Then you are "on your own".

Since that one says specifically that it will not use single phase, there is the answer. Move on to plan B.

The simple and foolproof way of deciding this is to look at the manual and see if that usage is listed. Many small power VFDs will run on single phase, and some will even accept 120V input.

Once you get above 5 HP, it is probably not going to be an option, and even 3 HP may not allow it. There are exceptions to any rule, however.

Check out the Fuji document I posted above. They have one rated at 20 hp on single phase supply (very high amps !).
Bob

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