Does a Rotary Phase Converter Actually Make REAL 3-Phase Power? (120 Degrees)

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  • Опубліковано 27 лип 2024
  • Support Clough42 on Patreon! / clough42
    Does a rotary phase converter produce real 3-phase power? Real 3-phase power has its three phases offset by 120 degrees, but a rotary phase converter passes through the two 180-degree input phases, so how can it possibly make real 3-phase power? In this video, we'll throw a scope on the output of my American Rotary AD-5 and confirm that yes, it does, and we'll talk about how.
    Tools used in this video:
    *This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated
    Rigol DS1054Z Oscilloscope (Amazon*): amzn.to/2JlhlhR
    Micsig 1300V Differential Probe (Amazon*): amzn.to/3uvpadR
    Micsig 700V Differential Probe (Amazon*): amzn.to/3FhmCaf
    EEVBLOG Brymen BM235 Multimeter (Amazon*): amzn.to/2YKFSEk
    Further reading:
    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phase_%...
    electrical-engineering-portal...
    www.belden.com/blogs/data-cen...
    www.americanrotary.com/faqs/
    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delta-w...
    www.electricalpereview.com/4-...
    Raw Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
    Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
    creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
    00:00 Intro
    01:31 Voltage references
    02:31 What is 'phase'?
    06:25 Split-phase power
    08:06 Three-phase wye with neutral
    10:23 3-Phase delta (no neutral)
    11:28 High-leg (wild-leg) delta
    17:03 Measuring it for real
    19:58 American Rotary FAQ
    21:42 Conclusions
    american rotary, high leg delta, bastard-leg delta, rotary phase converter

КОМЕНТАРІ • 581

  • @billrotundo7814
    @billrotundo7814 Рік тому +150

    As an Electrical Engineer, you did a great job explaining.

    • @Clough42
      @Clough42  Рік тому +25

      Thanks. As a software engineer, I'll take that as high praise.

    • @Graham_Wideman
      @Graham_Wideman Рік тому +8

      @@Clough42 As another EE, I second what Bill said! Well done!

    • @frankward709
      @frankward709 Рік тому +2

      Thanks for the video

    • @dieSpinnt
      @dieSpinnt Рік тому +2

      @@Graham_Wideman As a physicist, your fetish in waveforms is unsubstantiated. At least from a standpoint of a ohm's (pure resistor-) consumer.
      Please excuse the satire:P But it badly answers the question "Does a rotary phase converter produce real 3-phase power?"(UA-cam title card). Which is coupled at the PRICE you are willing to pay for such a device. And the other question (related to your purse) is: Has it to produce that? Or am I just a moron insisting on something that isn't of importance, gets promoted down to "arithmetical average" in reality anyway and I ignore that, because I (want to watch)/(am watching) my fancy 120° angular frequencies?
      BTW ignoring or forgetting reality in front of fancy pictures of waveforms (= or their MEANING) isn't a illness. That is just human. Thanks for the effort and detail you put in the video. Clough42:)
      P.S.: I also suggest that you give REAL generators (yes, the REAL and huggable rotating asynchronous machines ... ) some more love. Then you have not to jump through all this hoops to explain 3-Phase Power. Because it is the right and obvious way to approach the topic?:P
      Yeah Phasenumrichter (Phase Converters, of course) **ggggg** Greetings from Germany AND Siemens:) :P

    • @dieSpinnt
      @dieSpinnt Рік тому +1

      @@Clough42 Oh and IT DOESN'T! (make "real" 3p-Power ... assuming you mean a clean sinus ... which even THE REAL generators don't deliver).
      What rotating asynchronous generators can ... a phase converter can't do.
      By principle. It is just an approximation (which does not matter anyway, as I said before).
      Just look at the schematics and your measurements again. It is an approximation. Greetings from Fourier:)

  • @uncledansworkshop4776
    @uncledansworkshop4776 Рік тому +37

    I’m a EE myself, and I wish I could have had James explain this subject to me 40 years ago when I was at Penn State learning it for the first time. Very straight forward and clear. Thanks for making a mind twisting subject simple!

    • @prototype3a
      @prototype3a Рік тому

      I found the textbook and professor explanations very confusing as well. I honestly suspect the professor I had, did not actually understand it.

    • @peterreed2685
      @peterreed2685 Рік тому

      We Are!!

    • @uncledansworkshop4776
      @uncledansworkshop4776 Рік тому +1

      @@peterreed2685 Penn State!

  • @phoolb7326
    @phoolb7326 Рік тому +79

    James, After last week when you replied "only when referred to neutral" I replied "yea Duh" and walked away thinking "how is he going to explain this to everybody else that is not an engineer?" As an electronics engineer I am biased , but I must say that I think that you did an incredible job in describing what is going on with just the right amount of math so as hopefully not to overwhelm most people. And gathering the information, scripting, shooting/editing the video in less than a week in itself if quite an accomplishment. Have a Great Weekend and try to stay warm. By the way, How do you keep your shop/garage warm in the winter?

    • @Clough42
      @Clough42  Рік тому +8

      2-ton Mr. Cool heat pump. Same as every other UA-camr out there, except I paid for mine. Best shop investment I've made.

    • @Graham_Wideman
      @Graham_Wideman Рік тому +16

      "As an electronics engineer I am biased" -- I'm sure I could use that as a joke somewhere.

    • @howardrobinson2680
      @howardrobinson2680 Рік тому +6

      As an Electronics technician I found your explanations pitch perfect. I've been using "shop made" 3 phase power for decades with no issues.

    • @phoolb7326
      @phoolb7326 Рік тому +4

      @@howardrobinson2680 If it were "Pitch Perfect" wouldn't it then have to be running at "A" frequency of 55Hz?

    • @phoolb7326
      @phoolb7326 Рік тому +5

      @@Graham_Wideman Yes, Pun Intended

  • @JohnBare747
    @JohnBare747 Рік тому +23

    Yep! That explanation cleared up my confusion that I have had for over 70 years. It is obvious to me now that whoever I asked before had no idea how it worked. Thanks! It is surprising how FACTS clear up confusion in a blink of an eye.

    • @NavinBetamax
      @NavinBetamax Рік тому +1

      ......I blinked both of my eyes.....Oooops !

    • @KevinCoop1
      @KevinCoop1 Рік тому

      His explanation of single phase is not correct. See my comment and watch the two video links.

  • @TechOne7671
    @TechOne7671 Рік тому +5

    As an electrical engineer who understands this stuff your explanation is superb. I wish I had videos like this 30 years ago, they didn’t explain it well back in the day.

  • @firstmkb
    @firstmkb Рік тому +11

    I wondered about how that third leg fit into 3 phase as well! Thanks for putting the scope on it, because I never got around to it!

    • @Clough42
      @Clough42  Рік тому +6

      Ironically, the differential probes cost more than the scope. Somewhat less ironically, I'm glad this topic came up on my radar because I wanted an excuse to buy more than one. :)

    • @phoolb7326
      @phoolb7326 Рік тому

      @@Clough42 No, It's more like crazy... Just spent nearly $100k on four Keysight scope probes for a $50k scope.

  • @charlesstaton8104
    @charlesstaton8104 Рік тому +9

    Center-tapped single phase residential mains does *not* have two legs 180 degrees out of phase from each other. It is a *single phase* supply so there is only a *single* wave. Since there is a center tap, that allows us to measure half of the *single* wave (from L1 to center/neutral) independently from the other half (from center/neutral to L2). Note the order in which I mentioned those: *L1 to N* and *N to L2* ... That minor detail is significant. Most oscilloscopes are ground referenced and you are therefore forced to measure from *N to L1* and from *N to L2* so you are measuring one half of the wave *backwards* from the way you are measuring the other half, so they *"APPEAR"* 180 degrees out of phase but they are *NOT* and cannot possibly be. A wave cannot be 180 degrees out of phase with *itself* . It is critical to keep in mind there is *only one wave* and the two traces on you scope are two halves of it.
    A Rotary Phase Converter does not take two waves which are 180 degrees out of phase and turn it into 3 waves 120 degrees out of phase. It takes a *single* wave existing between two points, adds a 3rd point, and the result is the creation of two new waves between the original two points and the new 3rd point, and the 3 resultant waves are 120 degrees apart.
    You can run a RPC from from a single phase 240V source which isn't center tapped and has no neutral. If there's no center tap, no neutral, no "180 degrees out of phase" legs and the RPC still works, then all this discussion about neutral and the 180 degrees out of phase waves was extraneous.

    • @erik_dk842
      @erik_dk842 Рік тому

      The transformers in power poles in the streets of USA are connected to one of the three high volt phases on the primary side and to one house on the secondary side. A tap in the middle of the secondary winding is connected to ground and the neutral wire in the house. motionlabs dot com/wp-content/uploads/Transformer-Guide.pdf

    • @charlesstaton8104
      @charlesstaton8104 Рік тому +1

      @@erik_dk842 agreed. That's correct.

    • @kooldoozer
      @kooldoozer Рік тому +3

      @Charles Staton - I am also an engineer. It is 100% correct that single phase is one single starting point in time where the current originates. Simply put, the rotary converter makes 2 additional phases by the addition of the third leg. It makes one more phase from 3 to 1 and another phase from 3 to 2. Both 120° from the original. It seemed most of this video he talks about 180° being 2 phases (wrong) and this neutral nonsense. If the goal is to run motors, there is no need for any neutral. What amazes me, is no many people claiming to be engineers leave positive comments. Thank you for standing up and explaining what is really going on. I think this video confuses more people than it helps. I am from Buffalo NY where we had 25 cycle and actual 2 phase, 90° out of phase, on a 4 wire system. We had lots of Scott-T transformers all over town too. There is so much wrong and amateur information on the internet, and this video seems to summarize it all. Not trying to be negative, just trying to stand up for what basic single phase and basic 3 phase is, and give people the right answers. I tell people that 3 phase can be made using 3 separate single phase alternators, with their input shafts connected together, but mechanically offset 120° apart. That's what a 3 phase alternator is. Just 3 separate single phase alternators, built all together in one housing. The time component is what I try to stress to people. 3 phase is 3 individual electrical services, generated with starting points 1/3 of a second apart. Tesla patented 6 wire 3 phase. Dobrovolsky patented 3 wire 3 phase (what we use today). This is so simple if you explain it from the beginning. Telling people residential power is 2 phase and talking about neutrals for 3 phase motors really confuses people. Thanks again for a straight forward comment. A applaud you sir. ------Doozer

    • @charlesstaton8104
      @charlesstaton8104 Рік тому +2

      @@kooldoozer thank you for standing with me in support of the facts. I am likewise astounded at the amount of pedigreed praise in this comment section. I replied to one of the several "As an Electrical Engineer I find explanations in this video excellent" comments and was shouted down by folks with a propensity to drag the discussion into the weeds and then personally insult me based on their own fabricated evidence of shortcomings in my intelligence when I refused to crawl down the rabbit hole they dug for me. None of them even attempted to answer the simple question that I asked repeatedly: "the RPC will work without neutral or ground. How?" They wouldn't touch that one because they know it unravels the whole video.
      I love this channel and have been subscribed for a long time. He is a very intelligent guy and demonstrates intriguing projects and techniques. The mathematical proofs he demonstrated were very compelling and interesting, even though they are totally irrelevant. I have no desire to drag him down and it brings me no pleasure to object to his work but in this case I had to. Fighting this pervasive "180 degrees out of phase" myth is a personal crusade of mine. I posted a video about it on my channel a couple of years ago and it has helped a lot of people but after all the discussions I've had on that video I've learned a better way to get the point across, and that's basically summarized in my comment above.

    • @JasperJanssen
      @JasperJanssen Рік тому

      Explain the difference between two phase, 180 degree apart, and center tapped single phase. Make particular reference to the Y three phase circuit diagram and what it looks like when you adapt it to 2 instead of 3. Make sure to *not* make reference to the primary side of the transformer, because that’s not relevant to the secondary side.
      The point is: you’re wrong. These are two ways of saying the same thing.
      Did either of you even watch the video? He explains exactly the things you’re complaining about.

  • @Ariccio123
    @Ariccio123 Рік тому +3

    This is an *excellent* video. That said, the first thing that comes to my mind to answer the question of "how can it create 3 phase power from split phase power" is, "because it's rotating". If it's rotating, you can generate 3 phases, exactly the same way they make 3 phases at the power plant! 😉

  • @ewjorgy
    @ewjorgy Рік тому +2

    This is the best description I have seen to date on 3 phase power configurations! Your explanations are clear, concise and easy to follow! Thank you!

  • @bruceadler-9410
    @bruceadler-9410 Рік тому +22

    There's a mistake in Figure 3 at +11:45. The arrows for two voltages on the both point to the same legs (A and Neutral) but the first one says 240V and the second says 208V. The one one that says 240V should point to the A and C legs, not the A and Neutral legs.

    • @TheAyrCaveShop
      @TheAyrCaveShop Рік тому

      Yep 👍

    • @jordancoleman1608
      @jordancoleman1608 Рік тому +2

      If you visit the web page shown in the video, the error in that diagram (figure 3 on the page) is still there, and there are comments in the comments section of that page dating back to 2018 reporting the error. I sent e-mail to the owners of the site attempting to get it some attention for a fix.
      UPDATE: They got back to me and have fixed the diagram on their site!

    • @davidnaegle427
      @davidnaegle427 Рік тому

      @@jordancoleman1608 Thanks, Jordan, for your efforts to get the diagram fixed. BUT I just went to the site, and it still looks wrong to me (no change from the version in James' excellent video). I supposed I ought to also contact them and ask for it to be fixed. I'm pretty sure, since I've never been to their site before, that I don't have an old copy in my browser cache...

    • @davidnaegle427
      @davidnaegle427 Рік тому

      OOPS! I looked closer at the diagram, and it HAS been corrected.

  • @bdot02
    @bdot02 Рік тому +3

    Thank you for making this video. I've had three different people try explaining this to me and I just could not understand how it worked. Even asked Big Clive to make a video explaining it. This explanation is the first that really makes sense and I appreciate you taking your time to put this together. It's just been hand wavy black magic until now.

  • @louislaporta4427
    @louislaporta4427 Рік тому +9

    Thanks so much, I never understood this. Your explanation was well prepared and presented with clarity.

  • @skilz8098
    @skilz8098 Рік тому

    What makes this video so great is your ability to establish proper context. That is something many videos even school teachers fail to do. 100% On This Video! I learned something new about voltage that I did fully know or grasp until now and I already have a fairly decent understanding of circuitry. I had an understand of what 2 and 3 phase power sources were and the difference between 220 and 110 and could wire up most electrical devices with minimal issues, but to fully grasp the differences between to different implementations I now understand it much more clearly now thanks to you. This is the first time I've been impressed at this kind of level in a while. The last few who have impressed me like this is when I came across Ben Eater and 3 Blue 1 Brown. There's a few others too... This is my first time coming across your channel and the first video of yours I've watched and it has earned a sub! If the rest of your content is anything like this I can count you among those that I mentioned. It's more than just the topic, but it's also having proper context with the ability to explain it in a clear, simple and precise manner along with a great demonstration. Job very well done!

  • @squelchstuff
    @squelchstuff Рік тому +11

    Nice job explaining that James.
    Y/wye 3 phase connection is more commonly called a Star connection here in the UK.
    Neutral taken from the centre point of the star, and is ~0v
    As most may already know, the direction of a motor can be changed by transposing two of the phases. Also, a 3-phase motor can run on just two phases if for some reason one leg is disrupted (blown fuse, broken connection), but this will cause the motor to overheat with reduced power output. It's always worthwhile to know how warm to the touch the motor runs in normal use, and check periodically. Reduced output can go unnoticed.

    • @lwilton
      @lwilton Рік тому +1

      We use the term "star" here in the US too, but it is my impression that this is less common now than it was a few decades ago. But you do see "star delta" as a description for a transformer, fairly commonly. Also "star or delta" for possible connection means.

    • @chucksmalfus9623
      @chucksmalfus9623 Рік тому +2

      Only issue is if a 3phase motor under a decent load drops a phase the current goes up and will trip the overload relay if it set properly.

    • @dale116dot7
      @dale116dot7 Рік тому +1

      I’ve seen this often enough that I like to specify a three phase monitoring relay in the contactor circuit, I use them for any unattended or automatic starting three phase motor that is more than about 5 or 10 hp. It will detect phase imbalances and even a blown contactor or wrong phase rotation.

  • @BernardinoCampos
    @BernardinoCampos Рік тому +3

    I decided to do something I had never done before, to congratulate someone for an exceptional video. When I started watching I thought it would be a thankless task, but the end result was perfect. This subject is something that many professionals in the field still do not understand!

  • @Teklectic
    @Teklectic Рік тому +1

    I love these detailed breakdowns, thanks for doing this! I'm going to be diving into my own three phase adventure when I start setting up my Deckel FP4A CNC mill and having a solid foundation of theory like this is going to be super helpful!

  • @ChazzC
    @ChazzC Рік тому +1

    Clear, concise and easy-to-understand explanation, James. My formal education in the electrical branches of Physics & Engineering stopped with DC circuits, and in my professional life as a ChemE/Process Engineer/Project Manager I left things to the EE's (I can still remember the EE at one of the plants I worked at getting very upset when I lifted the starter contractor on a 200 Hp motor because I didn't want to go from the outside starter stack at ground level to the third floor to hit the start button - even though I was using an insulated screwdriver).

  • @TacticalData
    @TacticalData Рік тому

    Very nice review James - thank you! I have built many DIY router tables, purpose built CNC machines and have integrated several of the over-seas water cooled 2.2KW spindles with the accompanying VFDs. The conversion to or use of 3 phase (via the VFD) in my 50's home (upgraded electrical a couple of decades ago) puts a smile on my face every time I fire up the CNC router to mill a carbon fiber panel or part for a project. I have yet to work with rotary phase converters. I'm learning a lot and have the rest of my life to learn more. Love the backed out screw to hang your DMM - very cool brother! Keep it up...

  • @petepeeff5807
    @petepeeff5807 Рік тому

    Great explination!!I have built several phase converters both rotary and static.I started long before the internet when information was hard to come by. I learned what worked by trial and error. It always botherd me that the generated leg to ground was much higher voltage. In function it didn't matter though because the phases relative to one another were balanced. Thanks again for clearing up the mystery!!

  • @randysmith3828
    @randysmith3828 Рік тому +1

    This is excellent! I work in the HVAC field, though I’m pretty much residential, occasionally I do work in commercial applications and deal with three phase. I never understood how three phase could exist. This video explains it perfectly. Im also a hobbyist woodworker, and I worked in a machine shop in high school. I love seeing a block of steel come in and leave as a finished product.

  • @stevechinz
    @stevechinz Рік тому

    I am not any kind of engineer, except amateur. This is the first explanation of 3 phase power, out of many I have watched or read over decades, that makes sense. Thank you for FINALLY explaining it in a way I can actually understand! You rock!

  • @BrilliantDesignOnline
    @BrilliantDesignOnline Рік тому +1

    I was VERY cloudy on how this worked and you did a GREAT job of clarifying it for me. I somewhat more understand it now. Thank you.

  • @keithburk9383
    @keithburk9383 Рік тому

    Man I could have used this video about 4 years ago. I built a rotary Phase converter from scratch very challenging but a great project. I purchased a 3 phase 40 taper mill and needed the power to run it in my shop. After buying 20 hp slave motor, another panel, a box a bunch of capacitors, contactors and a few other bits it was mostly education. I found it very interesting and rewarding to get mine build and running. every time I start it up it makes me smile. This was a very good video thank you!

  • @Gpbattersby
    @Gpbattersby Рік тому

    I’m an electrician in the UK, I think you did a great job of explaining the physics and definitely improved my understanding, thanks for the great videos 👍

  • @RobertWelchman
    @RobertWelchman Рік тому

    This is a mystery I always questioned and wanted to understand. THANK YOU! Great RPC and 3 phase explanation.

  • @rickhand8228
    @rickhand8228 Рік тому +1

    I enjoyed the video. I have no electrical credentials but have built a couple of rotary converters from salvaged motors that have worked satisfactorily. I have one in my home shop that has been in use for twenty plus years. Your explanation actually is reassuring since there is much negative information out there. Thanks for sharing!

  • @jaybolyard
    @jaybolyard Рік тому

    This is by far the best explanation I have ever seen on this topic. Great job James.

  • @Sparky-ww5re
    @Sparky-ww5re Рік тому

    Probably the best and most throughly explained video on rotary phase converters. I am a residential electrician but am familiar with three phase power. In rural settings I have seen three phase power distributed to farms in the form of open high leg delta (one large and one small transformer) with the meter on a pole in the barnyard between the house and outbuildings, 120/240 single phase ran to house and 120/240 3 phase ran to outbuildings that require 3 phase for the milker, auger/conveyer, grain dryer or other large motor loads..

  • @gofastwclass
    @gofastwclass Рік тому

    Nice explanation and the images made it easier for the masses to understand. I'll share your video next time someone asks about how three phase works.
    I did a lot of research before I purchased my phase converter and realized the average person who owns three phase equipment has zero concept how this works. I'm fortunate to understand these sort of things as I read about them and have access to a few commercial electricians to separate the wheat from the chaff when I had questions or found conflicting internet based information.

  • @zachbrown7272
    @zachbrown7272 Рік тому +10

    Seems like you've drawn out all the Electrical Engineers with this video, but I'll say it again, this is a damn good explanation of RPCs. I especially like the casual flex of having three of those differential probes haha

    • @grahameida7163
      @grahameida7163 Рік тому

      👋 add me to that list 🤣

    • @ericgreenwood3760
      @ericgreenwood3760 Рік тому

      No shit! Three of those probes that I have cost as much as the damn Oscope!

  • @ImpactWench
    @ImpactWench Рік тому

    I started watching this video when it came out, went OH OH OH after the intro, fired up some graphing software and worked it out for myself. You inspired me to learn the way I learn best.
    Just watched the rest of the video, and you do an excellent job throughout.

  • @Sam_596
    @Sam_596 Рік тому +20

    That was far better explained than I could have hoped for. Thank you!

  • @corbaneells3997
    @corbaneells3997 Рік тому

    This is by far the most informative single video that I have seen on this topic. Thank you!

  • @jfmax2000
    @jfmax2000 Рік тому +1

    As an Electrical Engineer You Sir Have Done an Amazing Job Breaking Down 3 Phase Wye and 3 Phase Delta in This Video 💯💯 (And Differential Probes are a Must)

  • @josepheccles9341
    @josepheccles9341 Рік тому

    My hat is off to you. You are the first guy I have even seen to explain this correctly. I have been building rotary phase converters from scrap motors for many years. While I have always known the answer to the question, I have never seen anyone other than you explain it from the reference of a high leg delta configuration. The hardest part is balancing the voltages on the phases. I do this with capacitors. But you get trouble with matching loads. A friend of mine showed me a cool trick. He uses balancing capacitors at each load. This maintains the most consistent voltage over various load conditions.

  • @subuser9627
    @subuser9627 Рік тому +1

    Good explanation James, I'm originally an electrical engineer myself, I couldn't have done it better. Although an expensive explanation: 3 isolated differential amplifiers. Appreciate this.

  • @joels7605
    @joels7605 Рік тому

    This is just so good. I've believed for years that the third synthesized phase was a "close enough" approximation to 120 degree symmetrical 3-phase. This opened my eyes!

  • @obe726
    @obe726 Рік тому

    As I 4th year electrical engineering student, you did an awesome job explaining it, I didn't know about the dog leg delta config.

  • @DAKOTANSHELBY
    @DAKOTANSHELBY Рік тому +1

    James, I love this content and all of your videos. Outstanding.

  • @kristinamckeown5106
    @kristinamckeown5106 Рік тому

    Thank you so much for the explanation! I'll be watching this about 100zillion more times over the next few years. I'm not electrically savvy, so these simple straightforward explanations are gold. Excellent!

  • @crystaldragon141
    @crystaldragon141 Рік тому +1

    This was an excellent video and the way you went about both explaining the theory and then showing it in practice will definitely help people. I personally appreciated that you pointed out in tactful and non disparaging way the pitfalls and how you can measure it "correctly" but get the wrong answer because you are measuring in the wrong context.

  • @billmiller4800
    @billmiller4800 Рік тому

    As a clueless noob with a bit of electronics and electrical background, I have always wondered what the difference was between a wye and a delta and why there was a difference AND what use they would be "in real life". This video was massively useful and now I understand so many things I had only guessed at in the past. Thank you for the clear, simple and concise description of what's going on.

  • @josephalexander3884
    @josephalexander3884 Рік тому +1

    This is a substantial topic Excellent work and view . Thank you.

  • @realtimjimmy
    @realtimjimmy Рік тому

    I've been an industrial electrician for five years, and this video FINALLY helped me really grasp how rotary phase converters function.

  • @jasonh3109
    @jasonh3109 Рік тому

    Absolutely wonderfully explained!! Great job James.

  • @isavedtheuniverse
    @isavedtheuniverse Рік тому

    James, fantastic explanation, thanks so much. Its such a fascinating piece of equipment, I actually never knew such a thing existed until your first video about them. I work with electronics, some of which uses 3 phase power and so all the theory here made perfect sense to me, but putting it all together in this was was awesome.

  • @bernhard5741
    @bernhard5741 Рік тому

    Excellent ! Clear concise explanation and -as always- a great presentation.
    Thx

  • @richardl4556
    @richardl4556 Рік тому

    Very well done. Had been wondering exactly how this worked and now I understand it. Thank you!

  • @tonyurquhart8278
    @tonyurquhart8278 Рік тому

    That was brilliant James. You have a great ability at explaining complex theory. I am a semi retired Electronics Engineer so I did know this, but your explanation was excellent revision! :)

  • @stevemarschman3202
    @stevemarschman3202 11 місяців тому

    This is the best video I've found to explain how a rotary phase converter works. Thanks.

  • @624Dudley
    @624Dudley Рік тому +1

    Thanks, James, that’s just what I was looking for! A lot of cobwebs have been cleared out. 👍

  • @alliwantedisapepsi1492
    @alliwantedisapepsi1492 Рік тому

    I had an incorrect mental map of phase conversion. This really broke phase conversion down very well. Thank you.

  • @jhbonarius
    @jhbonarius Рік тому

    Yesssss, I was waiting for a video about this. Thank you!

  • @thomasglessner6067
    @thomasglessner6067 Рік тому

    Excellent presentation. I use two rpc in my shop. Trouble free. Thanks for taking the time to share with us. TG

  • @mattdroneon58
    @mattdroneon58 Рік тому +1

    My shop has an open delta configuration to the grid. Im a mechanical engineer and this configuration has blown my mind from day 1. We run 10 Haas VF2SS with 2 5 tone air conditioners in split phase. 2 air compressors in 3 phase. I’m always amazed the the wires don’t fuse out feeding our building. Somehow this works. I added solar to my building to help boost the split phase aspect. Again I don’t know why this works but it does. I will now go crawl back into my hole.

  • @jtwhite2084
    @jtwhite2084 Рік тому

    You did a great job explaining that. I wish my old EE professor had done it as well...

  • @cheapygeek
    @cheapygeek Рік тому

    Great explanation. EE here but it's been a while since I've dealt with three phase. This got me caught up real quick.

  • @bryanwillman7410
    @bryanwillman7410 Рік тому

    BRAVO! Finally an explanation of where the "wild leg" that "some machines don't like" story comes from, and a model of wye, delta, "wild leg" delta, that one can understand!!!

  • @jackvisn
    @jackvisn Рік тому

    FINALLY! I have two degrees in Engineering (not electrical obviously) and have made components for power transmission. Like Dennis the Menace I ask everybody this question. One guy was a PHD in physics and couldn't answer. Your explanation was wonderful. I have been running a machine shop off a RPC for 20+ years and always wondered if the huge bank of capacitors somehow moved one phase. Now I understand...nope, they are start and run only. Thank you so much! Keep up the great work.

  • @geargnasher9822
    @geargnasher9822 Рік тому

    Superb explanation, clearly delivered, THANK YOU. You just earned a sub.

  • @markfletcher6511
    @markfletcher6511 Рік тому

    As always... I enjoy your presentations that deliver the simple truth about a seemingly complex subject. Having a background in three phase four wire 208v, I really appreciate your concise explanation. I knew that I know this stuff but could never explain it as clearly as you have just done. I will, of course, have to plagiarize this at some point in the future.

  • @kimwood7718
    @kimwood7718 Рік тому +1

    Exceptional description very well done

  • @maitajack
    @maitajack 4 місяці тому

    Much better explanations than many others I watched. many thabks

  • @AlmostMachining
    @AlmostMachining Рік тому

    Straight forward approach James! Thank you

  • @StevenRoss
    @StevenRoss Рік тому

    Thanks for the explanation, I've never had had a hands on with high leg delta yet but if I do in the future now I'll be prepared.

  • @AM-dn4lk
    @AM-dn4lk Місяць тому

    This was an excellent explanation/tutorial. Thank you for sharing.

  • @alexwbakker
    @alexwbakker Рік тому

    In some parts of the east coast, High leg delta is pretty common from the utility. It sure is frustrating when you don't understand what it is, but this made it much clearer why you might want that.

  • @creativerecycling
    @creativerecycling Рік тому

    I always wondered that. Thank you for your marvelous explanation.

  • @I_ammm_mojojojo
    @I_ammm_mojojojo Рік тому

    Just wanted to take the time to say that I am not an electrical engineer.. and I fully understood your explanation. You are an excellent teacher

  • @gregghooper
    @gregghooper Рік тому

    Good information thank you for sharing . It's been a topic of interest for some time.

  • @billstoner5559
    @billstoner5559 Рік тому

    Very good explanation, James. Thanks.

  • @bobuk5722
    @bobuk5722 Рік тому

    Hi James, I'll add to the congratulations. Also, thank you for referencing the diagrams to North American practice. Many UA-camrs seem to forget that they have a global reach and things can be very different outside the US. Sometimes potentially lethally so. For those who don't know it is nor just voltage and frequency, for example the externally incoming UK supplier provided earthing (linking to the interior protective conductor) arrangements are a subject in themselves and serious mistakes can be made here by not being aware of their complexity.

  • @timothyprochilo4840
    @timothyprochilo4840 Рік тому

    Excellent tutorial and explanation James. Thank you.😎

  • @MyLilMule
    @MyLilMule Рік тому

    I didn't understand all of this, but it did answer the question I have had and that is about the 120 degree phase difference. Thanks!

  • @bruceanderson9461
    @bruceanderson9461 Рік тому

    Wow! Best explanation ever of three phase power and it’s different configurations. Wired my shop using phase perfect which is a digital 3 phase producer that is always on, quiet, better 3 phase than available from the power company and only a 2% loss of power.

  • @larrycleeton
    @larrycleeton Рік тому

    James, Excellent job of explaining this! "Reference to neutral" was what I was missing in my understanding.

  • @hackish1
    @hackish1 Рік тому +1

    Excellent explanation. My experience with rpcs is that they work well with predictable loads, but when you use them to power modern cnc equipment, the generated phase doesn't like large dynamic loads. It would interesting to scope your rpc while running a very dynamic load like a lathe motor.

  • @gerryblaski9156
    @gerryblaski9156 Рік тому +7

    Electro boom would demonstrate what happens from the aluminum tig rods in the plug.

    • @gerryblaski9156
      @gerryblaski9156 Рік тому

      Probably not. This is real power.

    • @Clough42
      @Clough42  Рік тому

      Yeah. Someone else would need to edit and upload the video. :)

    • @gerryblaski9156
      @gerryblaski9156 Рік тому

      Thanks for a great video.

  • @robertc.fisher3214
    @robertc.fisher3214 Рік тому

    great explanation! I worked as a motion picture lighting guy and when I started working in LA the studios were 2 leg DC using a giant motor generators to generate DC from 2300V 3 phase. As we started to have more AC only lights the studios scrapped the DC plants and went to 208 3 phase. It was an interesting time as mosst of the union lighting guys had never worked with large AC systems. In non-union production we had only worked with single, or 2 phase systems, so it was an easy transition for the non-union guys. The big problem was when we had start following the National Electrical Code which was administered by the LA Fire department. Lots of stories about those interactions.

  • @mensaswede4028
    @mensaswede4028 Рік тому

    Beautifully explained. Nice job.

  • @outsidescrewball
    @outsidescrewball Рік тому

    Great discussion and reference slides

  • @yanwo2359
    @yanwo2359 Рік тому

    I had exactly that question. Excellent explanation!

  • @_ArtemB_
    @_ArtemB_ Рік тому +6

    There's a minor error on the chart around 12:36. The right-most 240V label is shown between A and Neutral, but should be between A and C.

    • @MrGatlin98
      @MrGatlin98 Рік тому

      I think the right-most one is correct since it should be 208V between A and Neutral. The one labeled 240V directly to the left of it should be between A and C instead of A and Neutral.
      Maybe? I'm no EE

  • @douglassmith2055
    @douglassmith2055 8 місяців тому

    This is a very difficult topic to explain. Your video did an excellent job and explaining how this actually works thank you

  • @byronpennington
    @byronpennington 2 місяці тому

    Thank you for taking the time to explain this. My previous 1950's era welding shop makes so much more sense to me now. Dominion power called it bit©h leg vs. Delta when they would come out to tighten the main lugs or replace fusable links lol.

  • @JordanDayBiblicalGreek
    @JordanDayBiblicalGreek Рік тому

    By far the most helpful video I have found yet.

  • @karlbushnell4267
    @karlbushnell4267 8 місяців тому

    Thank You, cant tell you how many arguments I have had over this. I ran CNC's for years with no issues (done correctly that is)

  • @Michel-Uphoff
    @Michel-Uphoff Рік тому

    James, what a crystal clear explanation.
    Chapeau!

  • @SteigerSnacks
    @SteigerSnacks Рік тому

    Loved that, great explanation.

  • @ebenwaterman5858
    @ebenwaterman5858 Рік тому

    Nice treatment of a confusing subject. Cleared it up for me. After 70 years. Thanx. :)

  • @donteeple6124
    @donteeple6124 Рік тому

    James,
    Like many of us out here watching your postings about electrical stuff....I am of the.... plug it in hope it works and I dont get zapped mind set...YOU and you alone here in You Tube World, take the time in all you do and explain things in much easier to understand laymen's terms so that us real world folks aren't so confused and overwhelmed with all the techno jargon and mumbo jumbo. Thank you for sharing your extensive knowledge and experiences, you are a fantastic TEACHER and long overdue for glowing accolades and recognition of your talent in doing this. You may be an EE by profession... but you are really a Teacher and mentor at heart. THANK YOU !!!!!!
    Don

  • @MartinKrafft
    @MartinKrafft Рік тому

    good video.
    i'm glad that in germany we have a three-phase network that reaches almost all apartments and houses.
    but it is interesting for an electrician to see the difficulties that arise when one does not have such a luxury.

  • @jimviau327
    @jimviau327 Рік тому

    The best explanation I have heard about that topic.

  • @davep8462
    @davep8462 Рік тому

    Thanks this was an outstanding explanation. delta vs wye always confused me. Very nice to really understand how my rotary phase converter works.

  • @scruffy4647
    @scruffy4647 Рік тому +1

    Great explanation. With the introduction of VFDs, more choices to which one to use. I am guessing that with a properly rated phase converter, you could have multiple machines on it. The VFDs are motor specific but offer more control of the motor. Of course, there's the issue with your motor while using it with a VFD. Turn down ratio. Most general duty 3 phase induction motors have a turn down ratio of 10:1. Inverter duty motors are usually 20:1. You can get 1000:1 if your budget can managed it.

  • @rene-jeanmercier6517
    @rene-jeanmercier6517 Рік тому

    Great explanation ! Thank you !

  • @gwharton68
    @gwharton68 Рік тому +4

    This topic is always fun to talk about. Almost as much fun as politics. I first learn about this subject back in 1958 when I first came to California. Up until that time was aware of single phase and three phase. Since then I have just been confused. Your expiation was very good.
    Thank you.

    • @Clough42
      @Clough42  Рік тому +1

      Maybe we'll tackle religion next. Hmm...maybe not.

  • @MyJp1983
    @MyJp1983 Рік тому +1

    Electrician here, you did such a great job with this one! I learned a lot. I guess it was a misconception of mine that the sine wave would look so good, I thought that the manufactured phase would be lagging, at least before the power factor capacitors, but of good enough quality for motors, the oscilloscope convinced me otherwise. Thank you for a great video.

    • @Clough42
      @Clough42  Рік тому

      Thanks! I love hearing (and learning) from the pros. To the uninitiated, these waveforms look a little wonky. To someone who's seen the garbage waveforms in real distribution systems, they look great.

  • @rbyt2010
    @rbyt2010 Рік тому

    Ah, EE101. Takes us back. Nicely done; thanks :)

  • @shantk7378
    @shantk7378 Рік тому

    Beautifully done.