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NKTBOLT
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- Joined: Sun Feb 14, 2016 9:55 pm
- Real Name: Nicholas K
- YouTube Username: Sirens & Warning
- Location: Kennesaw Georgia, USA
- Contact: Skype
Phase Convertor
Hey ARS, so Im most likeyl getting an ACA banshee over the weekend, in AMAZING condition, but the only problem, its 3 phase. So, does anyone know or have a phase converter that i could buy for cheap, or someone selling one for cheap. Thanks, Nick
Very proud owner of a Thunderbolt 1000B Full unit, a fully restored Model 5B, A Full Model 2 Unit, a Model A, a crank siren, and several mini sirens! :TBolt:
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connerdstines
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- Real Name: Conner Stines
- Location: Amarillo, Texas
Re: Phase Convertor
Horsepower on the motor? I would be careful and make sure you're not overdrawing your house's supply, those motor are hungry beasts, especially the 15 hp ones.NKTBOLT wrote:Hey ARS, so Im most likeyl getting an ACA banshee over the weekend, in AMAZING condition, but the only problem, its 3 phase. So, does anyone know or have a phase converter that i could buy for cheap, or someone selling one for cheap. Thanks, Nick
Down to a Thunderbolt chopper, still a few goofy flashlight-siren combos, and a Model L.
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GabrielFairchild
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- Real Name: Gabriel
Re: Phase Convertor
I use the Temco static phase converters they work well on my model 5at.
Proud owner of a fully restored Federal Signal Model 5AT, Federal Signal Model D, and a bunch of small alarms and sirens.
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GreenblottF
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- Real Name: Fredric
- YouTube Username: TheGameShack
- Location: Phoenix, AZ
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Re: Phase Convertor
Your best bet will be with a static phase converter. Most banshees are 15Hp, so make sure to get a 15hp phase converter. Also, make sure it can handle the amp draw, otherwise it will fry the phase converter AND your fuse box.NKTBOLT wrote:Hey ARS, so Im most likeyl getting an ACA banshee over the weekend, in AMAZING condition, but the only problem, its 3 phase. So, does anyone know or have a phase converter that i could buy for cheap, or someone selling one for cheap. Thanks, Nick
Good luck!
GreenblottF
Now a proud owner of a Federal Electric Model 66!
Check out my YouTube Channel! https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCcVrvMjO7o-ByaEq9IkBpuw
Check out my YouTube Channel! https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCcVrvMjO7o-ByaEq9IkBpuw
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GabrielFairchild
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- Real Name: Gabriel
Re: Phase Convertor
Static phase converters are also alot cheaper.
Proud owner of a fully restored Federal Signal Model 5AT, Federal Signal Model D, and a bunch of small alarms and sirens.
Re: Phase Convertor
Just a note, be careful with static converters. They don't actually convert anything. They essentially are just a start circuit. They will start and run a three phase motor fine but only at about 2/3 it's rated HP. So keep runs short and make shure your motor does not overheat. Also, I would not expect the start capacitors in the unit to last as long as usual due to the lengthy wind up inherent in sirens.
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CDV777-1
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- Real Name: Eric
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Re: Phase Convertor
I always wondered if it's even 2/3 of rated HP since, like you said, it only starts the motor. Once running, the motor only runs on 2 of it's 3 sets of windings.Just a note, be careful with static converters. They don't actually convert anything. They essentially are just a start circuit. They will start and run a three phase motor fine but only at about 2/3 it's rated HP
Proud owner of a garage full of junk.
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QuantumCurse
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- Real Name: Owen Yokley
- YouTube Username: QuantumBox
- Location: Chowan, North Carolina
Re: Phase Convertor
I'm pretty sure static phase converters aren't the way to go. As mentioned above they intend up running on 2 of the 3 legs of power. A rotorary phase converter will probably be a safer bet but it will cost a lot more. Correct me if I'm wrong but it also requires the extra 2/3 of the original HP to power one. American Rotorary has a nice chart on their site that helps. Hope this helps.
Proudly own a Edwards Model E, a Federal Enterprises Model 2, a Darley Model 5, and a Thunderbolt 1003A converted to "B". Also, an ACA Hurricane.
CSC employee
From the state that was first in flight and last to fight
CSC employee
From the state that was first in flight and last to fight
Re: Phase Convertor
It's actually not that difficult to build a rotary converter from scratch. Second to that I would say the cheapest option that would work ok and require minimal effort would be to buy a rotary panel and find a used three phase motor for the idler. It would not produce ideal three phase, but much better than a static and cheaper than a comercial rotary.
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Trey
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Re: Phase Convertor
You're pretty much gonna have to have a dedicated service from the utility for an ACA siren. They pull so much current that you'd pop all breakers in your house (assuming this is where you're intending to to this). Those capacitor start motors are current hungry and one cannot simply use standard household current to start one as with the older Federal sirens. As for the static converter, I've always heard static is not the way to go for something that draws a heavy current. Correct me if I'm wrong.