Run 3 phase tool (120/220v) from Lightning PPO

[Truckdriver1880]

Hi all,

I recently bought a three phase grinder, it was used so a very good deal! Figured a good way to run it would be via my lightning with the benefit of being able to run it from any location. However as best I know both the 120v plugs and the 240v are all single phase. I’m no electrician. Anyone have a suggestion on how to best do this and what plug type makes the most sense? Could not find any posts but I’m sure someone has solved this!

Thanks in advance!

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[PolymerBuilt]

Is it something you can return for a 240V tool?

There are ways to do it but depending on what you're trying to convert it could get interesting. If it's just a motor that operates the tool you can get a VFD (variable frequency drive) to do the conversion. There are some sketchier ways to do it with capacitors too.

Not an electrician either, but this is definitely not a matter of finding the right plug and will require modifying the tool you purchased.

 

[PolymerBuilt]

Look up "rotary phase converter" if it's more than just a motor you're trying to power.

 

[hturnerfamily]

no, sorry.... it's only two-phase 240v

Three-phase power consists of three separate alternating current (AC) power wires, each delivering a sine wave of voltage that is 120 degrees out of phase with the others

 

[B177y]

+1 for a phase converter.

Might be less expensive to get a different tool.

 

[Firn]

It was a very good deal because its not very useful for most people. Major manufacturing facilities typically have three phase but its rare outside of that.

To get it to work will require a fair bit of effort and/or some additional expense.

In the car world its comparable to converting your car from gas to propane. Not impossible, but not straightforward.

 

[Truckdriver1880]

It was a very good deal because its not very useful for most people. Major manufacturing facilities typically have three phase but its rare outside of that.

To get it to work will require a fair bit of effort and/or some additional expense.

lol, clearly I know that now! A deal too good to be true….

 

[Truckdriver1880]

Was hoping something like this VFD would work. And run off the 240 from the truck With a plug adapter.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1766168075...dG&stype=1&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

That would still be cheaper than a new grinder in this case. FYI it is a 1hp black and decker. No idea the model year.

 

[Maquis]

Was hoping something like this VFD would work. And run off the 240 from the truck With a plug adapter.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1766168075...dG&stype=1&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

That would still be cheaper than a new grinder in this case. FYI it is a 1hp black and decker. No idea the model year.

Maybe. Those cheap drives generate terrible harmonic noise. PPOB might not like it and shut off.

 

[P-38]

What you linked might work. The only issue I see with it is that it wants 220vac +/- 5% which only get you to 231vac and the truck is 240vac. So get one with a higher input range.

Harmonics freaking out the truck might be a problem, you could add a choke or make sure what ever vfd you do get has one built in.

Seems odd to me that a bench grinder is 3 phase though. Does it have a readable name plate?

 

[Truckdriver1880]

looks to be black and decker. And not all that new!

 

[B177y]

looks to be black and decker. And not all that new!

That plate looks like "220 - 440" to me. I don't see 208 anywhere. You should be good to go. How did the "three phase" concern come about? OK, I think I see it, the far right kinda looks like "PH" with a "3" under it

 

[Newton]

None of this looks like a good idea to me. 1HP grinders are fairly inexpensive and a lot cheaper than replacing the inverter on your truck. If you want to experiment - which I do not recommend - then use something else for your power supply.

 

[K6CCC]

Step one. Wire brush the name plate to it is clearly readable. Then it will be clear what power it wants. Agree that for a 1 HP motor it would be a bit surprising to be 3 phase.
How many power wires (or terminals) are there?

 

[Heliian]

That thing is an antique showpiece.

Unlikely it's very useful compared to modern ones.

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