Can a single phase generator run a 3 phase air conditioner?

Answer 1

Depending on who does the work it could be less expensive than getting a different air conditioner. The compressor will also need a capacitor and some rewiring. The old unit could have a 3 phase blower motor also which could run the price up even more. Although the changes can be made, the warranty at best will probably be a one year warranty and a new unit could have a 5-10 year warranty.

Answer 2

Probably. 5 hp. is 5 hp., regardless of the phases that drive it. But for practical implementation, you will see following problems: 1] Single phase motor will demand for neutral connection. 2] As entire current for 5HP load will be now on single phase, your conductor will be loaded 1.732 times its rated load ( for 3 phase motor design) Hence it may call for increase in conductor cross section. 3] As entire 5 HP load will be now on single phase, your loading will be unbalanced. Single phase equivalent motor will be of slightly bigger dimension hence mounting arrangement will have to be suitably modified.

Answer 3

If the compressor currently has a 3-phase motor connected to a 3-phase service, then, unless there is also a single phase branch circuit outlet available at the same location, which already has the right sizes of breakers and wiring to suit the motor's power requirement, it is not a simple matter to change the motor to a single phase type having the correct power output and motor controls.

If there is no existing single-phase outlet that is suitable then:

• either a new single phase service would have to be installed to suit the single phase motor which is being asked about to be used as a possible replacement

  or

• it would be necessary to change the circuit breakers, wiring and outlet connections of the present 3-phase service to have the correct parts to make a single phase service that would suit the single phase motor which is being asked about to be used as a possible replacement.

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As always, if you are in doubt about what to do, the best advice anyone should give you is to call a licensed electrician to advise what work is needed.

Before you do any work yourself,

on electrical circuits, equipment or appliances,

always use a test meter to ensure the circuit is, in fact, de-energized.

IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY SURE YOU CAN DO THIS JOB

SAFELY AND COMPETENTLY

REFER THIS WORK TO QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS.

Answer 4

If you are referring to an air compressor motor then yes. A single phase and three phase motor can be interchanged. They have to have the same horsepower though because the compressor manufacturer has calculated the needed HP to turn the compressor over. You may need to rewire for the single phase motor unless the single phase voltage is the same as what the three phase voltage was. If this is the case just use two legs of the three phase voltage supply. The overload protection will have to be changed to reflect the higher current used by the single phase motor.

Answer 5

If the manufacturer originally matched the compressor motor to the compressor's compressing unit, then that is the size of the motor that it should be replaced with. Under sizing a motor on a specific piece of equipment adds extra stress to the motor's windings which will shorten the motors life.

Answer 6

No, a transformer will not change a single phase system to a three phase system.

Three-phase power is derived from the generating source. Transformers provide for power distribution and isolation, not phase alteration.

Answer 7

Yes as long as the voltages are the same. Two legs of a three phase system can be referred to as single phase.

Answer 8

You cannot run a three-phase motor on single phase. It won't start.

Answer 9

No, a single phase generator can not be used to operate a three phase air conditioner.