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Q&A 208VAC triple-phase to single-phase conversion

The question: Is there a way to convert from triple-phase 208VAC to single-phase 208VAC? Background: Hi everyone, I am stuck on a project I'm working on. I'd like to convert 208VAC (three phase,...

2 answers  ·  posted 3y ago by cosined‭  ·  last activity 3y ago by Andy aka‭

Question transformer
#5: Post edited by user avatar cosined‭ · 2021-12-04T04:29:51Z (about 3 years ago)
  • # **The question:**
  • Is there a way to convert from triple-phase 208VAC to single-phase 208VAC?
  • # **Background:**
  • Hi everyone, I am stuck on a project I'm working on. I'd like to **convert 208VAC** (**three phase**, NEMA L5-20R) to **230VAC** (**single phase**, NEMA 5-20R) for use with a piece of **230VAC equipment** that plugs into the 5-20R.
  • The wall outlet I am limited to using is the **aforementioned 208VAC outlet in wye arrangement**. Only **two of the three 120V hots are accessible**, as well as the **grounded neutral**. 208V is taken by the difference between the two phase-shifted 120V hots. See the diagram below:
  • ![Image alt text](https://electrical.codidact.com/uploads/GFVHxMVGXAWXfEfMNCBkndQt)
  • The goal is to get a **single phase** voltage much like how you get 120VAC single phase at a typical NEMA 5-15R outlet you see in a North American residence/business. But instead of 120V, it needs to be 230VAC for the equipment I want to attach. So like this:
  • ![Image alt text](https://electrical.codidact.com/uploads/TPHzpb1rMixrno4MJSnqepC6)
  • Not being too experienced in this field, I got a [single-phase T-1-81051 autotransformer from Grainger](https://www.grainger.com/product/ACME-ELECTRIC-500-VA-Buck-Boost-Transformer-4LEF9) but realized too late that I couldn't take the two three-phase hots from the wall and use it as a pseudo single-phase. I recognized this after looking more at the wiring diagram for it (Fig. H) and realizing that I would be shorting the connections if I made the attachments as shown.
  • ![Image alt text](https://electrical.codidact.com/uploads/Yb6xTL91qyiZTWwXdLfa5WW6)
  • ![Image alt text](https://electrical.codidact.com/uploads/Yca5KpgQiBvXZqjCmXpkQdhg)
  • Everything else matches what I need for the equipment load, but the input not being single-phase is a problem. My question is if there's a way to convert triple-phase to single-phase, maintaining a neutral/ground connection. I want to convert the power from the wall **from 208V triple-phase to 208V single-phase before feeding that single-phase into the transformer** I got.
  • I searched a bit and learned about **phase converters**, but it seemed like **they only go the opposite way around, converting from single-phase to triple-phase only**.
  • Any help is appreciated! I know others have much more experience and might be aware of other options out there. I'd be happy to answer any questions! Thanks in advance.
  • # **The question:**
  • Is there a way to convert from triple-phase 208VAC to single-phase 208VAC?
  • # **Background:**
  • Hi everyone, I am stuck on a project I'm working on. I'd like to **convert 208VAC** (**three phase**, NEMA L5-20R) to **230VAC** (**single phase**, NEMA 5-20R) for use with a piece of **230VAC equipment** that plugs into the 5-20R.
  • The wall outlet I am limited to using is the **aforementioned 208VAC outlet in wye arrangement**. Only **two of the three 120V hots are accessible**, as well as the **grounded neutral**. 208V is taken by the difference between the two phase-shifted 120V hots. See the diagram below:
  • ![Image alt text](https://electrical.codidact.com/uploads/GFVHxMVGXAWXfEfMNCBkndQt)
  • The goal is to get a **single phase** voltage much like how you get 120VAC single phase at a typical NEMA 5-15R outlet you see in a North American residence/business. But instead of 120V, it needs to be 230VAC for the equipment I want to attach. So like this:
  • ![Image alt text](https://electrical.codidact.com/uploads/TPHzpb1rMixrno4MJSnqepC6)
  • Not being too experienced in this field, I got a [single-phase T-1-81051 autotransformer from Grainger](https://www.grainger.com/product/ACME-ELECTRIC-500-VA-Buck-Boost-Transformer-4LEF9) but realized too late that I couldn't take the two three-phase hots from the wall and use it as a pseudo single-phase. I recognized this after looking more at the wiring diagram for it (Fig. H) and realizing that I would be shorting the connections if I made the attachments as shown.
  • ![Image alt text](https://electrical.codidact.com/uploads/Yb6xTL91qyiZTWwXdLfa5WW6)
  • ![Image alt text](https://electrical.codidact.com/uploads/Yca5KpgQiBvXZqjCmXpkQdhg)
  • Everything else matches what I need for the equipment load, but the input not being single-phase is a problem. My question is if there's a way to convert triple-phase to single-phase, maintaining a neutral/ground connection. I want to convert the power from the wall **from 208V triple-phase to 208V single-phase before feeding that single-phase into the transformer** I got.
  • I searched a bit and learned about **phase converters**, but it seemed like **they only go the opposite way around, converting from single-phase to triple-phase only**.
  • Any help is appreciated! I know others have much more experience and might be aware of other options out there. I'd be happy to answer any questions! Thanks in advance.
  • -----
  • _Edit:_
  • This shows the voltages I measured using a digital multimeter at the NEMA L5-20 outlet. The voltages agree with a standard three-phase system:
  • ![Image alt text](https://electrical.codidact.com/uploads/mtbXzNcUr4V87EfMhfH3fziT)
#4: Post edited by user avatar Olin Lathrop‭ · 2021-12-03T17:00:01Z (about 3 years ago)
Removed inappropriate tags
#3: Post edited by user avatar cosined‭ · 2021-12-03T07:32:34Z (about 3 years ago)
  • # **The question:**
  • Is there a way to convert from triple-phase 208VAC to single-phase 208VAC?
  • # **Background:**
  • Hi everyone, I am stuck on a project I'm working on. I'd like to **convert 208VAC** (**three phase**, NEMA L5-20R) to **230VAC** (**single phase**, NEMA 5-20R) for use with a piece of **230VAC equipment** that plugs into the 5-20R.
  • The wall outlet I am limited to using is the **aforementioned 208VAC outlet in wye arrangement**. Only **two of the three 120V hots are accessible**, as well as the **grounded neutral**. 208V is taken by the difference between the two phase-shifted 120V hots. See the diagram below:
  • ![Image alt text](https://electrical.codidact.com/uploads/GFVHxMVGXAWXfEfMNCBkndQt)
  • The goal is to get a **single phase** voltage much like how you get 120VAC single phase at a typical NEMA 5-15R outlet you see in a North American residence/business. But instead of 120V, it needs to be 230VAC for the equipment I want to attach. So like this:
  • ![Image alt text](https://electrical.codidact.com/uploads/TPHzpb1rMixrno4MJSnqepC6)
  • Not being too experienced in this field, I got a [single-phase T-1-81051 autotransformer from Grainger](https://www.grainger.com/product/ACME-ELECTRIC-500-VA-Buck-Boost-Transformer-4LEF9) but realized too late that I couldn't take the two three-phase hots from the wall and use it as a pseudo single-phase. I recognized this after looking more at the wiring diagram for it (Fig. H) and realizing that I would be shorting the connections if I made the attachments as shown.
  • ![Image alt text](https://electrical.codidact.com/uploads/Yb6xTL91qyiZTWwXdLfa5WW6)
  • ![Image alt text](https://electrical.codidact.com/uploads/Yca5KpgQiBvXZqjCmXpkQdhg)
  • Everything else matches what I need for the equipment load, but the input not being single-phase is a problem. **My question is if there's a way to convert triple-phase to single-phase, maintaining a neutral/ground connection.** I want to convert the power from the wall **from 208V triple-phase to 208V single-phase before feeding that single-phase into the transformer** I got.
  • I searched a bit and learned about phase converters, but it seemed like they only go the opposite way around, converting from single-phase to triple-phase only.
  • Any help is appreciated! I know others have much more experience and might be aware of other options out there. I'd be happy to answer any questions! Thanks in advance.
  • # **The question:**
  • Is there a way to convert from triple-phase 208VAC to single-phase 208VAC?
  • # **Background:**
  • Hi everyone, I am stuck on a project I'm working on. I'd like to **convert 208VAC** (**three phase**, NEMA L5-20R) to **230VAC** (**single phase**, NEMA 5-20R) for use with a piece of **230VAC equipment** that plugs into the 5-20R.
  • The wall outlet I am limited to using is the **aforementioned 208VAC outlet in wye arrangement**. Only **two of the three 120V hots are accessible**, as well as the **grounded neutral**. 208V is taken by the difference between the two phase-shifted 120V hots. See the diagram below:
  • ![Image alt text](https://electrical.codidact.com/uploads/GFVHxMVGXAWXfEfMNCBkndQt)
  • The goal is to get a **single phase** voltage much like how you get 120VAC single phase at a typical NEMA 5-15R outlet you see in a North American residence/business. But instead of 120V, it needs to be 230VAC for the equipment I want to attach. So like this:
  • ![Image alt text](https://electrical.codidact.com/uploads/TPHzpb1rMixrno4MJSnqepC6)
  • Not being too experienced in this field, I got a [single-phase T-1-81051 autotransformer from Grainger](https://www.grainger.com/product/ACME-ELECTRIC-500-VA-Buck-Boost-Transformer-4LEF9) but realized too late that I couldn't take the two three-phase hots from the wall and use it as a pseudo single-phase. I recognized this after looking more at the wiring diagram for it (Fig. H) and realizing that I would be shorting the connections if I made the attachments as shown.
  • ![Image alt text](https://electrical.codidact.com/uploads/Yb6xTL91qyiZTWwXdLfa5WW6)
  • ![Image alt text](https://electrical.codidact.com/uploads/Yca5KpgQiBvXZqjCmXpkQdhg)
  • Everything else matches what I need for the equipment load, but the input not being single-phase is a problem. My question is if there's a way to convert triple-phase to single-phase, maintaining a neutral/ground connection. I want to convert the power from the wall **from 208V triple-phase to 208V single-phase before feeding that single-phase into the transformer** I got.
  • I searched a bit and learned about **phase converters**, but it seemed like **they only go the opposite way around, converting from single-phase to triple-phase only**.
  • Any help is appreciated! I know others have much more experience and might be aware of other options out there. I'd be happy to answer any questions! Thanks in advance.
#2: Post edited by user avatar cosined‭ · 2021-12-03T07:30:57Z (about 3 years ago)
  • # **The question:**
  • Is there a way to convert from triple-phase 208VAC to single-phase 208VAC?
  • # **Background:**
  • Hi everyone, I am stuck on a project I'm working on. I'd like to **convert 208VAC** (**three phase**, NEMA L5-20R) to **230VAC** (**single phase**, NEMA 5-20R) for use with a piece of **230VAC equipment** that plugs into the 5-20R.
  • The wall outlet I am limited to using is the **aforementioned 208VAC outlet in wye arrangement**. Only **two of the three 120V hots are accessible**, as well as the **grounded neutral**. 208V is taken by the difference between the two phase-shifted 120V hots. See the diagram below:
  • ![Image alt text](https://electrical.codidact.com/uploads/GFVHxMVGXAWXfEfMNCBkndQt)
  • The goal is to get a **single phase** voltage much like how you get 120VAC single phase at a typical NEMA 5-15R outlet you see in a North American residence/business. But instead of 120V, it needs to be 230VAC for the equipment I want to attach. So like this:
  • ![Image alt text](https://electrical.codidact.com/uploads/TPHzpb1rMixrno4MJSnqepC6)
  • Not being too experienced in this field, I got a [single-phase T-1-81051 autotransformer from Grainger](https://www.grainger.com/product/ACME-ELECTRIC-500-VA-Buck-Boost-Transformer-4LEF9) but realized too late that I couldn't take the two three-phase hots from the wall and use it as a pseudo single-phase. I recognized this after looking more at the wiring diagram for it (Fig. H) and realizing that I would be shorting the connections if I made the attachments as shown.
  • ![Image alt text](https://electrical.codidact.com/uploads/Yb6xTL91qyiZTWwXdLfa5WW6)
  • ![Image alt text](https://electrical.codidact.com/uploads/Yca5KpgQiBvXZqjCmXpkQdhg)
  • Everything else matches what I need for the equipment load, but the input not being single-phase is a problem. **My question is if there's a way to convert triple-phase to single-phase, maintaining a neutral/ground connection.** I want to convert the power from the wall **from 208V triple-phase to 208V single-phase before feeding that single-phase into the transformer** I got.
  • I searched a bit and learned about phase converters, but it seemed like they only go the opposite way around, converting from single-phase to triple-phase only.
  • Any help is appreciated! I know others have much more experience and might be aware of other options out there. I'd be happy to answer any questions! Thanks in advance.
  • # **The question:**
  • Is there a way to convert from triple-phase 208VAC to single-phase 208VAC?
  • # **Background:**
  • Hi everyone, I am stuck on a project I'm working on. I'd like to **convert 208VAC** (**three phase**, NEMA L5-20R) to **230VAC** (**single phase**, NEMA 5-20R) for use with a piece of **230VAC equipment** that plugs into the 5-20R.
  • The wall outlet I am limited to using is the **aforementioned 208VAC outlet in wye arrangement**. Only **two of the three 120V hots are accessible**, as well as the **grounded neutral**. 208V is taken by the difference between the two phase-shifted 120V hots. See the diagram below:
  • ![Image alt text](https://electrical.codidact.com/uploads/GFVHxMVGXAWXfEfMNCBkndQt)
  • The goal is to get a **single phase** voltage much like how you get 120VAC single phase at a typical NEMA 5-15R outlet you see in a North American residence/business. But instead of 120V, it needs to be 230VAC for the equipment I want to attach. So like this:
  • ![Image alt text](https://electrical.codidact.com/uploads/TPHzpb1rMixrno4MJSnqepC6)
  • Not being too experienced in this field, I got a [single-phase T-1-81051 autotransformer from Grainger](https://www.grainger.com/product/ACME-ELECTRIC-500-VA-Buck-Boost-Transformer-4LEF9) but realized too late that I couldn't take the two three-phase hots from the wall and use it as a pseudo single-phase. I recognized this after looking more at the wiring diagram for it (Fig. H) and realizing that I would be shorting the connections if I made the attachments as shown.
  • ![Image alt text](https://electrical.codidact.com/uploads/Yb6xTL91qyiZTWwXdLfa5WW6)
  • ![Image alt text](https://electrical.codidact.com/uploads/Yca5KpgQiBvXZqjCmXpkQdhg)
  • Everything else matches what I need for the equipment load, but the input not being single-phase is a problem. **My question is if there's a way to convert triple-phase to single-phase, maintaining a neutral/ground connection.** I want to convert the power from the wall **from 208V triple-phase to 208V single-phase before feeding that single-phase into the transformer** I got.
  • I searched a bit and learned about phase converters, but it seemed like they only go the opposite way around, converting from single-phase to triple-phase only.
  • Any help is appreciated! I know others have much more experience and might be aware of other options out there. I'd be happy to answer any questions! Thanks in advance.
#1: Initial revision by user avatar cosined‭ · 2021-12-03T07:30:08Z (about 3 years ago)
208VAC triple-phase to single-phase conversion
# **The question:** 
Is there a way to convert from triple-phase 208VAC to single-phase 208VAC?

# **Background:**
Hi everyone, I am stuck on a project I'm working on. I'd like to **convert 208VAC** (**three phase**, NEMA L5-20R) to **230VAC** (**single phase**, NEMA 5-20R) for use with a piece of **230VAC equipment** that plugs into the 5-20R.

The wall outlet I am limited to using is the **aforementioned 208VAC outlet in wye arrangement**. Only **two of the three 120V hots are accessible**, as well as the **grounded neutral**. 208V is taken by the difference between the two phase-shifted 120V hots. See the diagram below:
![Image alt text](https://electrical.codidact.com/uploads/GFVHxMVGXAWXfEfMNCBkndQt)

The goal is to get a **single phase** voltage much like how you get 120VAC single phase at a typical NEMA 5-15R outlet you see in a North American residence/business. But instead of 120V, it needs to be 230VAC for the equipment I want to attach. So like this:
![Image alt text](https://electrical.codidact.com/uploads/TPHzpb1rMixrno4MJSnqepC6)

Not being too experienced in this field, I got a [single-phase T-1-81051 autotransformer from Grainger](https://www.grainger.com/product/ACME-ELECTRIC-500-VA-Buck-Boost-Transformer-4LEF9) but realized too late that I couldn't take the two three-phase hots from the wall and use it as a pseudo single-phase. I recognized this after looking more at the wiring diagram for it (Fig. H) and realizing that I would be shorting the connections if I made the attachments as shown.
![Image alt text](https://electrical.codidact.com/uploads/Yb6xTL91qyiZTWwXdLfa5WW6)
![Image alt text](https://electrical.codidact.com/uploads/Yca5KpgQiBvXZqjCmXpkQdhg)

Everything else matches what I need for the equipment load, but the input not being single-phase is a problem. **My question is if there's a way to convert triple-phase to single-phase, maintaining a neutral/ground connection.** I want to convert the power from the wall **from 208V triple-phase to 208V single-phase before feeding that single-phase into the transformer** I got.

I searched a bit and learned about phase converters, but it seemed like they only go the opposite way around, converting from single-phase to triple-phase only.

Any help is appreciated! I know others have much more experience and might be aware of other options out there. I'd be happy to answer any questions! Thanks in advance.