background image

ECONO-PHASE

®

 SHIFTER 

240 (480) Volt Input & Output 

TYPE 2(4)AZ/PS-OF 

 

GETTING STARTED 

 

Before installing the ECONO-PHASE SHIFTER power converter, verify that the single-phase supply voltage matches the 
converter rating; 240(480) Volts, 60 Hz.  Consult the converter nameplate for input voltage and amperage requirements. 

 

The single-phase supply should be connected to the unit through a disconnecting means (a circuit breaker or fused disconnect 
switch), utilizing a time-delay type breaker or fuses.  The ampere rating of the disconnecting means shall not be less than 115% 
of the single-phase ampere rating of the ECONO-PHASE SHIFTER.  A three pole across-the-line starter with appropriately sized 
overloads is highly recommended for proper motor operation and protection.  All wiring should be done by a qualified electrician 
in accordance with all applicable electrical codes.  See Article 455 of the NEC

®

 (and other applicable Articles) for rules governing 

phase converter installations. 

 

The following connections need to be made (

see diagram on reverse side for more details

). 

 

Equipment ground(s): 

o

 

All equipment must be properly grounded.  See Article 250 of the NEC for proper grounding and bonding. 

 

Input: (L1, L2) 

o

 

Connect incoming single-phase service to L1 and L2. 

 

Motor Starter: (C, B, A) and (T1, T2) 

o

 

Connect the power leads C to L1, B to L2, and A to L3 on the 

line

 side of the starter. 

 

“A” phase must be distinctly marked at all accessible locations. 

o

 

Connect the control leads T1 to T1 and T2 to T2 on the 

load

 side of the starter (with the motor leads). 

Do not connect starter coils, control transformers, or single-

phase loads to “A” phase (manufactured phase) from the converter.  “A” 

phase may only be used to power the three-phase motor. 

 

STARTING THE MOTORS

 

 

Close the single-phase disconnecting means, applying voltage to the ECONO-PHASE SHIFTER.  Measure and record the 
voltages on the line side of the motor starter.  The measured voltage from B-A will be 0 volts 

and the “A” phase conductor should 

have been distinctly marked at the time of installation.  The 

third phase conductor is “C”.  You should now be ready to start the 

motor. 

 

When starting the motor, observe the following sequence of events. 

1)  The motor is energized. 
2)  The ECONO-PHASE SHIFTER auxiliary relay should energize immediately and remain closed. 
3)  The ECONO-PHASE SHIFTER start contactor should engage. 
4)  The motor should accelerate to full speed within 1 to 3 seconds. 
5)  The start contactor will drop out and motor will continue running. 

IF THE MOTOR DOES NOT REACH FULL SPEED WITHIN 10 SECONDS, SHUT OFF POWER TO STARTER.  Place a 
voltmeter across T1 and T2 of the starter and reenergize the starter long enough to read this voltage.  The indicated phase-to-
phase voltage on T1-T2 must be above 220 (440) volts for the motor to start properly.  If the voltage is adequate and the motor 
does not start, if feasible, disconnect the motor from its load and attempt to run the motor again.  If the motor is okay, it should 
start almost immediately.  DO NOT ALLOW THE START CONTACTOR TO REMAIN CLOSED FOR MORE THAN 10 
SECONDS 

– LONGER PERIODS CAN DAMAGE THE START CAPACITORS OR OTHER EQUIPMENT! 

 

BALANCING CURRENTS 

 

In order to use these balancing procedures, the 

“C”, “B”, and “A” phases must be properly identified.  Phase identification can be 

verified by measuring the motor off voltages on the line side of the motor starters.  The phase-to-phase voltage from B-A is 0 
volts, so t

he other phase conductor is “C”.  With the motor running, “A” phase will always have the highest phase-to-ground 

voltage.  Otherwise, the phase conductors have to be traced from the ECONO-PHASE SHIFTER to the starter. 

 

The three motor currents (

“C”, “B”, and “A”) should be checked with a clamp-on ammeter and balanced if necessary.  The motor 

must be under normal operating load when taking the readings.  To balance the currents, follow these procedures. 

 

1)  Identify the phases at the motor starters as stated above.  Then measure the three running amperages on the motor 

leads. 

2)  If closer balance is desired, shut off and lock out the single-phase disconnecting means for the converter.  Discharge all 

capacitors before beginning to adjust the unit for better current balance. 

3) 

If “A” current is considerably higher than “C”, a light load condition is indicated.  If “A” is near FLA and “B” and “C” 
currents are higher, an overload condition is indicated.  If either of these conditions exists, verify load is correct before 
proceeding with balancing. 

4) 

If “A” is high with “C” low and you have verified the motor is lightly loaded, disconnect some capacitance to bring “A” 
down and “C” up.  Keep “A” current equal or above “C”. 

5) 

If “A” is lower than “C”, more capacitance needs to be connected. 

6)  The 

“B” phase current cannot be directly adjusted.  If “B” current remains significantly high or low, consult RONK. 

7)  For future reference, record the final phase-to-phase voltages, phase currents, and motor off voltages. 

 

Note: If this is a pump jack application, balance the weights to minimize load swing. 

 

If you have any questions about these procedures or need assistance with balancing, call RONK at (217) 563-8333. 

 

Drwg. No. 2-5345-2 

Reviews: