Air Compressor / 3 phase - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**D.PASSMORE** · 02-03-2005, 11:35 PM

Whatta a beast! I bought this Air compressor from a local add. The shop never used it and it was collecting dust. BUT! its has a 230 V 3phase starter and 10 HP motor. Two options: chage the motor and starter to single phase or how hard would it to put a 230 3 phase circuit in the geerage? I hope this doesn't cost alot!!! But its a killer set up. My sons friends came over and walk through the garage; stopped and staired. One tells my son " your dad has a time machine, yep!". Now, we are the only family in tiwn that owns a time machine. Maybe I can go back in time and get my money back... Need some advice!

gonebad2 · 02-03-2005, 11:46 PM

I know in my area the power company does'nt offer three phase in a residential neighborhood. Only available in industrial areas. Give them a call. It might be different where you live.

Rollie396 · 02-04-2005, 12:05 AM

things could be very different there of course,but here (if it's even possible to get it in residential) it costs thousands.

krue · 02-04-2005, 12:46 AM

I would just get a single phase 240v motor and put on it.

Rod · 02-04-2005, 02:16 AM

Ahh I had a older used bigger beast once....had no place to put it...mine was 100 gallon and a 5 horse 3 phase. Never even used it..bought it, stored it three months, sold it.

Look at the motor tag for the frame mount type, but there fairly easy to get an adapter for. I would say find a 240 single phase also....they ain't cheap though. The cost for 3 phase hook up or even switches to make 3 phase off on single phase will probably cost more than a single phase motor.

Residental area dont usually get three phase... typically industrial or farm areas got 3 phase.

Check the shaft size...might be 1 1/8 and the rpm (1750) and try to match those up too to set yourself up. That way you can use the same pullies.

We actually bought 2 compressors at once and both were 3 phase. A 3hp and a 5 hp. Things for me got out of sorts and I let the 5hp go to a friend of the guy who got the 3 hp. I keep bugging him for his 3 hp. He wont give it up. I regret selling my 5hp, but had no room for it.

HOTFUN · 02-04-2005, 04:14 AM

I work for the power company here in Nebraska. As said above three phase is generally industrial sites. Even if you have the three phase at the pole to build the transfomer mounting which would be a large cost contribution based on your small connected horsepower, your new monthly "commercial rate" would pay for your single phase motor change in a very short period. Go to a IR dealer and they may make you a deal on trading out your new motor and starter for a single phase motor. Or sell it to a autobody shop located in an industrial park and buy a new one.
Mark

dwaite72lnghrn · 02-04-2005, 07:14 AM

A rotory phase converter will cost about $1700+ electrician to install it. A 5-7hp elctric motor will run about $500-800. Ingersol did have a gas motor for those big things for mobil service trucks, But that will run up into big bucks also.
Hope you didn't spend to much on it.

Bram · 02-04-2005, 01:22 PM

D.PASSMORE I was in the same boat your in. The best advice I can give you is to talk to an electrician. I have a friend that is an electrician that helped get me a good deal on a converter, installed. I'll check to see what brand I have when I get home.

jeffnstef · 02-04-2005, 02:06 PM

**Daubs** · 02-04-2005, 02:52 PM

purple gas · 02-04-2005, 03:30 PM

Daubs has the best sulution. Get the wife up there when you need air! I'd grab a phone book & make a few calls to electricians, like Bram said. Or contact a compressor dealer ( look for a tire shop "supplier / distributor" eg: a "Tech" tire repair dealer. You might be able to swap for something that better meets your needs, if that's more capacity than you need. If your not set up for 3 phase already, that's a road you don't want to go down.

cantontruck · 02-04-2005, 05:47 PM

I purchased a five horse single phase motor from a shop in Tyler , Texas last week for $275. Direct bolt on for the old A/C motor.

Vince M · 02-04-2005, 05:57 PM

They do make a variable fequency drive (VFD) that is single phase powered and produce a three phase output. You don't need the variable part of it, but it is an option. Just run it at 60 HZ and you'd get the rated horspower out of the motor. Check out ebay for some used ones. You will need a single 230 volt AC input with a 3 phase 220 V output rated for the 10 HP. These are expensive new but I've seen used ones go for cheap.

Blazer1970 · 02-04-2005, 06:28 PM

If that compressor has a 10 hp motor on it now, you will need to stick with a 10 hp motor if you go single phase. If you drop the hp it is going to stall the motor before it builds full pressure. That is a really big single phase motor. 50 amps full load at 230V single phase vs. 28 amps for 230V 3 phase.

ddsmith · 02-04-2005, 08:15 PM

One of the guys I work with was helping a buddy do something similar thing to a big compressor with three phase. He got an old big single phase motor in the 10HP range. He said the old ones were good because they overbuilt them. They cut corners as much as possible now. We have some amish types around here that work on motors. I know, it's very strange to me also. They are very good at fixing electrical stuff like motors and generators. If you have a place who deals in repairing like this they may have an extra old single phase big motor that you can get for a reasonable price.

**D.PASSMORE** · 02-05-2005, 01:01 PM

Thanks for the advice, I'll start calling a few shops to get prices on both options. I'll mke it work one way or the other. Cool picture...

**kwmech** · 02-05-2005, 01:16 PM

Looking cherry as that compressor does, look up you local electric motor builder and work out a trade/buy for a single phase 10-12 horse motor. About 1/2 hour down the road from there is a builder that does the generation plant motors those things are friggin huge!

70c10swb · 02-05-2005, 04:51 PM

all i know is that a 3 stage braker goes for ~$100

nice make-air-pressure device

tom hand · 02-05-2005, 05:03 PM

You can build your own 3 phase converter

http://www.team.net/www/shop-talk/hm3phase.html

Bram · 02-07-2005, 07:35 PM

The type I have is a Ronk add a phase. Works awesome.

02-03-2005, 11:35 PM	#1
D.PASSMORE One of the First Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: St. Augustine,FL. Posts: 4,055	Air Compressor / 3 phase Whatta a beast! I bought this Air compressor from a local add. The shop never used it and it was collecting dust. BUT! its has a 230 V 3phase starter and 10 HP motor. Two options: chage the motor and starter to single phase or how hard would it to put a 230 3 phase circuit in the geerage? I hope this doesn't cost alot!!! But its a killer set up. My sons friends came over and walk through the garage; stopped and staired. One tells my son " your dad has a time machine, yep!". Now, we are the only family in tiwn that owns a time machine. Maybe I can go back in time and get my money back... Need some advice! Attached Images __________________ DAVID PASSMORE ST AUGUSTINE ,FL ZIP 32084 '71 SWB K/10 CUSTOM DELUXE (Chili) '72 BLAZER K/5 Muscle Truck (Mule) '72 LWB K/20 CHEYENNE (Blackie) Last edited by D.PASSMORE; 02-03-2005 at 11:38 PM. Reason: Add Attachment

02-03-2005, 11:46 PM	#2
gonebad2 Merciless Butcher Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: CC Nevada Posts: 1,447	I know in my area the power company does'nt offer three phase in a residential neighborhood. Only available in industrial areas. Give them a call. It might be different where you live. __________________ Your Bought And Sold....I Got Your Soul!

02-04-2005, 12:05 AM	#3
Rollie396 someday it will be done! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Lloydminster,AB. Canada Posts: 1,620	things could be very different there of course,but here (if it's even possible to get it in residential) it costs thousands. __________________ '72 C-10 Proud owner of a million new and used pieces that used to be and will once again be(god willing) a testament to the term "they don't build em like that anymore. '80 LWB 2wd beater '67 GMC long fleet (cab donor) '66 long step (parked till it's turn comes around) '65 short step (parts truck that will donate it's bed and possibly frame to the '66) '06 Grand Prix wife's car (she hardly lets me touch it) my pics

02-04-2005, 12:46 AM	#4
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,450	I would just get a single phase 240v motor and put on it. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

02-04-2005, 02:16 AM	#5
Rod Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Eastern - Manitoba Canada, Winnipeg Posts: 4,369	Ahh I had a older used bigger beast once....had no place to put it...mine was 100 gallon and a 5 horse 3 phase. Never even used it..bought it, stored it three months, sold it. Look at the motor tag for the frame mount type, but there fairly easy to get an adapter for. I would say find a 240 single phase also....they ain't cheap though. The cost for 3 phase hook up or even switches to make 3 phase off on single phase will probably cost more than a single phase motor. Residental area dont usually get three phase... typically industrial or farm areas got 3 phase. Check the shaft size...might be 1 1/8 and the rpm (1750) and try to match those up too to set yourself up. That way you can use the same pullies. We actually bought 2 compressors at once and both were 3 phase. A 3hp and a 5 hp. Things for me got out of sorts and I let the 5hp go to a friend of the guy who got the 3 hp. I keep bugging him for his 3 hp. He wont give it up. I regret selling my 5hp, but had no room for it. __________________ Senior active founding member. 70 3/4 ton GMC Suburban 4x4 250/4 spd. 71 1/2 ton Suburban Chevy 4x4, 350/350 72 Chev 1 ton tow truck 402BB w/Holmes 440 wrecker on propane 2005 FLSTSCI Harley Springer 85 FXSB Harley Lowrider 72 Triumph 650 Bonneville 5spd "Poor people don't have hobbies" Quote from wife.

02-04-2005, 04:14 AM	#6
HOTFUN Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Lincoln, Nebraska Posts: 2,145	I work for the power company here in Nebraska. As said above three phase is generally industrial sites. Even if you have the three phase at the pole to build the transfomer mounting which would be a large cost contribution based on your small connected horsepower, your new monthly "commercial rate" would pay for your single phase motor change in a very short period. Go to a IR dealer and they may make you a deal on trading out your new motor and starter for a single phase motor. Or sell it to a autobody shop located in an industrial park and buy a new one. Mark __________________ '66 CST BBW swb fleet 327 fac ac '67 CST 4x4 swb 327 stepside project '72 Cheyenne K20 50k original '72 Cheyenne Super K20 project '73 Sierra swb 4x4 frame off in paint stage '74 Cheyenne Super swb w/16k actual '71 & 72 Cheyenne K10 4x4 swb's '70 426 HEMICUDA conv SHAKER 4 sp Dana 60 '60 Impala conv 327 PG fac ac loaded 3rd owner '72 GMC K2500 4x4 '59 Apache CST BBW fleetside swb 283 '73 ElCamino SS LS1 T56 true SS bucket tach '76 ElCamino SS 52k survivor '87 Grand National 41k True 2nd to last built in 1987. '86 K30 454 SRW fleetside CA since new '88 Trans Am GTA 39k bought new 2018 DEMON plum crazy @ 840HP! "Need for speed"

02-04-2005, 07:14 AM	#7
dwaite72lnghrn Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: central pa Posts: 1,525	A rotory phase converter will cost about $1700+ electrician to install it. A 5-7hp elctric motor will run about $500-800. Ingersol did have a gas motor for those big things for mobil service trucks, But that will run up into big bucks also. Hope you didn't spend to much on it. __________________ 72 longhorn c30 502BB/th400/fact air/4.11rear/ custom camper 72 bug(the better half's) under reconstruction 2009 HHR aqua blue 71 GMC k20 350/sm465 2009 Chevy hd3500 6.6 Victory Red crew cab dually Dave & Jeanne

02-04-2005, 01:22 PM	#8
Bram Broke Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: West Plains,MO Posts: 385	D.PASSMORE I was in the same boat your in. The best advice I can give you is to talk to an electrician. I have a friend that is an electrician that helped get me a good deal on a converter, installed. I'll check to see what brand I have when I get home. __________________ 72CheyenneSuper1ton4x4BigBlock

02-04-2005, 02:06 PM	#9
jeffnstef Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Manchester, NH Posts: 64

02-04-2005, 02:52 PM	#10
Daubs Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Eastern Nebraska Posts: 611	__________________ '72 Chevy K-20 Crate 350, SM465, 4.10's

02-04-2005, 03:30 PM	#11
purple gas Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: saskatoon, planet earth Posts: 686	Daubs has the best sulution. Get the wife up there when you need air! I'd grab a phone book & make a few calls to electricians, like Bram said. Or contact a compressor dealer ( look for a tire shop "supplier / distributor" eg: a "Tech" tire repair dealer. You might be able to swap for something that better meets your needs, if that's more capacity than you need. If your not set up for 3 phase already, that's a road you don't want to go down. __________________ I got a bench seat baby, you don't have to sit over there.

02-04-2005, 05:47 PM	#12
cantontruck cantontruck Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Canton,Texas Posts: 27	I purchased a five horse single phase motor from a shop in Tyler , Texas last week for $275. Direct bolt on for the old A/C motor.

02-04-2005, 05:57 PM	#13
Vince M Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 1,076	They do make a variable fequency drive (VFD) that is single phase powered and produce a three phase output. You don't need the variable part of it, but it is an option. Just run it at 60 HZ and you'd get the rated horspower out of the motor. Check out ebay for some used ones. You will need a single 230 volt AC input with a 3 phase 220 V output rated for the 10 HP. These are expensive new but I've seen used ones go for cheap. __________________ ............................................................ 68 Chevy CST SWB w/LS1, carb & 700r4. Golden Anniversary clone with a few improvements.

02-04-2005, 06:28 PM	#14
Blazer1970 Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Old Mission, MI, USA Posts: 2,510	If that compressor has a 10 hp motor on it now, you will need to stick with a 10 hp motor if you go single phase. If you drop the hp it is going to stall the motor before it builds full pressure. That is a really big single phase motor. 50 amps full load at 230V single phase vs. 28 amps for 230V 3 phase. __________________ Tim

02-04-2005, 08:15 PM	#15
ddsmith Glowing since 1978 Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Lusby,MD,USA Posts: 532	One of the guys I work with was helping a buddy do something similar thing to a big compressor with three phase. He got an old big single phase motor in the 10HP range. He said the old ones were good because they overbuilt them. They cut corners as much as possible now. We have some amish types around here that work on motors. I know, it's very strange to me also. They are very good at fixing electrical stuff like motors and generators. If you have a place who deals in repairing like this they may have an extra old single phase big motor that you can get for a reasonable price. __________________ 66 Chevy C30 Stakebody Dump, PS,PB, 327cu in 71 Corvette Coupe 454 4 speed 69 Chevy C20 Custom Camper



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02-05-2005, 01:01 PM	#16
D.PASSMORE One of the First Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: St. Augustine,FL. Posts: 4,055	Thanks for the advice, I'll start calling a few shops to get prices on both options. I'll mke it work one way or the other. Cool picture...

02-05-2005, 01:16 PM	#17
kwmech Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Colfax-California Posts: 8,499	Looking cherry as that compressor does, look up you local electric motor builder and work out a trade/buy for a single phase 10-12 horse motor. About 1/2 hour down the road from there is a builder that does the generation plant motors those things are friggin huge!

02-05-2005, 04:51 PM	#18
70c10swb no brain no headache Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Cape Cod MA Posts: 567	all i know is that a 3 stage braker goes for ~$100 nice make-air-pressure device __________________ 1996 GMC Sierra z71 1970 SWB 2wd (project)

02-05-2005, 05:03 PM	#19
tom hand CCRider Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Olive Branch,MS,USA Posts: 2,232	You can build your own 3 phase converter http://www.team.net/www/shop-talk/hm3phase.html __________________ 72 GMC Sierra SWB almost finished---- 84 Softail Olive Branch MS

02-07-2005, 07:35 PM	#20
Bram Broke Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: West Plains,MO Posts: 385	The type I have is a Ronk add a phase. Works awesome. __________________ 72CheyenneSuper1ton4x4BigBlock

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