Single Phase vs. Three Phase for new tools

[Mike Henderson]

I believe amp draw for 10Hp at 240V/1phase is typically 40 amps. That's #8 AWG wire.

15Hp at 240V/1phase is typically 60 amps. That's #6 AWG wire.

...And both assume you're not running it to the back-40 (I think sizes are for 50ft or less??). If you need it, I hope you own a copper mine!

Whether the motor is running at single phase or 3 phase, it will require the same power to produce the same HP. So assuming the same input voltage, the total current will be the same for either single phase or 3 phase. But with the 3 phase, the current will be divided over three wires, instead of two as in single phase. So you could use smaller wire for the 3 phase, but you have to run an additional wire.

I would guess that the total amount of copper is about the same for either.

Mike

[Ross Canant]

once you go three phase you will never go back. Opens up more choices, better machines especially on the used market, larger motors, fewer problems. VFD's are great for a few machines, but if you have a shop full, and RPC or better yet, a Phase Perfect, is the way to go. Dave

+2. RPCs are easy to wire. Once you have 3 phase the whole world of cheaper industrial machinery opens up. I have a ton of 3 phase machinery now. It goes cheap at auction because most people can't power it.