Phase converters

[sparkync]

Where in the code does it cover "phase converters"? I have a customer who needs 3 phase for a piece of machinery at his plant. I'm assuming that once the right size converter is chosen that the output lines will have to terminate in a 3 phase panel then the OCD (breaker) be installed in it for the machinery in question. Seems like pretty obvious answer to me but wanted to see if I'm missing any "particulars".
Thanks a lot.

 

[ActionDave]

Art. 455 covers phase converters. You don't have to terminate in a three phase panel. There are not a lot of particulars in the article. It's one of the few places left in the code where it stays true to its stated purpose of not being a design manual.

What is the piece of machinery? The only thing the phase converter is going to be good for is running a motor and it's usually easier to change the motor to single phase.

 

[Barney B]

NEC 2020 Art. 455. With no loads other than a motor, I have used a fused safety switch to provide OCPD and MOD.

 

[sparkync]

Thanks for the replies. I guess the breaker ahead of the phase converter will protect the equipment, etc. I will look at Art. 455 when time permits. Thanks for the info.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

If the equipment is a single motor, you may find it cheaper to use an oversized VFD to convert single phase to three phase.