Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] 3-Phase motor running from Single Phase Supply ?

Chris Hellyar wrote:

> Is it a major task to get 3 phase in some other parts of the world where
> people are posting from?

In the US, 3 phase power is generally only available to industrial
areas. If you wanted it in a residence, you would have to pay the entire
cost of stringing up the power lines from wherever the nearest 3 phase
power was to your location. As most power companies are unionized, just
the labor alone could run into the tens of thousands of dollars. Even if
you were willing to pay the cost, the next problem you'll have is from
the zoning authorities. I don't know how things work in NZ, but in the
US different areas are designated for different uses such as residential
(houses), commercial (stores), and industrial (machine shops, etc.).
It's illegal in most areas to have machine shop in your home, if you do
work for hire. If you're strictly a hobbyist, that's probably OK, as
long as the neighbors don't complain about the noise, smell, or tractor
trailers delivering steel and machinery to your house. The local zoning
board (which would find out about your 3 phase power installation from
the permit you would need for the electrical work) might get the idea
that having three phase power puts your operation beyond the "hobbyist
class". Also, the inspector that comes to check the wiring might rat you
out to the zoning department if he looks around at your shop and thinks
you've got some type of business going in your home. The worst case is
that they take you to court, fine you a couple grand, and force you to
get rid of your machinery.

All that said, I know of lots of machine shops in houses (mostly small
commercial job shops ;) ). They "get away with it" by keeping a low
profile and camouflaging their operation as best they can. As an
example, I never leave my garage door open because I don't want anyone
to see my machines and decide to notify the authorities. Actually, I
live in an older neighborhood and my neighbors could care less what I do
(and I, them), but in the newer neighborhoods that have community
organizations and restrictive covenants (rules you have to follow such
as what color you are allowed to paint your front door), you could have
real trouble.

In short, yes, it's a major task.

Matt (who lives in the land of the free, sort of...)