- Joined
- Apr 19, 2013
- Messages
- 78
A balanced RPC isn't cheap so I am making sure I buy all the proper parts to hook this up to get maximum efficiency and life. .
to the contrary,
a balanced rpc can be achieved by adding a couple of Run Capacitors between phases.
i recently balanced a 7.5 hp RPC for less than $35 in capacitors. it really doesn't get much cheaper.
for reference, a 5 hp RPC can be made more efficient by adding an 80uf run cap between the generated leg and 1 hot leg.
then add a 60uf run cap between the 2 hot legs , you'll see the voltage will be within 10% between legs loaded.
10% is considered balanced.[/QUOTE]
Well considering I didn't build it . It cost me $450 which is a pretty good deal but still a good chunk of change so I don't want to screw it up. I just met with the owner and builder today and he explained about how all the parts work . The motor starter in the unit is to allow the starter caps to be on and then cut off and it is controlled with the relays . And like you said the run capacitors help to balance the power . So it was pretty interesting to learn about it all! The time delay switch in there is for the start caps as well.
I returned the momentary switch because I really didn't need it or the extra cost of buying contractors and heaters . I guess I could have done some salvage finds but really I just needed the disconnect . I bought a knife type disconnect which was fusible and put the 20amp fusetronic time delay fuses in it and I will control the RPC with that. Maybe one day I will try my hand at building a RPC for the fun of it. I will need another one in the larger shop I'm building behind my garage . I really learned a lot In the past night! Thank you guys for helping me out. I will post photos after I get it all hooked up . I'm building the frame to mount the motor on the wall tonight or tomorrow .