Application Note AP040108EN Effective March 2015
How to set up a single phase input device from a
three phase input for your 230V three phase input
circuit
Introduction
This application notes has been designed to aid in the wiring changes and protection requirements when
converting a three phase input to a single phase input for your 230V system. The PowerXL DE1 variable
speed starter is available in 230V and 460V, however the supply voltage for the 230V version is single
phase in only. It is still a three phase output device to control the three phase motors. This application
note will describe the wiring configuration changes and the changes in the protection requirements.
Important considerations
If the DE1 is installed on one leg of a three phase system, the unfiltered harmonics generated from this
device could cause issues with other equipment within the facility. With three phase operation of a nonlinear load, the tripling harmonics cancel; likewise, with two phase operation of a non-linear load, the even
harmonics cancel. However, there is no cancelation effect with single phase operation which can lead to
significant even order and tripling harmonics. This is more of a concern where the amps drawn from the
single phase drive constitute a significant portion of the total current drawn on that particular leg of the
three phase system. If harmonics are not properly addressed, they can affect other components on the
system and fines can be levied against the facility by the utility.
Power wiring recommendations
Connections must come from a 480 Y transformer on the supply side using one of the phases and the
neutral wire. The other 2 phases can be tapped off or not pulled to this section of the panel. In the case
where a 230V Delta transformer is used on the supply side using two phases are used. The additional
phase tapped off. (see page 17 of DE1 manual for DE1 Supply requirements.)
Figure 1. From left to right: 480V wye connection, 230V delta connection, 230V high leg delta connection
480V Wye Connection
480V
480V
200 -240V
Phase A
Phase C
Phase B
Nuetral
230V Delta Connection
DE1
L1/L
L2/N
200 -240V
200 -240V
Phase A
Phase C
Phase B
L1/L
DE1
L2/N
230V High Leg Delta
Connection
190 208V
115120V
Nuetral
115120V
Phase A
L1/L
200 240V
Phase C
200 240V
Phase B
DE1
L2/N
Application Note AP040108EN Three phase to single phase input conversion
Effective March 2015
2
For FS1 drives, the single phase in must be connected to L1/L and the neutral line in the case of a Wye
transformer bust be connected to L2/L as per Figure 2 below. In the case of a Delta transformer L1 is
connected to phase A and L2/N to phase B. On the left in the figure below, the L3 terminal and the RFI
filter connection terminal are sealed off and not used. Below is shown the connection method for a single
phase DE1.
Figure 2. Incoming DE1 wiring configuration
Table 1. DE1 terminal designation
One final point to mention on proper wiring is that the DE1 must be connected to the power supply
system's protective earth directly at the location of installation (system earthing). This protective earth
must not pass through any other devices. All additional wiring practices should be followed as they would
be for a three phase, standard drive.