Smart-Boost™ Rotary Phase Converters 101
The Smart-Boost™ digital rotary phase converter converts single-phase power into balanced three-phase power. It adds a digital boost of starting current, so you can run hard-starting three-phase equipment like air compressors, irrigation pumps, and blowers where utility three-phase power is not available.
What is a Smart-Boost™ rotary phase converter?
Some motors are just harder to start. Air compressors, irrigation pumps, fans, blowers, and large flywheel loads demand a surge of power at startup that a standard rotary phase converter may struggle to deliver. The Smart-Boost was built specifically for those situations.
The Smart-Boost™ converts single-phase power to three-phase power and adds a digital boost controller that delivers 300% more starting current to hard-starting motors every time they start, not just during initial startup. If your equipment trips breakers, struggles to start under load, or needs flying restarts, the Smart-Boost is the right converter for the job.
Models are available from 3 HP to 60 HP. Built in the USA and backed by a 10-year parts/lifetime labor warranty.
How does a Smart-Boost™ rotary phase converter work?
The Smart-Boost is built for hard-starting loads. Every motor has a Full-Load Amps (FLA) rating on its nameplate, which is the current it draws from the power supply while running at its rated HP. When a hard-starting three-phase motor first turns on, it can draw six to eight times that amount, and a single-phase supply cannot deliver that surge to three-phase equipment on its own. Some machines also start under load, meaning the motor has to overcome resistance from the moment it is switched on.
A rotary phase converter works by spinning an idler generator to generate three-phase power from a single-phase source, delivering balanced three-phase output to your machinery. The Smart-Boost adds a digitally controlled, solid-state boost circuit. Inside the control panel, start capacitors re-engage each time a motor starts to push extra current to the load motor, so it can turn a hard-starting load from a dead stop without stalling, tripping breakers, or overheating.
Because it delivers this extra current on every start, the Smart-Boost handles equipment that a static phase converter or a variable-frequency drive cannot, and it can run multiple loads from a single unit rather than one motor at a time. Unlike a basic static phase converter, which only helps a motor start and then runs it at reduced power, the Smart-Boost the Smart-Boost runs one or multiple machines at full horsepower, giving you a cost-effective setup without sacrificing performance.
How do I choose the right Smart-Boost™ digital rotary phase converter for my equipment?
The Smart-Boost is the right choice for hard-starting and high-inertia motor loads.
Air Compressors
Typical Equipment: Piston air compressors
Why the Smart-Boost line suits it: Often require a very large amount of current and torque during startup, and consist of many heavy moving parts.
Farms and Agricultural Operations
Typical Equipment: Irrigation pumps; grain processing equipment (grain dryers, mixers, bucket elevators, conveyors); augers
Why the Smart-Boost line suits it: Some agricultural equipment has to overcome high inertia at startup. An irrigation pump, for example, moves water from a low source, such as a lake or well, through pipes to the field. The motor has to overcome significant resistance to move that water upward, which is why it benefits from the Smart-Boost.
Woodworking Shop
Typical Equipment: Widebelt sanders; dust collectors; blowers
Why the Smart-Boost line suits it: Most woodworking equipment can run on a Pro-Line phase converter, but some woodworking loads are hard-starting and demand heavy torque at startup. For example, a dust collector draws contaminated air through internal fans or blowers for filtration. When the motor starts, it has to turn the fan from a dead stop and overcome significant rotational inertia.
Automotive Shop
Typical Equipment: Spray booth; car lift (hydraulic or mechanical)
Why the Smart-Boost line suits it: Car lifts raise heavy vehicles and need to overcome substantial resistance. The Smart-Boost handles the high inrush current these loads draw.
Pump Applications
Typical Equipment: Hydraulic pumps; submersible pumps
Why the Smart-Boost line suits it: Moving fluid upward from a standstill means the motor has to overcome high inertia at startup. A pump deals with resistance the moment it starts, and draws higher inrush current for longer than lighter loads.
Quick Sizing Guidelines for the Smart-Boost™ Digital Phase Converters
Proper sizing is critical: an undersized unit struggles to sustain three-phase output, runs hot, and wears out early. Sizing is based on the horsepower (or amperage) of your largest motor and how hard it is to start. Use the tool or the chart below, or call us at 877-545-2926 for free sizing help.
Quick Sizing Chart for the Smart-Boost™ Digital Phase Converters
| Smart-Boost™ Rotary Converter Model | Motor Loads (Horsepower) | CNC, Resistive & Inductive Loads | Shop | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easy | Med | Hard | Very Hard | Total Amps | Total kVA | Total kW | Spindle HP | ||
| SB-3 | 2 | 2 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 4 | 1.6 | 1.1 | 1.5 | Shop Now |
| SB-5 | 3 | 3 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 7 | 2.9 | 1.7 | 2.5 | Shop Now |
| SB-7 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 11 | 4.5 | 2.2 | 3 | Shop Now |
| SB-10 | 7.5 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 15 | 6 | 3.7 | 5 | Shop Now |
| SB-15 | 10 | 10 | 7.5 | 7.5 | 20 | 8 | 5.6 | 7.5 | Shop Now |
| SB-20 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 25 | 11 | 7.7 | 10 | Shop Now |
| SB-25 | 20 | 15 | 12.5 | 12.5 | 30 | 13 | 9.5 | 12 | Shop Now |
| SB-30 | 25 | 20 | 15 | 15 | 37 | 15 | 11.8 | 15 | Shop Now |
| SB-40 | 30 | 25 | 20 | 20 | 50 | 21 | 15.5 | 20 | Shop Now |
| SB-50 | 40 | 30 | 25 | 25 | 61 | 25 | 21.5 | 25 | Shop Now |
| SB-60 | 50 | 40 | 30 | 30 | 72 | 30 | 26.5 | 30 | Shop Now |
How do I size and install a Smart-Boost™ digital rotary phase converter?
Watch our step-by-step sizing and installation walkthrough below. Prefer to talk it through? Call 877-545-2926, and we will help you find the right converter for your setup.