Smart-Phase Digital Rotary Phase Converters
Smart-Phase™ digital rotary phase converters deliver the tightest voltage balance in our rotary range, keeping all three legs within 2-3% as loads change. An 8-stage automatic voltage regulation (AVR) controller makes Smart-Phase the single-phase-to-three-phase converter of choice for CNC mills and lathes, VFD-driven motors, and electronics-heavy machines that need clean, balanced three-phase power. Choose from six models, SP-5 to SP-40, each built in New Berlin, Wisconsin, and shipped pre-wired and ready to install.
- Lifetime Warranty
- Made in the USA
- BBB A+
- Sizing Guarantee
- 24/7 Free Lifetime Support
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Smart-Phase Rotary Phase Converter Features
Control Panel Features
- Smart-Phase™ Digital Controller
- AVR Active Digital Voltage Balance System
- CNC Voltage Balancing
- 300% Motor Starting Boost Current
- Built-In Motor Starter with Start/Stop Switch
- Complete Phase Power Failure Protection
- Distribution Block Connections
- Power "ON" Indicator Light
- Lifetime Warranties
- Made in the USA
Idler Motor Features
- Custom-Designed Smart-Phase™ Idler Generators
- Manufactured by ABB / Baldor Electric
- Low Impedance/High-Efficiency Design
- Laminated Copper Windings and Rotor
- Sealed Bearings
Available Upgrades
- NEMA 3R Outdoor Rated Enclosures
- UL-Listing Options
- Wireless Remote Starters
- Automatic Controls
- Power Time Delays
The Smart-Phase controller is a solid-state control system that watches the voltage on every leg and corrects it in real time. This is why Smart-Phase can feed CNC controls and VFDs that would fault on a less tightly regulated converter.
- VDT™ Voltage Differential Technology monitors and balances phase-to-phase voltages
- Multi-stage automatic voltage regulation holds 2-3% balance under all load conditions
- Zero-crossing power switching generates three-phase power with high precision and efficiency
- Adjustable voltage pick-up and gap settings for fine control on your specific equipment
The 8-stage AVR system switches capacitance in and out as your loads change, so voltage stays balanced whether one machine is running or several are running at once. That makes Smart-Phase a strong fit for shops running multiple loads simultaneously.
- 8-stage automatic voltage regulation for precise balance across all three legs
- Durable solid-state switches rated for double current and 1,600 volts
- Voltage synchronization when power re-engages
- Self-healing, high-voltage rated oil-filled motor run capacitors
Smart-Phase detects when a downstream motor starts and instantly supplies a current boost, so motors accelerate quickly without dragging down voltage for the rest of your motors and equipment.
- Up to 300% boost current for fast motor acceleration
- High-current, 1,600-volt SCR switches for long service life
- Voltage synchronization when start capacitors reconnect
- Flying restarts supported
- Self-healing oil-filled motor starting capacitors
Every rotary phase converter needs a way to start, and Smart-Phase includes it in the price. The magnetic motor starter is built into the enclosure, with the Start/Stop switch on the front cover for easy access.
- Self-contained magnetic motor starter included
- No separate starter to buy or wire
- Front-mounted Start/Stop switch for easy access
The digital starting relay uses differential voltage sensing to detect exactly when the idler is up to speed, then disconnects the starting circuit. It is the same relay used across our Pro-Line rotary phase converters.
- Differential voltage sensing for precise start circuit disconnect
- Over-voltage protection
- Safety time-out
Each Smart-Phase idler generator is custom-wound by ABB / Baldor to work with the Smart-Phase controller. Its low-impedance design produces a strong generated leg, which supports tight voltage balance.
- Purpose-built for the Smart-Phase™ digital controller
- Low-impedance design for a strong, stable generated leg
- Custom windings for greater than 96% efficiency with very low standby losses
- Sealed bearings for low maintenance
The controls and idler generator ship together in one enclosure, pre-wired, so installation is two wires in and three wires out.
- NEMA 1 (indoor) or NEMA 3R (outdoor) enclosures
- Fully pre-wired for faster installation
Smart-Phase™ digital rotary phase converters are built at our New Berlin, Wisconsin facility by a UL 508A-certified panel builder.
- UL 508A panel shop construction (not every panel is UL-listed; UL-listing is available as an upgrade)
- Clean internal layout for easy inspections
- DIN rail-mounted components and twist-and-release capacitors
Sizing the Right Smart-Phase Model
Start with the largest motor you need to start, and check it against the Single Motor Start HP column. Then add up the running amps of every machine that will run at the same time and make sure the total sits within the model’s sizing and max capacity amps. For CNC machines, size by the machine’s total amperage draw from the nameplate or manual, rather than spindle horsepower alone. If you are between two sizes, or you plan to add equipment later, size up.
Every order is backed by our sizing guarantee. Call 877-545-2926, and our application engineers will confirm the right Smart-Phase model for your equipment before you buy.
Smart-Phase Model Comparison and Pricing Chart
Every Smart-Phase model shares the same digital controller and AVR system. Choose your model by the horsepower of your largest motor and the total amps of everything you run at once.
Still have more questions? Contact us by phone (877-545-2926) or email ([email protected]).
Installing a Smart-Phase Single-Phase to Three-Phase Rotary Converter
Every Smart-Phase ships fully pre-wired in its all-in-one enclosure, so you connect two wires from your single-phase utility power and three wires to your equipment or panel. Your single-phase supply circuit should be sized to the Single Phase Min. Circuit Size shown in the chart for your model. Choose NEMA 1 for indoor locations or NEMA 3R for outdoor installs, and mount the motor on its rubber feet or on casters.
We recommend installation by a licensed electrician, following the NEC and your local codes. Full wiring instructions are in our installation manuals, and our team is available by phone if you have questions during installation.
Smart-Phase Converter FAQs
Both are digital rotary phase converters with a boost circuit that helps downstream motors start. The difference is voltage control. Smart-Phase adds an 8-stage AVR system that keeps all three legs within 2-3%, making it the choice for CNC machines, VFDs, and electronics. Smart-Boost focuses on starting power for hard-starting motor loads, so if your main load is a compressor, pump, or fan with no sensitive electronics, it is the more economical fit.
Choose Smart-Phase if you want a rotary design with a strong motor starting boost. Its idler generator produces the third leg of power as a natural sine wave, and the AVR controller keeps that leg balanced as loads change. Choose the TritonPro Maxx, a fully solid-state digital converter that builds all three legs electronically, if you need the cleanest power quality we offer and quiet operation with no rotating idler. Call 877-545-2926, and we will help you compare the two for your equipment.
Yes! The AVR system adjusts to varying loads as machines switch on and off, so a single, correctly sized Smart-Phase can run several machines at once while holding voltage balance for sensitive equipment. Balanced voltage delivers consistent performance and keeps motors running cooler, which helps extend equipment life. Size your model to the combined running amps of everything that will run together.
No. A static converter only helps a 3-phase motor start, then leaves it running on single-phase power at about two-thirds of its rated horsepower. It doesn’t generate a third leg, so it cannot supply the three-phase power CNC controls and VFDs need. For CNC machining, Smart-Phase provides full rotary phase conversion with the tight voltage balance that those controls depend on.
Need Help Selecting and Sizing the Right Smart-Phase? Call Us!
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Our application engineers size every order before it ships. If you are not sure which model is right for your equipment, call us before you buy.