Getting my Model 5 to run

[HDN]

Last summer, I acquired a late 40s/early 50s Federal Enterprises Model 5. Now that it's getting warmer out, I plan on working on getting it running. I'm hoping to have the siren running by July 4 this year.

Since my Model 5 needs 240 V 3-phase power, I need to get a phase convertor of some sort. I have a 240 V outlet in my barn from which I run a compressor and an arc welder. Does anyone have recommendations for a phase converter?

I've read about variable frequency drives being used for the sirens, but my concern is that from my limited experience in the HVAC industry, VFDs will create arcing in the motor bearings, which pits the bearings and wrecks them over time. Is that really a concern with these sirens, especially with older 3-phase AC motors?

[Model L]

idk of any phase converter that supplies enough amps.

[Wdr]

You probably won’t run it long enough for bearing damage, more of a long term thing from my understanding. Old winding a bigger concern, use a load reactor on the drive. If going rotary just get a cheap three phase motor and build your own. With the 50a outlets drive probably would be better. Don’t use a static converter for a siren.

[HDN]

When sizing a VFD for phase converting, should it be twice the horsepower of my Model 5? Also, can all VFDs convert single phase to 3 phase?

[Chem_Boffin_6589]

Last summer, I acquired a late 40s/early 50s Federal Enterprises Model 5. Now that it's getting warmer out, I plan on working on getting it running. I'm hoping to have the siren running by July 4 this year.

Since my Model 5 needs 240 V 3-phase power, I need to get a phase convertor of some sort. I have a 240 V outlet in my barn from which I run a compressor and an arc welder. Does anyone have recommendations for a phase converter?

I've read about variable frequency drives being used for the sirens, but my concern is that from my limited experience in the HVAC industry, VFDs will create arcing in the motor bearings, which pits the bearings and wrecks them over time. Is that really a concern with these sirens, especially with older 3-phase AC motors?

I wouldn't go with a VFD myself. It would probably better to go rotary with a 3 phase motor that's bigger than the one on the siren, as mentioned earlier.

[Wdr]

As far as rotary, for a siren go twice the hp at a minimum. More is better.