60 HP Rotary Phase Converter — Who It's For

The GP60NL is a heavy industrial converter designed for large-scale operations where utility 3-phase power isn't available or isn't cost-effective to bring in. At 60 HP total running capacity with 30 HP single-motor starting capability, this unit powers the kind of equipment found in production machine shops, commercial manufacturing facilities, and large agricultural operations.

Common installations include:

• Production machine shops with multiple CNC machining centers, large lathes (20+ HP spindles), and supporting equipment
• Large woodworking and millwork plants running industrial moulders, wide-belt sanders, timber processors, and automated material handling
• Agricultural facilities powering large irrigation systems (25–30 HP pumps), grain elevators, feed processing, and cold storage
• Quarry and mining operations running crushers, conveyors, vibrating screens, and wash plants
• Large commercial operations including laundry facilities, food processing plants, and industrial refrigeration
• Oil and gas field operations powering pump jacks, compressors, and auxiliary equipment in remote locations

What the GP60NL Can Power

With 60 HP of total running capacity and the ability to start a single motor up to 30 HP, the GP60NL handles serious industrial loads:

• A 25 HP CNC machining center + a 20 HP air compressor + a 10 HP coolant system + chip conveyors
• Multiple production machines totaling 60 HP running simultaneously — common in job shops and contract manufacturers
• A 30 HP irrigation pump with full 3-phase control and monitoring systems
• A 20 HP planer + a 15 HP moulder + a 15 HP dust collection system + auxiliary equipment

Sizing Context

The GP60NL is the right choice when your largest single motor is 30 HP or less and total running load stays under 60 HP. For operations with hard-starting loads — hermetic compressors, heavily loaded conveyors, or CNC spindles that start under cut — consider our DualZone models with patented starting technology. If your loads exceed 60 HP or you need to start motors larger than 30 HP, step up to our 75 HP or 100 HP converters.

Installation Overview — GP60NL

The GP60NL is an NL (No Link) model. At 60 HP, shipping the 782 lb idler motor separately makes the NL option particularly attractive — you can source a suitable motor locally and avoid the freight cost on a heavy item.

Key Installation Requirements

• Input Power: 230V single-phase
• Minimum Service Size: 75 KVA (300A) — this typically requires a dedicated 3-wire 300A service or a 400A panel with adequate capacity
• Breaker Size: 100A minimum, 300A maximum — heavy-duty double-pole breaker
• Single-Phase Supply Wire: 3/0 AWG copper (for runs under 50 feet). For runs over 50 feet, 4/0 AWG or 250 MCM may be required per NEC voltage drop requirements
• Idler Motor Wire: 1 AWG copper between panel and idler motor
• Idler Motor: 60 HP, 1800 RPM, 3-phase motor (NEMA 364T frame). Weight: approximately 782 lbs (17" × 17" × 28")
• Foundation: At 782 lbs, the idler motor requires a reinforced concrete pad (minimum 6" thick, 30" × 30") with embedded anchor bolts. Vibration isolation mounts are recommended.

Professional installation required. At 60 HP with 300A service requirements and 3/0 AWG wiring, this installation should be performed by a licensed electrician familiar with industrial power distribution. Full wiring diagrams and procedures in our installation manual. For a complete, factory-tested system, consider the GP60PL (Pre-Linked).

Why Phoenix Phase Converters?

• Lifetime Warranty: A 60 HP converter is a significant capital investment. Our lifetime warranty means you buy it once.
• 90-Day Money-Back Guarantee: Even at this size, we stand behind our product with a full refund guarantee.
• American-Made Quality: Designed and built in Phoenix, AZ by Daniel Floreancig and his team — over 50 years of phase conversion expertise.
• Industrial-Grade Components: At 60 HP, component quality is everything. We use oversized contactors, properly rated capacitor banks, and heavy-gauge bus bars because the cost of a failure at this power level is measured in thousands of dollars of downtime.
• Application Engineering: We don't just sell you a box. We help you plan the installation, size the service, and integrate the converter with your specific equipment. Call us.

Frequently Asked Questions — 60 HP Phase Converter

Is it cheaper to install a 60 HP converter or get utility 3-phase service?

In most cases, the converter is far cheaper. Utility 3-phase service installation typically runs $15,000–$50,000+ depending on distance from the nearest 3-phase line, and involves monthly demand charges whether you use it or not. A rotary phase converter is a one-time purchase with no ongoing utility premium. For rural properties where the nearest 3-phase line is miles away, a converter is often the only practical option at any price.

Can I run the converter 24/7?

Yes. Phoenix rotary phase converters are designed for continuous duty operation. Many agricultural and industrial customers run their converters around the clock. The idler motor is rated for continuous duty (S1), and the panel components are sized for sustained operation. Just ensure adequate ventilation for the idler motor and keep the panel clean.

What's the power quality like for sensitive equipment?

The GP60NL produces clean, balanced 3-phase power suitable for most industrial equipment. Voltage balance is typically within 2–3% across phases under load. For equipment with extremely sensitive electronics — high-end CNC controllers, precision measurement instruments — our digital GPX series provides tighter voltage regulation through microprocessor-controlled phase balancing.