ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area Residential 3 Phase, Why / Why Not?

To a first order approximation, you can get multi-phase power from a single phase source with motor run capacitors. The cap shifts the phase 90 degrees. Such lash-ups are designed and built by the manufacturer of the equipment (fridges, air conditioners and such), and are not usually "visible" to the user in terms of the electrical hookup.