Fig. 2,019.—Diagram showing a method of operating a three phase motor on a two phase circuit, using a transformer having a tap made in the middle of the secondary winding, so as to get the necessary additional phase. While this does not give a true balanced three phase secondary, it is close enough for motor work. In the above arrangement, the main transformer supplies 54 per cent. of the current and the other with the split winding 46 per cent.

It is well to allow one kilowatt per horse power of the motor in selecting the size for the transformers, excepting in the small sizes when a little larger kilowatt rating is found to be the most desirable.

Transformers for Two and Three Phase Motors
Delivered voltage of circuitSingle phase transformer voltages
110 volt motor220 volt motor
Primary Secondary Primary Secondary
1,100 1,100 122 1,100 244
2,200 2,200 122 2,200 244

Very small transformers should not be used, even when the motor is large compared to the work it has to do, as the heavy starting current may burn them out.

The following tables give the proper sizes of transformer for three types of induction motor and the approximate current taken by three phase induction motors at 220 volts.

Capacities of Transformers for Induction Motors
Size of motor horse powerKilowatts per transformer
Two single phase transformers Three single phase transformers One three phase transformers
1 0.6 0.6
2 1.5 1.0 2.0
3 2.0 1.5 3.0
5 3.0 2.0 5.0
7 4.0 3.0 7.5
10 5.0 4.0 10.0
15 7.5 5.0 15.0
20 10.0 7.5 20.0
30 15.0 10.0 30.0
50 25.0 15.0 50.0
75 40.0 25.0 75.0
100 50.0 30.0 100.0
Horse power of motorApproximate full load currentHorse power of motorApproximate full load current
1 3.2 20 50.
2 6.0 30 75.
3 9.0 50 125.
5 14.0 75 185.
10 27.0 100 250.
15 40.0 150 370.

Transformer Connections for Motors.—Fig. 2,020 shows the connection of a three phase so called delta connected transformer with the three primaries connected to the lines leading from the alternator and the three secondaries leading to the motor.