[Emc-users] [OT] power factor and VFDs (was "Single Phase Lathe spindle motor question")

[Kent A. R. <kn...@er...>]

On 3/9/2011 7:23 AM, RogerN wrote:
> For what it's worth, I have a lathe with a 7.5HP motor and used a 10HP
> Hitachi VFD like this:
>
> <...>
>
> One time I let the lathe just idle, not cutting anything, the VFD showed 13A
> 3 phase to the motor, the input to the drive was ~5A single phase, the VFD
> handles the power factor problems and draws closer to true power from the
> line.
>
> Roger Neal
Gentle persons:

I don't have a dog in this fight since I don't envision ever advancing 
beyond fractional-horsepower motors at home.

Still, Roger's comment intrigues me. A home-based shop could cause 
mystifying problems in the household if the power factor gets out of 
hand. Do VFDs really make this a non-issue?

Regards,
Kent