North America Smart-Boost SB-20 Rotary Phase Converter

Smart-Boost SB-20 Digital Rotary Phase Converter

The Smart-Boost SB-20 is an industrial-grade digital rotary phase converter designed to solve one of the most common and costly problems in three-phase equipment, hard motor starts. Using Smart-Boost digital control technology, it can deliver up to 600 percent additional current during startup, giving demanding motors the surge they need to start cleanly and reliably.

This system is built for serious equipment that pushes beyond the limits of standard rotary phase converters. If motors downstream struggle to start, stall under load, or require repeated attempts to come online, the SB-20 is designed specifically to address that issue.

Designed for Heavy Industrial Startup Loads

The SB-20 is well suited for larger hard-starting motors used in air compressors, submersible pumps, flywheels, gearhead lathes, and other high-inertia three-phase equipment. These machines often demand far more current at startup than during normal operation, which is where conventional converters fall short.

Smart-Boost technology actively supports these moments by delivering extra current only when needed, helping motors overcome initial resistance without overstressing the electrical system.

How Smart-Boost Digital Control Works

At the core of the SB-20 is a Smart-Boost digital controller that uses solid-state relays to re-energize start capacitors at zero-degree crossing on the sine wave. This precise timing allows the system to surge additional current to the motor during startup while minimizing electrical noise and harmonic distortion.

In real terms, this means stronger, more reliable motor starts and cleaner overall power behavior, especially in demanding industrial environments.

Smooth Starts and Efficient Power Delivery

The SB-20 includes soft-start functionality to reduce mechanical and electrical shock during startup. Motors ramp up smoothly instead of pulling abruptly, which helps extend the service life of both the equipment and the phase converter.

Its low-impedance, high-efficiency design supports effective power transfer, resulting in better motor response and more predictable operation under heavy load.

Integrated Controls and Built-In Protection

The Smart-Boost SB-20 features an integrated control panel with a built-in motor starter and solid-state relay. Startup and operation are handled automatically, keeping the system straightforward to use even with demanding industrial machinery.

All components are housed in a NEMA 1 indoor-rated enclosure, intended for clean, dry environments where accessibility and protection are both important.

Industrial Components Built for Long-Term Operation

At the heart of the system is an idler and generator motor from ABB Baldor, widely trusted in industrial applications for durability and long service life. Self-healing, oil-filled motor start and run capacitors support consistent performance over time, even with repeated heavy startups.

Combined with solid-state digital control, these components make the SB-20 a long-term solution rather than a temporary workaround.

What’s Included

• Smart-Boost SB-20 digital rotary phase converter

• Integrated control panel

• Built-in motor starter

• Solid-state relay

• Digitally controlled system with 600 percent current boost capability

• Self-healing oil-filled motor start and run capacitors

• ABB Baldor idler-generator motor

• NEMA 1 indoor-rated enclosure

• Soft-start functionality

• Low-impedance, high-efficiency design

• 10-year parts warranty with lifetime labor support

Ideal For

• Large hard-starting air compressors

• Submersible pumps and pump systems

• Gearhead lathes and flywheel-driven machinery

• High-inertia or heavy-load three-phase motors

• Industrial environments where startup reliability is critical

Reliable Startup Power for Demanding Equipment

The Smart-Boost SB-20 is built for operations where startup performance determines whether equipment runs smoothly or becomes a constant operational issue. By delivering intelligent, high-current support precisely when it’s needed, it provides a dependable way to run demanding three-phase equipment from single-phase power.

Energy Systems Central supplies power solutions designed for real industrial challenges. The Smart-Boost SB-20 reflects that approach, precise, robust, and engineered for equipment that needs more than standard phase conversion.