1.Power range and applicable models

Single-phase motor

Power range: usually used for low-power air compressors (generally ≤3kW, home or light commercial use).

Applicable models: small piston air compressors, portable air compressors, home or DIY tool supporting equipment.

Features: The voltage is 220V, relying on single-phase AC, suitable for homes or small workshops where three-phase electricity is lacking.

Three-phase motor

Power range: wide coverage (0.75kW~hundreds of kW), the mainstream choice for medium and large industrial air compressors.

Applicable models: screw air compressors, large piston air compressors, centrifugal air compressors, etc.

Features: The voltage is 380V (domestic), suitable for factories, workshops and other places with three-phase electricity, with high power and high stability.

2.Efficiency and energy consumption

Single-phase motor

The efficiency is low (about 50%~70%), because the capacitor phase separation is required for starting, there is energy loss.

The heat is more obvious when running for a long time, which is suitable for intermittent work (such as home scenes).

Three-phase motor

High efficiency (75%~95%), balanced three-phase current, uniform magnetic field, and low energy consumption.

Suitable for industrial scenes with continuous operation, more energy-saving for long-term use.

3.Starting performance

Single-phase motor

Needs starting capacitor or centrifugal switch assistance, and the starting torque is small (about 1.5~2 times the rated torque).

Frequent starting may cause capacitor aging, affecting life.

Three-phase motor

Direct starting has a large starting torque (up to 2~3 times the rated torque), or star-delta voltage reduction starting can be used to reduce impact.

Suitable for load starting, such as high-pressure working conditions of large air compressors

 4.Cost and maintenance

Single-phase motor

Low initial cost, but high electricity cost in long-term operation (low efficiency).

Easy maintenance, but capacitors need to be replaced regularly.

Three-phase motor

High initial cost (motor and supporting switchgear are more expensive), but low long-term energy cost.

Simple structure (no capacitor), longer life, but requires professional electrician maintenance.

5.Typical application scenarios

Single-phase motor air compressor

Home decoration, car tire inflation, small pneumatic tools.

Temporary construction sites, remote areas without three-phase electricity.

Three-phase motor air compressor

Factory production lines, machinery manufacturing, chemical industry and other continuous air supply needs.

Large-scale spray painting equipment, CNC machine tools and other high-pressure and high-flow scenarios.