COMMERCIAL POWER GUIDE • LAS VEGAS

Commercial Electrical Power Guide for Las Vegas Businesses

Before buying a CNC machine, commercial oven, compressor or other equipment—or signing a commercial lease in Las Vegas—verify the building’s voltage, phase and available electrical capacity. This guide explains 208V versus 240V, single-phase and three-phase power, transformers, phase converters and what to check before you commit.

Avoid an Expensive Purchasing Mistake

Verify the Power Before the Equipment Arrives

PDQ sees businesses purchase expensive CNC machines, commercial ovens, compressors and production equipment before checking the building’s electrical system. The equipment price may be only part of the real project cost.

Do Not Rely Only on a Broker, Seller or Equipment Vendor

A machine may require three-phase power when the building has only single-phase, 480V when the property has 208V, or more capacity than the existing service can provide.

CNC and Manufacturing

Motors, servo drives, controls, internal transformers and electronics may each impose different power-quality requirements.

Commercial Ovens

Large heating loads can require high amperage. A 208V and 240V version of an oven may not perform identically.

Compressors and Machinery

Starting current, motor horsepower and simultaneous operation can determine whether the service is adequate.

Schedule a Free Consultation Before Purchasing

PDQ can compare proposed models with the building’s existing power and help identify equipment that matches the available voltage and phase. When conversion or an upgrade is required, we can explain the electrical scope before you commit.

Send the Specifications

The Equipment Nameplate Determines the Requirements

Send PDQ the manufacturer, model, nameplate and installation manual—not just a sales listing or horsepower number.

Electrical Ratings

Voltage.
Phase.
Full-load amps.
Minimum circuit ampacity.
Maximum overcurrent protection.

Equipment Behavior

Motor horsepower.
Starting current.
Heating load.
Duty cycle.
Simultaneous loads.

Installation Details

Plug connection or hardwired.
Connection diagram.
Disconnect requirements.
Proposed location.
Manufacturer instructions.

Common Commercial Electrical Systems

Single-Phase, Three-Phase and Common Voltages

System	Common Applications	Important Consideration
120/240V Single-Phase	Small shops, offices and light commercial spaces.	Three-phase machinery cannot be connected directly.
120/208V Three-Phase	Offices, retail, restaurants and commercial buildings.	208V is not automatically equivalent to 240V.
277/480V Three-Phase	Warehouses, large HVAC, lighting and industrial loads.	120V loads generally require a step-down transformer and distribution.
240V Three-Phase	Some older commercial and industrial properties.	System configuration and any high leg must be identified.
480V Three-Phase	Large motors and industrial equipment.	Higher voltage increases shock and arc-flash hazards.

Single-Phase Power

Common for offices, small shops and lighter loads. Large motors and industrial equipment may not be available in a practical single-phase configuration.

Three-Phase Power

Common for larger motors, HVAC and production equipment. It can distribute large loads efficiently, but the exact voltage and system configuration must match the machine.

A Frequent Equipment Problem

208V Is Not the Same as 240V

Some equipment is specifically rated for both voltages. Other equipment is not. Never assume the difference is “close enough.” Verify the equipment nameplate and manufacturer requirements before purchase.

Heating Equipment

A resistive appliance designed for 240V may produce less heat when supplied at 208V unless it is also rated for that voltage.

Motors

Motor nameplates, current and manufacturer limits must be checked. Incorrect voltage can affect performance and temperature.

Controls and Electronics

Contactors, power supplies, control transformers and electronics may have narrower voltage requirements than the main motor.

Breaker Space Is Not Capacity

How Much Power Is Actually Available?

An empty breaker position shows physical space. It does not prove that the service, feeder, transformer or panel has capacity for the proposed equipment.

Service and Equipment Ratings

Utility service rating.
Main-breaker size.
Panel and bus rating.
Utility transformer capacity.
Feeder and conductor ratings.

Existing and Planned Demand

Existing connected load.
Calculated demand.
Existing motor loads.
Operating schedules.
Future expansion.

Motor Starting Matters

Compressors, pumps, conveyors, refrigeration and machine tools may draw much more current while starting. A service that carries the running load may still experience voltage drop, nuisance trips or unacceptable equipment behavior during startup.

Correct Phase, Wrong Voltage

When Can a Transformer Solve the Problem?

A transformer changes voltage. It does not convert single-phase power into three-phase power. When the building already has the correct phase, a local transformer may be simpler than changing the entire service.

Useful Transformer Applications

480V three-phase to 208Y/120V.
208V three-phase to compatible 480V loads.
Single-phase voltage conversion.
Machine-control voltage.
A single compatible equipment load.
A small local receptacle or equipment panel.

Transformer Limitations

Does not create three-phase power.
Does not create additional service capacity.
Produces heat and audible hum.
Requires ventilation and working clearance.
Adds primary and secondary protection.
Large units become heavy and difficult to locate.

Small Transformers Can Be Surprisingly Compact

A modest equipment or control load may use a transformer that can be installed near the machine, on a wall or in an appropriate electrical area. The complete installation still needs disconnects, overcurrent protection, conductors, grounding, ventilation and working space.

A Step-Up Transformer Does Not Make Free Capacity

Raising voltage changes the available current relationship, but the source service must still carry the input load plus transformer losses. A 480V machine supplied from a 208V source may require substantial 208V input current.

Single-Phase to Three-Phase Conversion

Phase Converters Are an Imperfect Substitute

Conversion equipment may make a three-phase load usable where utility three-phase service is unavailable, but it is not identical to utility-provided three-phase power. The converter adds capacity demands, complexity and another failure point.

Mixed Motor and Digital Loads Require Particular Care

A CNC machine may combine a large spindle motor, servos, VFDs, PLCs, displays, power supplies, controls and internal transformers. Getting the main motor to turn does not prove that the complete machine is receiving suitable power.

Possible Consequences of Unsuitable Power

PLC resets and machine-control faults.
Servo-drive and VFD alarms.
Communication errors.
Voltage imbalance.
Motor overheating.
Damaged control power supplies.
Nuisance trips and unexplained shutdowns.
Equipment warranty disputes.

Before Considering Conversion

Obtain equipment-manufacturer approval.
Confirm acceptable voltage imbalance.
Confirm harmonic limits.
Review phase sequence and grounding.
Identify neutral and control-power needs.
Confirm starting-current requirements.
Determine warranty implications.
Verify available single-phase input capacity.

Conversion Options

Every Phase-Conversion Method Has Limits

Digital Phase Converters

In PDQ’s field experience, digital converters can become an expensive and unreliable additional electronic system in demanding commercial environments.

Control-board and power-electronics failure.
Heat and cooling-fan problems.
Dust sensitivity.
Specialized troubleshooting.
Parts and service delays.
Production stops if the converter fails.

Rotary Phase Converters

Established and often more tolerant of industrial motor loads, but still not the same as utility three-phase power.

Large, heavy, noisy idler motor.
Voltage balance changes with load.
Sensitive controls may not tolerate the output.
Requires space and ventilation.
Must handle the largest starting load.

Static Phase Converters

May start a motor and then leave it operating at reduced available output. Generally a poor choice for CNC equipment or sensitive digital controls.

Variable-Frequency Drives

A VFD with single-phase input can be useful for one compatible three-phase motor. It is generally not a power source for an entire machine containing controls, heaters, transformers and several motors.

Las Vegas Conditions Matter

Converters generate heat and are often installed in warehouses, shops and dusty production areas. Ambient rating, ventilation, contamination and the consequences of converter failure must be considered.

PDQ’s Preferred Order of Solutions

Start With the Most Reliable and Practical Option

Purchase Equipment Matching the Building’s Power

Choose equipment matching the existing voltage and phase when practical. This often avoids the most expensive electrical modifications.
Obtain Utility-Provided Three-Phase Service

For multiple large machines or production-critical equipment, utility-provided three-phase power may offer the strongest long-term solution when available and practical.
Use a Transformer When Phase Is Correct but Voltage Is Wrong

A transformer is often reliable and straightforward when sufficient source capacity is available.
Use a VFD for One Specifically Compatible Motor

Confirm single-phase-input sizing and the equipment manufacturer’s requirements.
Consider a Properly Engineered Rotary Converter

For suitable motor loads, evaluate voltage balance, starting demand and compatibility with the equipment’s controls.
Review Digital or Static Conversion Carefully

Use these options only after careful manufacturer review. Do not treat converted power as automatically equivalent to utility service.

Utility Service

Can Three-Phase Power Be Added to the Building?

Possibly. NV Energy must determine whether three-phase distribution is available and what utility work is required.

Utility and Electrical Infrastructure

Nearby utility distribution.
Overhead or underground service.
Utility transformer changes.
Primary extensions.
Service conductors and switchgear.

Planning, Approvals and Cost

Utility engineering and lead time.
Easements.
Landlord approval.
Customer-paid utility work.

Consider the long-term needs of the business. For large or multiple three-phase loads, utility service may be preferable to building a business around conversion equipment.

Different Businesses, Different Loads

Where Commercial Capacity Disappears Quickly

Restaurants

Ovens, fryers, dishwashers, refrigeration, exhaust, makeup air, HVAC and water heating can create substantial simultaneous demand.

Warehouses

High-bay lighting, large HVAC, forklift charging, conveyors, compressors and future tenant equipment should be considered together.

Manufacturing

CNC equipment, welders, dust collection, machine tools, hydraulic systems and production schedules affect both running and starting demand.

Commercial EV Charging

Fleet, employee and customer charging can add large continuous loads. Scheduling and load management may avoid unnecessary service expansion.

Refrigeration

Compressors, evaporators, defrost equipment and startup behavior must be included. Shutdown planning is critical for food and product protection.

Large HVAC

Voltage, phase, minimum circuit ampacity, maximum protection and motor starting must match the equipment and distribution system.

Before Leasing or Buying a Space

Electrical Limitations Can Change the Economics of the Property

A low lease rate can become expensive if the building cannot supply the business. Verify electrical conditions before signing whenever power is central to the operation.

Verify the Building’s Electrical System

Request electrical drawings when available.
Photograph service and distribution equipment.
Verify voltage and phase.
Review utility demand information.
List proposed and future equipment.

Confirm Responsibilities and Project Conditions

Determine landlord and tenant responsibilities.
Confirm who pays for upgrades.
Confirm shutdown and access rules.
Identify restoration obligations.
Obtain preliminary utility and electrical scope.

Project Cost

What Makes a Commercial Power Upgrade Expensive?

Utility and Equipment

Utility service work.
Utility transformer changes.
New switchgear or panels.
Equipment lead times.

Installation and Design

Long conductor runs.
Underground trenching.
Core drilling and roof work.
Engineering and permits.
Arc-flash and fault-current requirements.

Business Coordination

Night or weekend shutdowns.
Temporary power.
Tenant and production coordination.

Shutdown Planning Is Part of the Electrical Scope

Consider refrigeration, servers, security, production equipment, network systems and restart sequences. Some upgrades require a planned building shutdown or coordination with NV Energy.

When the Voltage Is Correct but Equipment Still Fails

Commercial Power-Quality Problems

Voltage Conditions

Voltage drop, phase imbalance, transients and motor-starting dips can cause faults or poor performance.

Distribution Problems

Loose connections, damaged equipment, undersized conductors and overloaded neutrals may affect several loads.

Electronic Loads

Harmonics and interactions among drives, controls and power supplies can require more than a basic voltage reading.

Prepare for a Free Consultation

What Should You Send PDQ?

Property Information

Property address.
Panel and switchgear photographs.
Main and service ratings.
Floor plan or layout.

Equipment Details

Equipment nameplates.
Installation manuals.
Equipment quantity and locations.
Approximate circuit distance.

Operating Plans and Timing

Operating schedule.
Simultaneous-use expectations.
Future equipment plans.
Lease or purchase deadline.

PDQ helps compare electrical compatibility and installation requirements. The equipment vendor remains responsible for production capability, process performance and machine-specific operation.

Common Questions

Commercial Power FAQ

How can I tell whether a building has three-phase power?

Labels and breaker layouts provide clues, but PDQ should verify the actual service and voltage. A three-pole breaker alone does not establish that every desired voltage is available.

Can 240V equipment operate on 208V?

Only when the equipment manufacturer permits it. Heating output, motor current and control performance may change.

Can a transformer create three-phase power?

No. A transformer changes voltage while retaining the source phase configuration.

Can a phase converter power a CNC machine?

Possibly, but mixed motor and digital-control loads can be problematic. Obtain machine-manufacturer approval and evaluate power quality, input capacity and warranty requirements.

Does an empty breaker space mean capacity is available?

No. The service, feeder, transformer, panel bus and existing demand must also support the proposed load.

Should PDQ review equipment before I purchase it?

Yes. A free pre-purchase consultation may identify a model compatible with the building and avoid an unnecessary transformer, converter or service upgrade.

FREE COMMERCIAL POWER CONSULTATION

Check the Power Before You Buy

Before purchasing equipment or signing a commercial lease, send PDQ the specifications. We can evaluate the building’s voltage, phase, available capacity and likely installation requirements.