Abstract: A relatively compact static phase converter is adapted to be disposed within the housing of an appliance, such as a refrigeration unit, making it thus suitable for residential as well as commercial applications. The static phase converter is formed as a modular unit to occupy a relatively small volume, for example, 0.5 cubic feet or less, and is adapted to be disposed adjacent the compressor compartment in a typical refrigeration unit with minimal modification. The static converter includes a balancing coil adapted to be coupled across a source of single phase electrical power, such as 120 volts AC. Two phases of a three phase electrical motor are adapted to be connected in parallel across the balancing coil. The third phase is adapted to be connected to the center phase by way of a running capacitor. Starting circuitry which includes a starting capacitor as well as a control relay is included.