Can you run 480v 60hz motor on 440v 50hz system?

Answer 1

As long as they're the same voltage, yes it will, but probably not for long. A lot depends on what type of appliance you're using. For instance, if it's an electric stove, you'd probably be OK, but if it has a clock, expect it to run slow. And even that too, dependfs on what type of electric stove it is. The problem is that at the lower frequency, the device has to draw more power in able to do the same amount of work that it would at 60 Hz. Because of that, some motors, electronically controlled devices and the like, tend to overheat as a result. For a window fan, it's probably no big problem (although I'd keep an eye on it until I knew for sure) but for something that's `frequency dependent', like a refrigerator compressor, I'd think you'd just be asking for problems. Usually during the day, voltages and frequency of the U.S. system varies in both frequency and voltage. A `brown-out' usually happens when the voltage falls below 80 volts, as compared to the nominal 117 volts. But too, so does the frequency. Tis is mainly because of industrial usage during the day, along with air conditioners and the like. Late at night though, it's usually closest to where it's supposed to be. Does it work? Will it work? Yes. The question is: For how long.

Answer 2

I've seen it done. Be sure you have the correct voltage going to the motor. A 50 Hz motor was probably used in the UK, or other parts of Europe. They use 240V/50 Hz. So your motor will probably need 240V too. Check the motor's nameplate.

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Answer 3

Yes, As long as the v/f ratio is same 460/60 =7.6 and 380/60= 7.6. But of course you have to ask the minimum speed this motor could run since it will cause overheating of winding when using VFD.

Answer 4

This is a common question and unfortunately the answer is very complicated. As the frequency of the motor drops the current that flows in the motor rises so it is important to drop the input voltage to avoid damaging the motor. This is usually done in a linear fashion so this 60hz motor running at 50hz should be run at 50/60*480V = 400 volts. So no this motor cannot be run on a 50hz 440v system. It is also important to realise a 60hz motor running on a 50 Hz supply will rotate at 3000RPM not 3600RPM, so it will be slower as well. Finally due to the voltage being less the motor will not be able to produce the same power as it could on a 60hz supply, so it usually isn't worth it anyway.

Answer 5

Yes, the motor will be ok but it will run 20% faster and this might damage the equipment it is driving.