400 volt 50 hertz

[ELECTRICAL SYSTEM'S]

Customer purchased new machine, calls for 400 volt 3 phase 50 hertz. Sales rep is telling me that it will run on 480 volt 3 phase 60 hertz. I only have 3 phase 208 volt in building. Should I be searching for a 400 volt 50 hertz
x former or 480 volt 60 hertz x former.
The problem is how long will this machine last at 480 volt?
Also this machine is portable to 5 locations, 1 location has 480 volts.

 

[petersonra]

Customer purchased new machine, calls for 400 volt 3 phase 50 hertz. Sales rep is telling me that it will run on 480 volt 3 phase 60 hertz. I only have 3 phase 208 volt in building. Should I be searching for a 400 volt 50 hertz
x former or 480 volt 60 hertz x former.
The problem is how long will this machine last at 480 volt?
Also this machine is portable to 5 locations, 1 location has 480 volts.

A motor designed to run at 400V/50Hz, will also normally run OK at 480/60Hz, and vice versa. Note that the Volts/Hz ratio is the same.

A transformer cannot change the power frequency. It can only change the voltage. You need a 208 to 480 transformer.

 

[brian john]

The only stipulation I might ask for is a letter from the manufacture stating this in writing, Should there be an issue later and you do it word of mouth the manufacture may said you mis-interpeted him.

 

[dbuckley]

Also note that whilst a 400V 50Hz motor may be happy on 480V 60Hz, if there are any control systems or other "stuff" they will probably not be so happy. 400V is the European standard, and in Europe machines with "stuff" than just a motor usually have a neutral, for 230V phase / neutral voltage, for the control systems, working lamps etc.

 

[petersonra]

Also note that whilst a 400V 50Hz motor may be happy on 480V 60Hz, if there are any control systems or other "stuff" they will probably not be so happy. 400V is the European standard, and in Europe machines with "stuff" than just a motor usually have a neutral, for 230V phase / neutral voltage, for the control systems, working lamps etc.

Most Euro control stuff is 24VDC these days due to the low voltage directive. The power supply will most likely not care one iota about the different voltage or frequency input.

 

[mdshunk]

I'm seeing a 110.4 problem without an amended data plate or letter from the manufacturer of the equipment.

 

[dbuckley]

Most Euro control stuff is 24VDC these days due to the low voltage directive. The power supply will most likely not care one iota about the different voltage or frequency input.

Maybe, maybe not. I agree frequency is probably a non-issue issue (unless any mechanical timing components, like the old Crouzet dial timers that were once very popular), but if the controls use a simple 400/24 transformer, on 480V thats putting out 28.8V, which even if the transformer survives, relays etc will be warmer, and bulbs will have their life seriously reduced through overvoltage.

Of course, it would be trivial to replace the transformer for one of appropriate rating, and thus make the problem go away.

 

[petersonra]

Maybe, maybe not. I agree frequency is probably a non-issue issue (unless any mechanical timing components, like the old Crouzet dial timers that were once very popular), but if the controls use a simple 400/24 transformer, on 480V thats putting out 28.8V, which even if the transformer survives, relays etc will be warmer, and bulbs will have their life seriously reduced through overvoltage.

Of course, it would be trivial to replace the transformer for one of appropriate rating, and thus make the problem go away.

Most Euro designs are 24VDC, not 24VAC.