60Hz motor running on 50Hz

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sclservice

New member
I am interested in information in regards to running a 60Hz motor on 50Hz. I believe this can be done however I do have questions
Will this lose any efficiency? RPM change? Overall reliability of motor?

Thanks
 

winnie

Senior Member
Location
Springfield, MA, USA
Occupation
Electric motor research
It depends on the specific sort of motor, as well as the mechanical load connected to the motor. If you are asking about a common three phase induction motor with a constant torque load:

The RPM will drop, to about 5/6 of rated speed.

The horsepower capability will drop, to about 5/6 of rated output.

The operating voltage will drop, to about 5/6 of original rated operating voltage.

The _losses_ will remain roughly the same, but will probably drop slightly; since the output will be lower with the same losses this will mean lower efficiency.

Cooling air flow will drop. Winding temperature will probably remain similar, because of the slight reduction in losses.

Bearing wear will be reduced unless the new operating speed results in some sort of mechanical resonance.

For many common mechanical _loads_, eg. pumps or fans, the load torque will drop substantially with reduced speed. The reduced torque should be factored in to any estimate of power required or reliability.

-Jon
 

jim dungar

Moderator
Staff member
Location
Wisconsin
Occupation
PE (Retired) - Power Systems
My experience has been that 50Hz will not provide the correct amount of magnetic flux so the 60Hz motor will draw more current.
 
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