motor name plate 200 volts, will it run normally on 208 volts

[Buck Parrish]

I am doing a resturant where the customer is being told that they need to buy a $700 transformer to make a 200 volt three phase motor run correctly. Right now we have 208.
We have not hooked it up yet.
I know alot of single phase motors are labled 230 volts and we put them on 240 all the time.

Is this something UL requires or lets testing be done on a lower voltage? If so why? Do you think this 200 volt motor would run fine on 208?
Its a three phase pasta making machine.
Thanks in advance for any feed back.

 

[iwire]

the customer is being told that they need to buy a $700 transformer to make a 200 volt three phase motor run correctly. Right now we have 208.

A motor labeled 200 volts is intended for connection to a 208 volt supply.

 

[Cow]

460 volt motors on 480 volt supply, etc etc....

It's normal.

 

[kwired]

A motor labeled 200 volts is intended for connection to a 208 volt supply.

Note that 230 volt motors will work just fine on 208 as long as it is not at the low end of what is acceptable for 208 volt systems. 208 volt systems here usually measure around 215.

Also realize that if the motor nameplate is 200 volts then that means all the data on the nameplate is based on 200 volts. If the motor is loaded to its rated Hp it will draw rated amps and run at rated speed if input voltage is 200. If input voltage is 208 it will put out rated HP at slightly less than rated amps, speed will probably still be very close to rated speed - too low of input voltage will have more effect on speed because there is not enough torque to maintain proper speed.

 

[Buck Parrish]

That's what I thought, thanks.

 

[Besoeker]

I am doing a resturant where the customer is being told that they need to buy a $700 transformer to make a 200 volt three phase motor run correctly.

To make the pasta fasta??
Sorry - couldn't resist.:ashamed1:
I'm with the wire guy. No transformer needed.
Trying to sell a $700 transformer for that is outrageous. Unethical.

 

[T.M.Haja Sahib]

The voltage variation percentages shown in the posts#2 & 4 are including the voltage drops in the connecting wires to the motor.So choosing the wire size correctly can reduce the voltage variation at the motor terminals,thereby improving the performance of the motor.

 

[iwire]

Note that 230 volt motors will work just fine on 208 as long as it is not at the low end of what is acceptable for 208 volt systems.

Work yes.

Correct? No not in my opinion. Doing so eliminates any allowances for a supply that is not on the money.

208 volt systems here usually measure around 215.

And here they usually measure just about 208.

 

[kwired]

To make the pasta fasta??
Sorry - couldn't resist.:ashamed1:
I'm with the wire guy. No transformer needed.
Trying to sell a $700 transformer for that is outrageous. Unethical.

For a 3 phase load?? Even using buck - boost you will need at least 2 maybe 3 transformers, does not take long to get to $700, and the size of motor has not even been mentioned yet.

Another alternative is a VFD and depending on what you get will probably cost less - assuming this machine is probably only 3 hp or less - if it already has a drive hopefully you can just change some parameters- or they may even already be set. VFD also is a good option if only single phase source is available.

 

[Joethemechanic]

For a 3 phase load?? Even using buck - boost you will need at least 2 maybe 3 transformers, does not take long to get to $700, and the size of motor has not even been mentioned yet.

Another alternative is a VFD and depending on what you get will probably cost less - assuming this machine is probably only 3 hp or less - if it already has a drive hopefully you can just change some parameters- or they may even already be set. VFD also is a good option if only single phase source is available.

Not sure I follow, how is any modification of power necessary in this scenario?

Although I would be sure that the machine is 60Hz and not 50Hz. Although I would doubt an Italian machine would be 200 volt

 

[kwired]

Not sure I follow, how is any modification of power necessary in this scenario?

Although I would be sure that the machine is 60Hz and not 50Hz. Although I would doubt an Italian machine would be 200 volt

I don't feel any modification is needed myself, but those were suggestions if one really feels it is necessary.

I would rather see this motor operate at 215 volts than see a 230 volt motor operate at 200.

If it is loaded hard and used 24/7 maybe I will give it more consideration as to what effects might be. Chances are this machine is not loaded to the max - for any extended period, and only runs for short durations. If it is new warranty could be an issue but only for the purpose of getting out of paying for any malfunctions by the manufacturer and not for reality.