motor rated single phase 208

[jdou]

if a motor is rated single phase 208 - if i use my generator 240 single phase to power it up will it damage the motor

 

[480sparky]

Is 240 volts listed on the nameplate?

 

[jdou]

it is a pump motor for a lift station so I cannot see the motor - however the control box only lists 208

 

[SEO]

Where are you getting power for the motor now. What is the voltage of the circuit? Check the labeling on the motor it may be listed for 240.

 

[jdou]

in houston texas - no power due to hurricane-

 

[480sparky]

it is a pump motor for a lift station so I cannot see the motor - however the control box only lists 208

You're gonna need to eyeball it to see if it's rated for 240. If it isn't, then it shouldn't be energized to 240.

 

[charlie b]

In general terms, if you vary the voltage to a motor, the product of the motor's applied voltage times its running current is going to be constant. If for example you use a voltage that is lower than the rated voltage, the current will be high, and that might lead to damage from overheating.

If a motor is supplied with a voltage that is 15% above its rating, the running current will be about 86% of what it should be. Current is directly related to developed torque. So the motor will not give you the amount of torque it is designed to give. As a result, the motor (and pump) will run a bit slow, and that too can lead to overheating.

Bottom line: Will the motor run? Probably. Will it be able to do the required mechanical work? I cannot say. Will it suffer damage from overheating? I cannot say that either.

If you are lucky, the motor will be dual rated, so that anywhere from 208 to 240 will be acceptable. But depending on luck is never a good idea, especially when there is as much at stake as you are facing. Without being able to see the motor's nameplate, or to otherwise determine its rating (for example by looking at the design drawings used to install the motor or by looking at the sales records from when the motor was purchased), I cannot recommend using a voltage other than 208. That might best be achieved by using a step-down transformer.

 

[jdou]

yeah, I'm doing this remotely and all I know is what they are telling me they see-sewage lift station pump control box only says 208 single phase as I'm told - the generator they want to use has 240 single phase outlet on it.
Thanks very much -
I have to say this forum is jam up - really handy and fast responses - thanks

 

[LarryFine]

I think a buck-boost might be a practical alternative. I can't imagine a 208v, 1ph motor is but so large.

It may be that the 208v label indicates the controller is presently set for 208v, and may be convertible.

 

[iwire]

I think a buck-boost might be a practical alternative.

I agree, that would be a great application for a buck boost.

 

[winnie]

Does the generator have a voltage adjustment? Can it be 'turned down' to 208V?

-Jon

 

[genesparky]

buck boost

buck boost

As long as we are talking, How would one size that buck transformer?
Would it be 32 volts times the current? I am asking because I have a similar application coming up.

Thanks