Full Load Current

[mbrooke]

We don’t dip below 208 either. We usually run about 214

You a network or something?

But yahhh, you have to watch VD more closely on 208.

 

[ActionDave]

There is much hand wringing surrounding 230V motors running on 208V that really isn't necessary. Most are labeled for both and even if they are not it's rare that the motor is pulling FLA.

I've seen more problems with someone trying to run a 200V motor on 240V.

 

[ActionDave]

I didn’t really agree with that either.
do you guys see many 480V services less than 490 volts anyway?
We are usually about 495, but then we run a little hot anyway.

495 to 500V is par. I'm more surprised when it's lower than 490.

 

[mbrooke]

There is much hand wringing surrounding 230V motors running on 208V that really isn't necessary. Most are labeled for both and even if they are not it's rare that the motor is pulling FLA.

I've seen more problems with someone trying to run a 200V motor on 240V.

Saturation will destroy a motor.

 

[retirede]

To add to the above, a motor nameplate is a simplistic description of a rather complex beastie. That motor with its 230V nameplate might function just fine at 208V if the connected mechanical load is reduced. But that information is not encoded on the nameplate.

Trying to _prove_ that a 230V motor is not suitable for use on a 208V supply would be virtually impossible. The best you can say is that it wasn't intentionally designed to work on that supply at its nameplate capacity. Oh and such an installation probably violates manufacturer's instructions. Trying to say that it won't work is like trying to tell people you shouldn't drive 5 miles over the speed limit.

-Jon

This is exactly correct.
The tri-voltage motor will not have as long a life on a 208 system as it will on a 240 system all else being equal.
In real life, all else is never equal. Motor life is a function of ambient temp, mechanical load, voltage imbalance, environment, frequency deviation...on and on.

 

[ActionDave]

Saturation will destroy a motor.

Yea, like a said, lots of needless hand wringing.