Can a 60Hz fan motor run on 50Hz?
I am moving to Poland this summer and would like to take my two HEPA air filters with me (it really helps with my breathing, especially when the air is so polluted in the region). However, they are rated for 120V at 60Hz while the only reasonably priced transformers change the voltage to ~120V, 50Hz. I am not sure what else to do because I have have severe breathing issues and even my skin reacts to something there (hard to figure out what this is). A 50 to 60Hz transformer would be more expensive than ordering a new filter from the UK (I can't seem to find these filters anywhere in Europe except on amazon.co.uk), which I would like to avoid doing.
Will a ~50W motor (120V, 60Hz) accept 120V, 50Hz power without issue, especially since this is in a fan, which ought to keep it cool?
Best Answer
Your fan, or its power supply, should have a label on it indicating the acceptable power inputs. You should find something like:
- Input AC 120-240V 50-60Hz
This gives the range of voltages and frequencies that are acceptable. If it says "50-60Hz" then you are OK at 50Hz. (Or any other range that includes 50Hz, but other ranges will be very rare.)
If it says something like:
- Input AC 110-130V 60Hz
then you are not OK. As a rule it will be cheaper to buy a new unit than a frequency converter. However you may be able to get an alternative power supply for the unit.
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What happens if you plug a 50Hz motor at 60Hz?
When a 50Hz single phase motor is brought to 60Hz the start function can be upset because the motor reaches the centrifugal switch speed 20% earlier than normal. When it does, the starting torque of the motor is suddenly reduced. It could fail to speed up further and never reach normal running speed.Can 440v 60Hz motor run on 380V 50Hz?
Yes, it can be. following are the conditions: While operating with 50 Hz supply, machine speed will be approximately 83% of the speed expected at 60 Hz supply.What will happen if you connect a 50hz rated INDUCTION MOTOR to a 60hz supply ??
More answers regarding can a 60Hz fan motor run on 50Hz?
Answer 2
If the system is simple enough, it shouldn't be a problem. The motors will work, just spin slower. If there's more complicated electrics going on, or slowing the speed of the fan will effect the actual role of the device, then you might have bigger problems.
Edit: While this answer covers "does it run", other answers have shown that there additional (potentially safety related) concerns. Please see them.
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Images: Maksim Romashkin, Public Domain Pictures, Mike B, RUN 4 FFWPU