Effects of reduced voltage on an induction motor

AI Thread Summary
Reducing the voltage of a multi-horsepower induction motor designed for 3-phase 440V at 50Hz to 410V can lead to excessive current draw to maintain the desired RPM, such as 1450 RPM at full load. This increased current results in higher resistive losses, known as I-squared R losses. While running under these undervoltage conditions, the motor's power factor can improve. Maintaining the correct voltage and synchronous frequency is crucial for optimal motor performance. Overall, operating at reduced voltage can negatively impact efficiency and increase wear on the motor.
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if the motor is already running at a voltage of 410V what would the effects be of reducing the voltage?
 
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Is this a multi-horsepower induction motor designed for 3-phase 440/480 V at 50 or 60 Hz? Induction motors like to run at the correct voltage and synchronous frequency, and draw current whenever the RPM drops below the synchronous RPM. When the input voltage drops at a specific load, the input current increases in order to maintain the correct loaded RPM (e.g., 1740 RPM for a 4 pole motor at 60 Hz).

Bob S
 
yes this is a multi-horsepower induction motor designed for 3-phase 440V at 50Hz
 
With only 410 volts, the motor may draw excessive current in order to run at say 1450 RPM at full load . Excessive current increases the resistive losses (I-squared R). I have actually run induction motors at undervoltage conditions and have seen the current increase. The one good thing is that the power factor improves..
Bob S
 
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