Pro/Forums - View Single Post - Repercussions of running a 220V pump at 110V?

myv65 · 11-21-2002, 03:20 PM

I wouldn't be quite so confident. The motor *wants* to run at the same speed as this is dictated by the frequency of the voltage. However, as Ben noted it will not have the same torque potential due to the reduced voltage. The pump merely requires a specific torque based upon the flowrate and head. If you look at the speed/torque curve for a typical motor, the torque climbs as the speed drops. Since you have less torque at a given speed, this means your motor speed will drop compared to 220V operation. Motor efficiency also drops as you decrease speed. Your motor will run hotter for a given flow/head than it should. This may lead to premature failure of the motor.

Now, there's also the possibility that the motor was overkill for the pump and you may have no problems at all. Can't answer for certain without a lot more information, but at least wanted to make you aware of the possibilities.

11-21-2002, 03:20 PM	#3
myv65 Cooling Savant Join Date: May 2002 Location: home Posts: 365	I wouldn't be quite so confident. The motor wants to run at the same speed as this is dictated by the frequency of the voltage. However, as Ben noted it will not have the same torque potential due to the reduced voltage. The pump merely requires a specific torque based upon the flowrate and head. If you look at the speed/torque curve for a typical motor, the torque climbs as the speed drops. Since you have less torque at a given speed, this means your motor speed will drop compared to 220V operation. Motor efficiency also drops as you decrease speed. Your motor will run hotter for a given flow/head than it should. This may lead to premature failure of the motor. Now, there's also the possibility that the motor was overkill for the pump and you may have no problems at all. Can't answer for certain without a lot more information, but at least wanted to make you aware of the possibilities.