Can a 60Hz fan motor run on 50Hz?

score:5

Accepted answer

The answer is unfortunately not as simple as stated by CMaster.

If the device contains an AC motor directly driven by the mains voltage, reducing the mains frequency will indeed cause the motor to rotate slower, but it may also overload the motor. It is difficult to easily explain the physics behind this, but basically, a motor needs a larger magnetic core to run on a lower AC frequency. If the magnetic core is not large enough, it might saturate during the AC cycle (with is longer if the frequency is lower), cause a significant current increase and finally the motor to overheat. Electrical motors are also often cooled by a fan attached to the motor shaft, so reducing the rotation speed of the motor may lead to insufficient cooling of the motor block itself.

The issue with the physical dimension of the magnetic core also applies to transformers. If the device contains a transformer designed for 60Hz, it may overload if operated on 50Hz.

Without knowing the exact design of your device, it is impossible to answer your question. If you won't risk the device to break or in worst case overheat and catch fire, your only reasonable option is the get a confirmation from the manufacturer, that the device can be safely used on 50Hz mains.

Upvote:1

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.

Upvote:4

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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