Operating 380V equipment on 400V supply
Operating 380V equipment on 400V supply
(OP)
Hi there,
Is it safe to operate a 3 phase 380V,50Hz equipmment (including motor, UV dryers, PLC and some other auxiliary items) on 400V,50Hz supply? Similarly 220V,50Hz on 230V, 50Hz (single Ph)?
Regards
Is it safe to operate a 3 phase 380V,50Hz equipmment (including motor, UV dryers, PLC and some other auxiliary items) on 400V,50Hz supply? Similarly 220V,50Hz on 230V, 50Hz (single Ph)?
Regards





RE: Operating 380V equipment on 400V supply
RE: Operating 380V equipment on 400V supply
Same is for other auxiliary items as well such as UV dryers PLC etc? Can I use an auto-transformer?
RE: Operating 380V equipment on 400V supply
Incandescent lamps are usually the ones that die first. But the ones you buy today are rated for the higher voltage (230 V instead of 220 V).
You may experience a reduced power factor in motors and probably also a somewhat higer magnetizing current in transformers. Plus, occasionally, more inrush current. Asynchronous motors will run slightly "better" because the slip is reduced, so efficiency could improve somewhat.
All this is what we have lived with - and still live with. Not a big problem.
Gunnar Englund
www.gke.org
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Half full - Half empty? I don't mind. It's what in it that counts.
RE: Operating 380V equipment on 400V supply
So no, I doubt you need an autotransformer.
"Will work for (the memory of) salami"
RE: Operating 380V equipment on 400V supply
RE: Operating 380V equipment on 400V supply
I did a paper mill in the Lake District (Beetham) and I am a bit ashamed that I didn't check the mains voltage. I should've.
Gunnar Englund
www.gke.org
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Half full - Half empty? I don't mind. It's what in it that counts.
RE: Operating 380V equipment on 400V supply
The UK was always the odd one out in Europe using 415V.
It would be interesting to see how well the change has been implemented. I'd also be interested to see how many private network operators in the UK have made the effort to drop voltages. We've recently built three new substations and they're all 400V, but that effectively makes us a dual-voltage site because of the voltage ranges stated on the hazardous area certification for our motors.
I wonder if Marmite knows what the British utilities have been doing post-harmonisation?
RE: Operating 380V equipment on 400V supply
Good to hear (see, actually) that EU had some impact. But I'm not so sure it will last. I guess there are tap-changers to be used after you leave the EU again
Gunnar Englund
www.gke.org
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Half full - Half empty? I don't mind. It's what in it that counts.
RE: Operating 380V equipment on 400V supply
Off-circuit tap selectors have a reputation for causing problems if a tap position is changed after many years in service. I have never seen such problems first-hand, but people are cautious and rightly so.
Are you expecting us to leave the Eurocracy? Germany will have to bankroll the French and Spanish economies on its own!
RE: Operating 380V equipment on 400V supply
Sorry, didn't know about member Marmite. But, do not be surprised, I use Marmite when preparing some dishes. Onion soup and some mushroom soups benefit from some Marmite and some Xerez.
Gunnar Englund
www.gke.org
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Half full - Half empty? I don't mind. It's what in it that counts.
RE: Operating 380V equipment on 400V supply
RE: Operating 380V equipment on 400V supply
If you throw your voltmeter into any standard GPO you'll see a nice clean 240 volts.
BTW, Vegemite is a far superior product :)
RE: Operating 380V equipment on 400V supply
The longer answer is that there may be issues with some equipment if the utility voltage tends to be at the high end of the tolerance from time to time. This is an issue with long rural distribution lines, not so much in built up areas.
I worked in one area where the local utility would provide me with a floppy disk with a download from the electronic billing meter of the history of the past few months recorded at 15 minute intervals.
You may wish to attach a voltage recorder to the service for a week or so. If you see voltage peaks that may affect some of your equipment you may consider installing an auto-transformer for some or all of the equipment.
In the majority of instances, with a stable utility voltage, there should be not issues.
Bill
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"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter