Meat Grinder with 208V 3 Phase motor 1

[surbani]

I purchased a meat grinder and had the option to set the voltage at either 208V 3 phase or 220V 3 phase, we chose 208V.

The problem is we have recently moved to a new location and now have 220V 3 phase service. What can we do to fix this? Is there a way to reset the voltage in the grinder? Or can we use a transformer?

Thank you!

 

[edison123]

Most likely, it should work fine at 220 V. Just measure the load current and see if it exceeds the nameplated current.

Muthu

http://www.edison.co.in

 

[surbani]

Thank you!

If it exceeds the nameplate current should I be looking at a transformer?

 

[edison123]

It would depend on how much % the load current goes beyond the nameplate and the ambient temperature around the motor. Ultimately, it's the temperature that fries the winding. Use a non-contact temperature meter to check on the motor body temperature and bearing house temperature.

Good luck.

Muthu

http://www.edison.co.in

 

[surbani]

Could I change the voltage on the machine? When I purchased it they said that they would "set" it to a certain voltage before shipping. How do they make this switch?

 

[edison123]

I don't think you can set the voltage unless it's a dual voltage motor (like 460 V / 230 V). Can you post the motor nameplate details here ?

Muthu

http://www.edison.co.in

 

[surbani]

I will tomorrow when I'm back at the plant. Thank you so much for your help so far!

 

[ccjersey]

Also need to know the exact voltage at the plant and the frequency (hz) of the electrical grid. As far as I know, "220" is no longer a standard utility voltage

There's 120/240 single phase, 208, 240, 480, 600 3 phase all at 60 hz in North America.

In EU, 230 single phase and 400 3 phase on 50 hz and probably others.

So what is it?

 

[waross]

The factory may have selected either a 200 Volt rated motor for 208 Volt service or a 230 Volt motor for 240 Volt service.
From your 208 Volt statement I will assume that you are in North America. Your possible voltage options would be:
1> In Canada, A legacy delta system at 220 V that is 60 or 75 or more years old. Not likely.
2> A legacy 230 Volt delta system (Open or full delta) that is about 50 years old. Still not likely in Canada. I understand that delta was more used in the US but still not common anymore.
3> Most likely by far, you have another 120/208 volt system and the person reporting the voltage doesn't know the difference between 208V, 220V and 240V. This is more common than many people realize.
Check your system voltage first hand. If you do need to adjust the voltage, report the actual nominal voltage and the motor spec's and we can supply economical suggestions.

Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter

 

[surbani]

We are in Vancouver, Canada. The building is no more than 30 years old.

The nameplate on the machine is 208V 3 phase, 20/24.5A, 60Hz, 5/6Kw.

How can I find out the voltage at the plant?

Stefan

 

[edison123]

Use a multimeter (preferably at the motor terminals) or see the panel meter.

Muthu

http://www.edison.co.in

 

[waross]

Vancouver is and was 120:208 Volts. Use a multimeter between two receptacles on different phases. If your area was rural 30 years ago, you may have an open delta at 240 Volts but I strongly doubt it.

Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter

 

[jraef]

Most likely, the motor is no different, people do make special 200V motors, but because 208V is so close to being within the +- 10% tolerances for 230V, most OEM don't bother using them. In fact the nameplate having two current ratings indicates to me that this is probably a "208-230V" motor; the higher current is the current draw at 208V, the lower being the current at 230V. What they sometimes do is wind the motor for 220V and add a little extra iron, figuring that is a middle ground compromise between 208 and 240V supply systems; in other words, they essentially make is a "230V +-15%" motor without calling it that.

What your OEM probably did was select or set your motor overload relays for the 208V current values and if you run it at 230V, they will allow too much current to flow to your motor in case of an overload, risking damage. It may be that all you need do is fix that issue.


"If I had eight hours to chop down a tree, I'd spend six sharpening my axe." -- Abraham Lincoln
For the best use of Eng-Tips, please click here -> faq731-376

 

[surbani]

thank you everybody for your info!

jraef: I think you are correct, because they did not change the motor, they stated that they were going to "set" the electric system to the voltage we requested. There is a sticker from the dealer inside on one of the electrical boxes. Could I get my electrician to change these relays? Or do they just need to be switched?

Thank you!!

 

[jraef]

Depends on the relay. Some have adjustable dials that you set for the FLA, some have replaceable "heater elements" that you select from a chart provided by each manufacturer. I have no way to know which one you have unless you post a part number or picture of the motor controller. If it's a soft starter, it may need reprogramming. If it's a VFD, you may not have to do a thing.


"If I had eight hours to chop down a tree, I'd spend six sharpening my axe." -- Abraham Lincoln
For the best use of Eng-Tips, please click here -> faq731-376

 

[waross]

In Vancouver Canada, I SERIOUSLY DOUBT THAT YOU HAVE 220 VOLTS THREE PHASE. I worked in Vancouver for years and never saw 220 Volts three phase and never heard it mentioned seriously.
If you do have 220 Volts three phase I'd like to hear about it. It will be so rare that I would go out of my way to see it the next time I go through Vancouver.

Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter

 

[surbani]

I'm sorry Waross, I made a mistake...it is 240V 3 phase. At least according to the panel. Does this sound correct?

Thank you for your info!


It's actually port moody if that makes a difference, ahahha

 

[waross]

NO. The Frazer Valley is all served by BCHPA (Unless they have changed their name) 120:208Volt wye has been their standard for decades. Although 120:240Volt four wire delta systems are common in some areas of the US, they are unheard of in BCHPA territory. 240 Volt rated panels are used for 208 Volt service. Try a multimeter.

Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter

 

[LionelHutz]

I agree with Bill. One standard 3-phase building service in North America would be 120V line-to-neutral and 208V line-to-line unless you run into an old power system in certain areas of the continent. This is done so a standard 3-phase panel can provide power to both 120VAC single phase loads and 208VAC 3-phase loads.

The panels will be rated and tagged that it is rate for 240VAC, likely due to a few reasons, one being a very similar panel design for 120V/240V single phase services which means the same UL/CSA listings for both version.

So, until you measure the service with a meter don't believe the voltage it "might" be.

If the voltage actually is 240VAC, then you likely have to change the control power transformer from a 208V to 240V primary as well as reset the motor overload relay to the new motor FLA rating, 20A instead of 24.5A.

 

[surbani]

Now the only problem is I have a bunch of other machinery imported from the US that is 240V three phase.

the previous tenant in the building just plugged everything in without regard for voltage....obviously this is a mistake.