Short answer: the motor runs, but not with the values on its nameplate. The synchronous speed of an induction motor is proportional to frequency; a 4-pole motor with 1,500 rpm synchronous speed at 50 Hz reaches 1,800 rpm at 60 Hz. The driven machine speeds up by the same ratio.

The real outcome depends on the voltage of the 60 Hz supply:

  • If the voltage also rises with frequency (the voltage/frequency ratio is kept), the motor delivers roughly the same torque at a higher speed; the suitability of the fan, bearings and driven machine for the higher speed must still be checked.
  • If the voltage stays the same, magnetic flux falls and starting and breakdown torque drop. Because the load also speeds up (in pumps and fans the power demand rises steeply with speed), the motor can become overloaded.

The ratings of the three-phase models in our shop are for a 50 Hz supply. In the catalogue, a 60 Hz option is assessed order by order; since power, speed and current change with frequency, do not adapt these values by guesswork. State the voltage and frequency of the country of use, the driven machine and the required speed in your order; the winding and nameplate values are defined accordingly. For a plant abroad, message our technical team on WhatsApp in advance.