Using 230V US VFD-drive/Motor/Pump in Australia

don't Mickey Mouse it!, forget conditioning the wave, just start out with the 50

I have already contacted them on some aspects and am waiting on a response - but if possible I was after some independent advice on whether it should work or not and the likely implications, from somebody that knows more about electrical equipment than me. People wanting to use US equipment in Europe/Australia must be fairly common and since it has a VFD on it anyway, I am not sure if it is likely to be an issue?

Many power supply circuits are designed today to handle a wide range of voltages and frequencies. I haven't the faintest idea if this device is designed this way. I do know that if you use any product outside of where it was designed to operate, you will assume all liability. If you have an electric fire and your insurance company finds this in another part of the building they might deny your claim regardless of any effects this does or does not have on the part that started the fire.

Awaiting a response? Ye Gods, man! Use the telephone, for goodness'sake!

You shouldn't have any problems, just set the parameter corresponding to the "motor base frequency" (to 50Hz) and you're ready to go, perhaps your VFD includes a parameter for "VFD supply freq." but I doubt it.

Go for it, someone's got to appreciate your efforts in cutting the leadtime and costs in a half, congrats.

from your link..."an Applications Specialts(specialist) for additional information." you should be consulting them. and as pointed out, the motor may have choices in its menu so the frequency and voltage might just be there already, call or email

Thanks JRaef, great explanation, exactly what I needed to know

Just one last "gotcha". In the US the VFD would run phase to phase. In Australia one phase will actually be neutral (which is connected to ground at the switchboard). A possible issue might be if the VFD decides that there is an input phase to ground fault because of this.

Unlikely on a small unit like this - but possible. A good question to ask.

Thanks Johny451,

I have got the actual model numbers and manuals now for both the one discussed above and for an alternative drive I am also looking at purchasing from another US supplier to go with a similar pump:

P/N:174656 - http://www.leeson.com/Manuals/SM2-SM4_071913.pdf

P/N: ESV371N01SXB http://download.lenze.com/TD/ESV__SMV%20frequency%20inverter__v18-0__EN.pdf

Do you think that these drives are likely to have the issue you mentioned? (Apologies for asking, but I don't really know which bit to look at - they both say that they are 240V Single phase 2/PE).

Thanks again

I just had a look at both manuals and they specify 2/PE or 1/N/PE which means that they will work fine with Australian 240VAC supplies - I withdraw my "gotcha".

That comment about duty is worth considering. If you have bought stuff in before you are already aware of the cost of importing stuff, if not have a look into it. It's a real surprize if you are not expecting the cost.

The comment re insurance and Australian supply approval is also valid. Again - up to you.

Hi

Last time I looked you needed to have equipment that has a certificate of design for it. It the things like these are needed when your vsd catches fire and the insurance company goes around looking for somebody to pin the costs to.

And don't forget those harmonic suppression filters as your electricity network will come sniffing for. No doubt you have AMI installed because these can record the THD other thing and send alerts to the meter operator.

Cheers

I would not assume that the FVD circuitry will be unaffected by the difference in input power frequency.

Call the Toll-Free Cole-Parmer Technical Support number below to get a competent answer to all your questions as well as advice on product selection for your particular application.

1-800-323-4340