| Andy Hall 2006-11-24, 5:25 pm |
| On 2006-11-24 21:22:32 +0000, "alexander.keys1"
<alexander.keys1@ntlworld.com> said:
>
> There is the issue of mains frequency though, in North America it is 60
> Hz rather than the 50 Hz in Europe (including British Isles). This will
> affect motor performance, perhaps less for commutator motors than with
> induction motors.
Yes there is, although as you say, it depends on motor type.
The vast majority of hand held and a substantial proportion of bench
top power tools use universal motors.
It is fairly unusual that frequency affects the overall tool
performance, especially when there are speed controls as well.
There is perhaps more of an issue the other way round where a tool
designed for 50Hz operation is used at 60Hz and runs faster.
Induction motors tend to be used much more on larger machinery, but
again, frequency doesn't have to be an issue. For example, I have a
woodworking combination machine (saw/spindle/planer/thicknesser).
This is fitted standard with three phase motors. I only have a
single phase supply, so in order to handle the issue, the machine is
fitted with a VFD (variable frequency drive) - a small electronics
module. This handles not only the production of three phase for the
motors but also provides a speed control and electronic braking into
the bargain.
The same machine is sold into 60Hz regions as well...
|