60 Hz pump at 50 Hz

[PamlicoTraveler]

I have US 110v/60Hz power and am using an isolation transformer to convert to European power (240/50). I just installed a March pump to go into our Cruiseair AC. I can tell when I use our generator the system sounds stronger than when I use the shore power.

The March pump says 60Hz on it. Am I going to damage it by using it at 50 Hz or is it just going to be less efficient? I am wondering if I should use the reverse cycle for heat, or if it would be better to buy an electric heater for the winter. I think the AC literature says 50 Hz is fine, but not the pump.

Thanks for any advice....

[DeepFrz]

You are likely to overheat and burn out the motor.

Motors: Changing between a 50 and 60Hz supply. - Electric motors, generators & controls engineering FAQ - Eng-Tips

[sailorchic34]

The little marsh mag drive pumps are pretty forgiving and are less effected by lower hz. But.. that 20% drop in hertz will correspond to both lower head and lower flow rate to the AC condenser which could cause the A/C compressor to overheat and fail. More chance of that in summer BTW.

Lots of variables there, so it might be fine.

So, It might be worth it to install a 50hz pump, if your going to be in locations with 50hz power long.

[sy_gilana]

Hi there, I have corresponded with MARCH (LCP CP MD) over this exact issue. It will burn. I tried once on this forum to mention that and got shot down in flames. March tech department are on the ball, I would trust them.

[PamlicoTraveler]

Originally Posted by sy_gilana

Hi there, I have corresponded with MARCH (LCP CP MD) over this exact issue. It will burn. I tried once on this forum to mention that and got shot down in flames. March tech department are on the ball, I would trust them.

When you say "it will burn" - what do you mean? Am I going to " burn it out.".

Btw - mine is LC-3CP-MD
http://www.marchpump.com/lc-3cp-md/

[sailorchic34]

Based on the march date, the LC-3CP-MD runs on either 60 or 50 hz. 50 hz pulls a bit more power and has less head and slightly less flow rate. But the numbers look pretty close or close enough to keep the AC happy.

Oops, on a second look, the LC-3CP is a 60hz only. The 2CP and 5C-MD are dual 50/60 hz motors. Seems like going to the 5C-MD might be in order. Missed that the 3cp was 60hz only in the table.....

[Stu Jackson]

When I lived overseas in the 70s, I brought along a cassette player. 60Hz. didn't last long on 50Hz power. Doesn''t spark or flame or smoke, just dies internally.

[PamlicoTraveler]

I got a response from the March service dept and as Gilana says they are on the ball. I love it when companies give personalized and prompt tech service! Here is what he said:

"If you run a 60 Hz motor on 50 Hz it may get hot enough for the thermal overload to shut the motor down. This will not hurt the motor, and in 10 to 20 minutes, as the motor cools the thermal overload will reconnect."

Still, since mine is definitely a 60Hz motor I am going to find another way to heat the boat this winter.... These pumps are expensive so I don't want to blow it up. Thanks sailor chick!