Effect of Voltage Unbalance on Motor Performance
by Peter Kratochvil, President - Cos Phi Inc.

When the line voltages applied to a polyphase induction motor are not equal, unbalanced currents in the stator windings will result. A small percentage voltage unbalance will result in a much larger percentage current unbalance. Consequently, the temperature rise of the motor operating at a particular load and percentage voltage unbalance will be greater than for the motor operating under the same conditions with balanced voltages.

Should voltages be unbalanced, the rated horsepower of the motor should be multiplied by the factor shown in the graph below to reduce the possibility of damage to the motor. Operation of the motor at above a 5 per cent  voltage unbalance condition is not recommended.

Alternating current, polyphase motors normally are designed to operate successfully under running conditions at rated load when the voltage unbalance at the motor terminals does not exceed 1 per cent. Performance will not necessarily be the same as when the motor is operating with a balanced voltage at the motor terminals.

Per cent Voltage Unbalance

Example:

With voltage of 460, 467 and 450, the average is 459, the maximum deviation from the average is 9, and the

Percent Unbalance = 100 x (9 4 459) = 1.96