230 rated single phase motors will run at 208 volts, but will probably not last long (more than a few weeks or months) before they burn up.
Virtually all small motors made in the last thirty years will ENTIRELY tolerate 200-230 VAC nominal -- its even on their name-plate.
You have to get into larger ( industrial ) sizes before it's an issue.
And, yes, I've installed 240VAC 1 phase HVAC units where only 208VAC power was available. Six years later the units were still running strong.
The HVAC industry has standards -- one of which is to make it possible to run their equipment at both voltages.
There are NO END of apartments out their receiving two legs of 208Y120 power. Ditto for small businesses.
It is in the nature of small hermetic A/C systems for them to operate entirely surrounded by refrigerant -- and to actively reject their heat to the outside.
Their motors can take it, and take it, and take it.
Last edited by Tesla; 09/14/11 09:37 PM.
