Usually the motors are 230-460V. Taking the valid points everyone else has said into consideration,there is one other thing to consider.
This motor will underperform to a certain degree because of low voltage but what level of performance do you require? If you need the full horse power from this machine then you will need a 3ph autotransformer and 230V. You won't find an autotransformer for 208 - 240V as readily.
If the machine is more capable than your requirements then you will not overheat anything. A 240V motor will run fine on lower voltage as long as there is a light work load.
You can run a 460V motor on 240V but with very little available torque and no overheating under no load.
If the machine is overkill in size you will probably be ok but watch the startup current. It will also stall easier when you load it up and or trip the O/L relay.
I have a customer that has a large 230V 3ph belt sander for sanding doors and it works acceptable on 204V - 208V but he has to be careful to moderate the rate of feed into the machine. Since it has an automated feed this is not a big deal. Your milage may vary of course. You could always try it on 208V before committing to a transformer purchase.
If the motor is 220V then even better.
Just my opinion.
Last edited by bigpapa; 10/04/08 03:17 PM.
