For maintenance engineers, technical purchasers, and suppliers of such systems, it is often a challenge to obtain 500V motors quickly from their regular suppliers. Frequently, the request ends up directly or indirectly at MOLL-MOTOR, where we are happy to serve this niche market because it offers advantages that fit in well with our efficiency philosophy.
Why 500V? Voltage level with system
500V networks are not IEC-standardized networks, such as 400/690V, but rather historically developed or specifically planned systems. Typical reasons for their use:
- Reduction of line losses: Higher voltage with the same power means lower current – this allows smaller cable cross-sections to be selected.
- Preservation of existing systems: Especially in mining, refineries, or steel mills, 500V systems have been in place for decades and are deliberately maintained.
- Independent networks on ships or in offshore installations, where 500V is specified as the local operating voltage.
In practice, 500V networks are often operated as pure three-phase systems without a neutral conductor. This not only reduces the complexity of the cabling, but also indicates the preferred use in motor-heavy systems. By dispensing with the neutral conductor, the electrical infrastructure focuses on robust, three-phase supplies with high starting torque – a typical requirement profile for pumps, blowers, conveyor belts, and other large industrial consumers. This ensures cost-efficient and fail-safe operation, especially in older plants with long cable lengths, without the need for extensive retrofitting.
IT systems and insulation monitoring: Focus on safety
Many 500V networks are designed as unearthed IT systems. The advantage: when the first earth fault occurs, operation continues while insulation monitoring (IMD) reports the fault. This is particularly advantageous in processes with high availability requirements – for example, in continuous production plants where downtime incurs high costs.
The combination of ungrounded operation and monitoring is safe and compliant with standards and offers advantages that modern grounded networks do not offer, especially in older systems.
500V three-phase motors at MOLL-MOTOR: Immediately available or deliverable at short notice
MOLL-MOTOR is one of the few suppliers in Europe to offer an extensive range of 500V three-phase motors from stock.
- More than 300 units available immediately from stock
- Power range: 0.25 kW to 22 kW
- For mains and frequency converter operation
- Winding designs:
– 290VD-500VY (for lower power ratings)
– 500VD-865VY (for medium power ratings)
Motors up to 45 kW are also regularly available ex works, including:
- Y2PE225M4Z-UF500DK, a robust standard motor from MOLL-MOTOR
- 1MB1553-2BB24-0AB4, a premium explosion-proof Ex motor for Zone 1 from Innomotics
500V motors are a niche product with strategic value
MOLL-MOTOR is the ideal partner for anyone who needs to maintain, expand, or re-equip industrial plants with 500V networks. Our technical experience with special windings, our comprehensive inventory, and our close cooperation with manufacturers such as Innomotics make us the first choice for 500V motors.
Whether maintaining critical processes or expanding existing networks: anyone who works with 500V should know MOLL-MOTOR.
