Grizzly machines are engineered exclusively for North American 60 Hz power (120V/240V, single-phase) and are not supported for use on 50 Hz systems. Running them on 50 Hz can cause performance issues, overheating, void warranties, and Grizzly does not offer 50 Hz motors or support modifications, including VFD installation.
Grizzly machines are designed for use on North American electrical power, which is typically:
- 120V or 240V
- Single‑phase
- 60 Hz frequency
If you are located in a country that uses 50 Hz power, special considerations apply. Running a 60 Hz motor on 50 Hz power can affect motor performance, create overheating risks, and void the product warranty.
Can I run a Grizzly machine designed for 60 Hz on 50 Hz power?
Generally, no.
Running a 60 Hz motor on a 50 Hz power source will:
- Reduce motor speed by approximately 20%
- Reduce available horsepower
- Increase current draw
- Cause the motor to run hotter
- Potentially trip breakers
- Shorten motor life
This configuration is not supported and may void your warranty.
Do you sell 50 Hz replacement motors?
No.
Grizzly does not manufacture or supply 50 Hz motors for any of our machines, including lathes, dust collectors, and woodworking tools.
If your local electrical system is 50 Hz, we cannot recommend or provide a compatible 50 Hz replacement motor.
Why can’t Grizzly support 50 Hz operation?
Grizzly’s electrical designs, testing, and certification are all based on 60 Hz, North American power standards.
Because of this:
- Motor cooling is designed around 60 Hz operation
- Torque curves and horsepower ratings change at 50 Hz
- Internal components may overheat
- UL/ETL certifications no longer apply
- We cannot guarantee safe or reliable performance
For these reasons, we cannot recommend, support, or troubleshoot machines operated on 50 Hz power.
Can I modify my Grizzly machine to accept 50 Hz power?
No.
Any modification involving the motor, wiring, electrical controls, or frequency conversion is not supported.
We cannot provide guidance on:
- Rewiring motors
- Retrofitting control panels
- International motor sourcing
- Frequency converter installation
- Re‑engineering pulley ratios
Any modification of this type:
- Creates a potential safety hazard
- Voids your Grizzly warranty
- May violate local electrical codes
What about using a frequency converter (VFD/FCC)?
A VFD or frequency converter may theoretically allow a 60 Hz motor to run from a 50 Hz mains supply.
However:
- Grizzly does not recommend or support this
- Installation would qualify as a modification
- Incorrect sizing or setup can damage motors or controls
- Some machines (especially lathes, dust collectors, and compressors) have electrical components incompatible with VFDs
Customers choosing this route must work with a qualified electrician and understand that warranty coverage is no longer available.
What if I already operated the machine on 50 Hz?
If a motor designed for 60 Hz has been run on 50 Hz power:
- The warranty is void
- Premature motor failure is likely
- Overheating may occur
- Other components (capacitors, switches) may also be affected
If damage has already occurred, replacing the motor with a locally sourced, region‑appropriate motor is usually the only option.