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broadgage · 24th Jun 2022, 7:33 pm

If the fan motor is a commutator type then the frequency is not important.

If however the motor is an induction type, then frequency DOES matter. At a lower frequency than intended the motor will draw a greater magnetising current and run hotter.

A lower frequency is generally acceptable if the voltage is reduced in about the same proportion.

110 volts at 50 cycles is better than 120 volts at 50 cycles, though still a bit high. The reduced voltage PARTIALY compensates for the lower frequency.

The noise sounds like worn oscillating mechanism rather than being directly related to voltage or frequency. Or it might simply need lubricating.

Make certain that your voltage converter is a true transformer and not an electronic unit.

24th Jun 2022, 7:33 pm	#2
broadgage Nonode Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: North Somerset, UK. Posts: 2,130	Re: American fan in the UK. If the fan motor is a commutator type then the frequency is not important. If however the motor is an induction type, then frequency DOES matter. At a lower frequency than intended the motor will draw a greater magnetising current and run hotter. A lower frequency is generally acceptable if the voltage is reduced in about the same proportion. 110 volts at 50 cycles is better than 120 volts at 50 cycles, though still a bit high. The reduced voltage PARTIALY compensates for the lower frequency. The noise sounds like worn oscillating mechanism rather than being directly related to voltage or frequency. Or it might simply need lubricating. Make certain that your voltage converter is a true transformer and not an electronic unit.