Precautions for High-Voltage Driving of Stepper Motors

When using high-voltage drive for stepper motors, the following aspects require close attention to ensure safe and reliable system operation:

Drive Compatibility:

Whether a motor can operate at high voltage depends entirely on whether the drive supports it. As long as the drive is compatible and provides the required high voltage, the motor can operate at that voltage.

Motor Insulation Safety:

Our motors must pass rigorous high-voltage insulation tests before leaving the factory; this is the standard method to ensure safety.

Core tests include:

• Coil-to-Ground (PE) Withstand Voltage: e.g., 700V, 20mA, for 1.0 second.
• Inter-turn Insulation: e.g., tested at 500V.
• Complete Machine Withstand Voltage: e.g., 750V, for 1.0 second. It is essential to ensure that components like the stator and end covers meet the "absolute insulation" standard relative to the coils. The motor can only be used after passing these tests.

Control Current and Power:

When operating at high voltage, the drive current can be appropriately reduced to avoid excessive total power. Power supply selection should be moderate; typically, a 150W - 200W power supply is an optimal choice.

Safety Grounding Measures:

If the motor requires grounding, the method is very straightforward: reliably connect a dedicated grounding cable to the motor's end cover.

Monitor Operating Temperature to Prevent Overheating Damage:

Prolonged high-voltage driving will increase the motor's heat generation. It is crucial to monitor the motor temperature to prevent damage to the motor's insulation or internal components caused by overheating, which would affect lifespan and reliability.

For recommended voltages for specific stepper motors, please refer to this article: Voltage of Stepper Motor

Updated on: 30/10/2025