Mike Dolt Enterprises
Mike Dolt Enterprises
User: recore, Location: Florida
Asked on: Tuesday, November 23, 2004 at 9:03 pm EST
Answered on: Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 12:48 pm EDT
Question: Hello,My brother in law asked me to move a 3 phase switch for a saw dust vacume at his factory. Im an electrician but I dont have much experiance with motors. I said no problem (how hard could it be, its just a switch) Well now the motor does not work anymore. I dont know what happened. its a 3 phase motor. He has a high leg in his panel, maybe I mixed them up and this is the problem. Honestly im clueless. Also, after that one burned up I put in a rec for a single phase vacume he had laying around (I made sure not to use the high (208v) leg, but this one seemed to burn up too. I did not connect the ground thinking that the box would ground it, could this be the problem? This situation is turning into a nightmare can someone please shed some light on this situation.
Troubleshooting Steps for the 3-Phase Motor
1.
Check for Correct Wiring
Ensure that the motor wires are connected to the correct terminals on the switch. Verify that the high leg is connected to the proper terminal on the switch.2.
Test for Voltage
Use a voltmeter to measure the voltage across each of the three motor terminals. The voltage should be approximately 208 volts.3.
Check Motor Connections
Inspect the motor connections for any loose or damaged wires. Tighten any loose connections and replace any damaged wires.4.
Check for Ground Fault
Measure the resistance between the motor frame and the ground. If the resistance is low, this indicates a ground fault that could be tripping the motor.
Troubleshooting Steps for the Single-Phase Vacuum
1.
Check for Voltage
Verify that the vacuum is connected to a 120-volt outlet.2.
Check Motor Connections
Inspect the vacuum motor connections for any loose or damaged wires. Tighten any loose connections and replace any damaged wires.3.
Grounding Issue
Although the box may provide some grounding, ensure that the vacuum motor is properly grounded by connecting it to a ground wire.
Possible Causes and Solutions
Incorrect Wiring
Mixing up the high leg or connecting wires to the wrong terminals can cause a short circuit and burn out the motor.
Overvoltage
Using the high leg on a single-phase vacuum can result in excessive voltage and damage the motor.
Ground Fault
A ground fault can trip the motor or cause it to malfunction.
Lack of Grounding
Without proper grounding, the vacuum motor may not function correctly or may be prone to electrical issues.
Recommendations: If you are not confident in your electrical skills, consult with a qualified electrician to resolve the issue safely. Use a multimeter to verify voltage and resistance to eliminate potential electrical problems. Ensure that all connections are tight and secure to prevent loose wires that could cause short circuits or other issues. Always connect electrical equipment to a properly grounded outlet or system to ensure safety. Flag for review