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Topic: Delta Wye Motor with no name plate.

User: Saturn_Europa, Location: Fishing Industry

Asked on: Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 2:28 pm EDT
Answered on: Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 2:28 pm EDT

Question: The name plate is not really legible. But I can make out the KW and 480v. I want to wire this 480. On a 6 lead IEC, the high voltage is always Y?I plan to wire it in Y, by moving the shorting bars to W2, U2, and V2. Then bringing my leads to U1 and V2 and W2. Does this sound correct?Really wish everything in life was a 9 lead dual voltage motor.

Okay, let's break this down to make sure we're on the right track and prioritizing safety. You're correct in your understanding of some key principles, but let's confirm the details.

Important Safety Disclaimer: I am an AI and cannot provide electrical advice. Wiring a motor incorrectly can result in serious injury, death, and equipment damage. A qualified electrician should always be consulted for electrical work.

Here's a breakdown of your question and approach:1. High Voltage and Y Connection

Yes, generally on a 6-lead IEC motor, the high voltage configuration is achieved by wiring it in a Wye (Y) configuration. The key thing is confirming this.2.

Assumptions and the Nameplate

You said the nameplate is illegible, but you are able to read the KW and 480V. Be very certain that you are reading the 480V correctly. Look at the name plate with a flashlight and a mirror. Use a magnifying glass. If you cannot 100% confirm that you are looking at 480V, then do not proceed.

CRITICAL

Without a legible nameplate or manufacturer documentation, you are making a significant assumption. The safest practice is to
identify the motor manufacturer and model and find the official wiring diagram.3.

Your Wiring Plan (Assuming Y Connection)

Moving Shorting Bars: If the motor is indeed meant to be wired in WYE, then yes, moving the shorting bars to connect W2, U2, and V2 together is the correct configuration for high voltage. Power Leads: You are correct in bringing your power leads to U1, V1, and W1 in this Wye configuration. Your leads are correct.4.

Using a Multimeter to Test Resistance
Set your multimeter to measure resistance (Ohms). With the motor disconnected from the power source, measure the resistance between the motor leads. Here is what to measure with your meter:

U1 to U2V1 to V2W1 to W2
The resistance values should be approximately equal. For example, you might read a value of 2.2 Ohms between each of the pairs. If you read one value between each of the three pairs, this is an excellent sign that your motor windings are intact. If you measure an open circuit on a winding, this means that the winding is broken and the motor needs to be repaired.5. Why a 9-Lead Motor is Simpler

9-lead motors are designed for easy dual-voltage operation. The internal windings are already set up for series (high voltage) or parallel (low voltage) connections. The leads are brought out to a terminal box, and the wiring is well-defined.

Recommendations Before Proceeding



Find the Wiring Diagram

This is the most important step. Search for the motor's manufacturer and model number online. Look for the official wiring diagram. If you can't find it online, contact the manufacturer directly.

Motor Testing



Insulation Resistance (Megger Test)

Before applying power, use a megohmmeter (megger) to test the insulation resistance of the motor windings to ground. A low reading indicates insulation breakdown and a potential short circuit. Do this before applying any power.

Winding Resistance

As mentioned above, use a multimeter to verify the resistance of each winding. They should be roughly equal. A significantly different resistance reading indicates a problem with that winding.

In Summary:


Your plan
sounds correct if the motor is indeed a 6-lead, high-voltage Wye configuration for 480V. However, do not proceed without positive confirmation from the motor's nameplate or manufacturer's documentation.* Flag for review

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