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Unbalanced Current

Nov. 4, 2014
The current of a three motor line lead is not balanced.

Use the following procedures to assess and correct current unbalance. Current unbalance can be due to the motor or the supply line. To determine the source, arbitrarily label the supply lines A, B, and C — and the motor leads 1, 2, and 3. Then connect A to 1, B to 2, and C to 3, operate the motor, and measure the current in each line. Next, de-energize the motor and connect A to 3, B to 1, and C to 2, operate the motor, and again measure the current in each line.

If the high current and low current readings follow the same line leads, the supply is the cause of the problem. If the high and low readings follow the motor leads, the motor is the source of the problem. This is illustrated in the Table.

If the supply is causing the unbalance, the supply voltages need to be better balanced. NEMA Standard MG 1 prescribes a 1% limit for voltage unbalance, noting that current unbalance can be expected to be six to 10 times the voltage unbalance on a percent basis. If the current unbalance exceeds 10%, the supply voltages should be corrected to less than 1% unbalance, or the motor must be de-rated.

If the motor is at fault, its winding turns per phase or per parallel circuit are probably not balanced, or the winding is misconnected. Measuring the lead-to-lead resistance with a digital low-resistance ohmmeter (DLRO) may detect unequal turns. The lead-to-lead resistance should be within 2% of the average. The motor may need to be rewound to correct excessive resistive unbalance.

About the Author

Tom Bishop, P.E. | Senior Technical Support Specialist

Bishop, P.E., joined the staff of the Electrical Apparatus Service Association (EASA) following more than 30 years of engineering experience at electrical machinery manufacturers and electrical apparatus service firms. Holding a BS in electrical engineering and a professional engineer’s license, Bishop has authored dozens of technical articles and papers as well as presented numerous seminars on electric motor application, maintenance, and repair. He is chairman of EASA’s Technical Services Committee and a principal member of the National Fire Protection Association Electrical Equipment Maintenance Committee (NFPA 70B).

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