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UNBALANCED CURRENTS
Motor users and installers get concerned when they HOW MUCH UNBALANCE CAN BE TOLERATED?
detect unbalanced phase currents on a 3-phase
motor. The question is frequently asked: “Is there In general, this depends on the conditions that are
something wrong with the motor?” The other question found. If the motor is driving the load and the highest
is: “How much current unbalance can be tolerated?” amperage of the three legs is below the nameplate Full
This paper will attempt to answer those questions. Load rating, then generally it is safe to operate. If the
high leg is above the nameplate rating, but within the
HISTORY normal service factor amps (for a motor with a service
factor, normally 1.15) then it is probably still safe to
In the “Good Old Days” about the only sources of operate the motor. Also, it is not unusual to find
unbalanced phase currents was either a problem in currents more unbalanced at no load than they will be
the motor, such as an unbalanced number of turns in under load, so the loaded amps should be used.
the windings, an uneven air gap or unbalanced phase Finally, in general, if the high leg is not more than 10%
voltages. Winding or air gap problems are definitely above the average of the three legs, determined as
motor related. On the other hand unbalanced phase shown in the example, it is probably safe to operate the
voltages are a power system problem. Unbalanced motor.
voltages will generally produce unbalanced currents
that are many times greater than the percentage of EXAMPLE
voltage unbalance. The ratio used is close to 8:1. In
other words, a voltage unbalance of 1% could create Motor Nameplate FLA = 10.0
unbalanced phase currents of as much as 8%. Service Factor 1.15
The next question is “What creates unbalanced The following table shows some of the sources of
currents?” In years past, if the motor was not the unbalanced voltages and currents along with possible
problem — the source of unbalanced currents was remedies.
unbalanced phase voltages. When measuring line to
line voltages from phase A to B, B to C, and C to A,
TABLE 1
detectable differences in the voltages would show up.
The voltage differences would account for the PROBLEM SOLUTION
unbalanced currents. Blown fuse on a
Search, find and replace blown
power factor
fuse.
In today’s world there are other problems that are correction capacitor
frequently not detectable with simple voltage tests. bank
One problem of growing concern, is voltage distortion Uneven single phase Locate single phase loads and
caused by harmonics in the power system currents. loading of the 3 distribute them more evenly on
This can happen if there are loads in the general area phase system the 3 phase circuit.
that draw non-linear (harmonic rich) currents from the If the incoming voltages are
Utility unbalanced
power system, they can create voltage distortion in substantially unbalanced,
voltages
the normal voltage sine-wave that, in turn, can cause especially at lightly loaded or no
unbalanced currents in motors even when phase load periods, contact the utility
voltage differences are not detectable with a company and ask them to
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