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A.C. Motor Current Draw Question

L

Len Krauss

Jan 1, 1970
0
Can't seem to get a consistent answer on what I believe is a basic question,
and would appreciate some feedback. It concerns a used A.C. induction
motor of the type used for boat lifts. The question is posted here because
this motor lives in a sea air environment with all that says about possible
deterioration of windings and so forth.

The motor of interest can be wired for either 115V or 230V. It's 3/4 HP,
1725 RPM, capacitor start, 115V @ 10.8Amps / 230V @ 5.4Amps, 60Hz..

On a no-load bench test @115v, the motor draws approx 11Amps, essentially
the labeled rating. Two motor shop guys assert that modern motors draw close
to their rated Amps no-load and that the draw doesn't change much under load
if the motor is good. The motor in question draws around the same Amps, load
or no-load, with no more than a 1Amp difference. Another motor shop guy
asserts that this motor should draw at most 6-7Amps, no-load, and feels the
motor is bad. In other words, he says the labeled Amp draw is under-load,
while the no-load Amp draw should be much lower.

Who's right?

Len
 
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