In view of the dangers it can bring, some people take their bodies out to work with electricity. The truth is that whoever does not have experience with this branch is like someone who does not see. That is, he enters an unknown world where he can suffer an accident.
Even changing a simple socket could become a real problem for those who do not have the slightest idea of what they are doing. In those cases, to avoid bad moments, the best thing to do is go to a professional, because the remedy could be worse than the disease.
Perhaps, by saving some extra money, you end up causing an accident that generates many more expenses and, in some cases, could be so serious that it affects the physical integrity of someone, even the smallest of the house.
Despite all this, we cannot deny that the arrival of electricity in our lives has been a true blessing. There’s nothing like enjoying the air conditioning on a hot day or turning on the light when you’re looking for something. In addition, in winter it is appreciated to have heating, and all this is thanks to electricity.
But the benefits do not stop there. There are different electrical devices that help to perform different types of tasks. They are even less polluting and even more efficient. That is why some people choose to make those choices. Electric above all else.
Are you that kind of person? Would you like to know what the benefits of using some electrical devices are?. In this case, this article will be talking about three-phase motors.
You will find out everything you have to know about them and thus be able to see how profitable they are.
Instructions for connecting a three-phase motor
When we talk about three-phase motors, we refer to those motors that have been designed so that they can work using the three phases of alternating current, which is used in many industrial applications.
They are electrical machines that are responsible for transforming electrical energy into mechanical energy through electromagnetic interactions. They were designed so that they could work using a three-phase alternating current source.
Alternating current has the ability to go from negative to positive and from positive to negative many times. In fact, the one you have available at home goes from negative to positive and vice versa 60 times in a minute. That is, one revolution per second.
It does this change in a fluid wave called a sine wave. Now, as for three-phase alternating current, it has three power sources. All of which are out of phase with each other. Which means that there are never two alternating currents at the same point, much less at the same time.
As for its parts, it has two main ones. One of them is the rotor, which is the one that rotates, and there is also the stator, which is responsible for making it rotate. The rotor is also known as a squirrel cage, as it consists of a circular network of bars and rings and closely resembles a cage connected to a shaft.
As for the stator, we have to say that it is a ring of three pairs of coils that are evenly arranged around the rotor.
But since you have the option to use it in three phases, how can you connect it?…
The first thing you should do is disconnect the source that powers the motor starter. It has a fused disconnect switch.
Then you must check what is the voltage and current with which the motor is fed. Make sure this matches the AWG charts so you can be sure the proper wiring is being used.
Another way to do this is by looking at the colors of the wires and checking that they are properly connected. Before you make any connections, make sure there is tension on the end of the motor cable.
In addition, you must take into account what the insulation colors of each of the connections are. On the other hand, it is important that you connect the same colors to the same terminals, as indicated in the case of the starter.
As final steps you should remove the safety lock and then close the disconnect switch. Then you must turn on the motor and when it is working correctly, you must verify the nominal voltage and current. These must match the data found on the motor nameplate. Therefore, the suggestion is that you can verify them in order to avoid any type of unexpected.
What else do you need to know about three-phase motors?
What do you need to connect a three-phase motor?
In reality, there are many advantages that we can find in three-phase motors. In fact, these are far superior to monophasic.
- The first thing we can say is that the power they deliver is constant.
- They are also self-starting and therefore much more efficient. For example, in the case of single-phase motors, they do not have a starter motor and, therefore, require the help of auxiliary means so that they can start.
- On the other hand, the three-phase motor has higher power and efficiency compared to the single-phase motor.
- The three-phase transmission system tends to be cheaper than others, since it requires less conductive material than a single-phase line. Since cross installations are typically smaller, there is a saving in copper, so installation costs are lower.
- On the other hand, three-phase motors work with a uniform torque, while others have a pulsating torque.
- Its parallel operation is simpler.
- You also have the possibility to configure the rotating magnetic field on the stationary windings.
In short, you need to know that three-phase motors are more robust, cheaper, smaller, with self-starting properties, their output is much more stable and, compared to other motors, they require less maintenance.
At first glance this could be the best option. However, like everything in this life, it is important to also consider the negative aspects that may exist so that there is no room for regret.
What are the disadvantages of three-phase motors? We will be analyzing it in the next subtitle. So pay close attention to the following tips that we will give you.
Tips for connecting a three-phase motor
Realistically, the downsides of electric motors are very few. That is why most people decide to use them of that type.
However, among the disadvantages of electric motors, we must point out that, in the case of electric vehicles, their batteries tend to be more expensive and heavier. So, although a car is already expensive, its price tends to rise even more.
On the other hand, they have a limited autonomy. Although the network of charging systems continues to grow, from the point of view of its many users, it is still insufficient today.
But the truth is that everyone must shoulder their own burden of responsibility and decide which option to consider. It is true that, sometimes, expectations often exceed reality. But, by being aware of the advantages and disadvantages that three-phase motors offer, the choice can become less complicated.
We hope that this article has been useful to you and that you now have the ability to choose, having a much more objective opinion about three-phase motors.
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