A few thoughts on irrigation pump motors in low water conditions. Remember that a plugged foot valve is going to cause an amperage drop in motor. Current only increases when under a load. If an intake screen is clogged or if there is an air leak, current consumption will be low. Your best protection for run away motors is thermal overload relay devices, which will protect motor winding and rotor from excessive heat damage. They also make current sensitive relay devices that can detect low amperage and shut down the motor. These devices fit on the motor control and all you have to do is fix the problem( clogged foot valve) and reset, then restart. Simple. These devices also provide a high rotor current shutdown, in case of a phase loss.
Posted on: Sat, 20 Jul 2013 08:59:39 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015