AboutCharles C. Jones Expertise Let Me help you with your problems with single phase and three phase electric motors. I can tell you how to troubleshoot your motor problems. From simple testing of capacitors, how to test your windings, replacing bearings, and general maintance. Before we go any further, remember these words of advice: Disconnect the power before you do anything! Please limit your questions to electric motors and there immediate components. I review each question, and if I can answer or help, then I will. If you receive a rejection, it means it is out of my expertise, and just do not have the answer. I'll be waiting for your question, and see if I can help you. Thanks for using AllExperts!
Experience I have 30 years experience in the repair of electric motors and related equipment. I am a master machinist in the field of motor repair. I have been employed with my company for 27 years. When you ask your question, give me all the information you can about your problem. I have a lots more to add, but for the everyday do-it yourself kinda person, it might get to technical. So ask away, if I can't give you a good answer, I'll find someone who can
Expert: Charles C. Jones Date: 6/12/2008 Subject: testing an ac compressor motor
Question Mr. Jones-
I hope you can help me. I recently installed a 110v/220v compressor. I was told (incorrectly) that the motor was already wired for 220V. I plugged it into a 220v circuit and it worked really well for about 10 seconds. It then stopped and won't restart. Inspection found that it was actually set for 110V. I see nothing melted, not does anything smell burned. I thought at first that it tripped the motor reset, but I have continuity at all three leads. Could it be the start capacitor? It was running when it died. What can I test?
Specs: Dayton 110v/220v compressor using a 3/4hp AC motor w/capacitor start.
Thanks!
Answer Continuity between three leads? There should be only two leads that have continuity, the ones that power is connected too. Are you reading any lines to ground? Turn off the breaker, disconnect the motor leads and turn the breaker back on. Test each line to ground. You should read at least 110 volts on each line to ground, then test line to line, which should read 220 volts. Don't worry about exact numbers, it can range from 215 to 245 volts. Make sure the motor is connected for 220 volts and start the motor. Does the motor do anything? Even if the motor is bad, it should at least try to start. Let me know what happens, and we will take it from there.
