|
When your motor starts, a governor weight mechanism (centrifugal switch) kicks out as the motor comes up to speed. If these contacts fail to open, rapid overheating of the start windings and tripping of the motor protector will occur in a half-minute, or so. Sound familiar? Common causes for the start switch not to open?
(Normally these contacts are inside the motor endbell, oposite the output shaft.) 1.) Contacts welded together in start switch. May work for a while if you separate them, and carefully file the contacts. A local electric motor shop probably has, or can get a new switch. 2.) Motor has developed too much endplay, and the centrifugal mechanism does not contact the switch to push it open. Causes... bad bearings, worn thrust washer(s), or a belleville washer that spring loads the ball bearings to take up endplay has broken. 3.) Electrical short in the windings that has the same effect as the centrifugal switch not opening.
|
