Previous in Forum: magnetic bearing   Next in Forum: Rating of Pipe Fittings
Close
Close
Close
3 comments
Rate Comments: Nested
Anonymous Poster

100A 3-Phase Cutler Hammer Pump - Breaker Model HMCP100R3C

07/16/2009 9:48 AM

Hi we have been having problems with the the above mentioned breaker. We have gone through 4 breakers within the year. Basically what is happening is that one of the phases of the breaker is burning up without tripping the breaker. This type breaker is being used with pump starters to start pumps with FLA of 80 Amps at a sewer system lift station. This breaker has always been used, it is just recently that we have started having this problem. The lift station has three pumps and and all three breaker have had this happen at different times. We have had electricians come and check out the problem however they have found nothing wrong with the pumps or circuitry. Perhaps someone has had this experience before. I would appreciate any type of help.

Reply
Interested in this topic? By joining CR4 you can "subscribe" to
this discussion and receive notification when new comments are added.
Commentator

Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 80
#1

Re: 100 A 3 phase Cutler Hammer pump breaker model # HMCP100R3C

07/16/2009 2:45 PM

Put a scope on a shunt and monitor current draw.

Reply
Anonymous Poster
#2
In reply to #1

Re: 100 A 3 phase Cutler Hammer pump breaker model # HMCP100R3C

07/16/2009 11:29 PM

The first answer is a great one.If that doesn't show the problem I would get an IR heat sensing tool and shoot all of the lugs in your system. I would certainly not invite your electrician back. They sound like parts changers. From what you have stated the problem is "up stream" from your pumps and the breakers. If in the same leg on all breakers has been failing back track the system and find the loose connection or deteriorated connection. There must be a commonality.

This problem can be resolved with a good control or boiler technician and about 2 hours of research and real troubleshooting.

Reply
Anonymous Poster
#3

Re: 100A 3-Phase Cutler Hammer Pump - Breaker Model HMCP100R3C

07/21/2009 10:30 AM

Typically losing a leg on a breaker usally indicates a loose connection. The termination heats up and destroys the breaker caused by improperly tighting of the breaker lugs.

Do you have an infrared temperature gun? They're cheap enough and will save you from a lot of down time.

One other thing, you may be losing one leg on the motor? This also would also cause the conductor to heat up. Use an amp probe. There could also be a slight ground fault which will not trip the breaker but burn up the wiring and equipment.

And! Your electrician isn't a trouble shooter. Get a new one.

Reply
Reply to Forum Thread 3 comments

Previous in Forum: magnetic bearing   Next in Forum: Rating of Pipe Fittings

Advertisement