electric motor service factor


  #1  
Old 12-07-06, 09:25 AM
M
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electric motor service factor

All,

I noticed that my water well pump motor is constantly running into the service factor - drawining the maximum current allowed. The pump is relatively new and has not given me any problems yet. But does this mean frequent overheating and a short life for the motor down the road? Anything I can do, short of replacing with a bigger motor?

Thanks
 
  #2  
Old 12-07-06, 12:23 PM
R
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Most likely you wont suffer any measurable loss in service life. Service factors range from 1.15 to 1.6 on well pumps. If service factor is 1.3 for a well pump motor. Basically thats saying you can operate the motor at 30% over the rated horspower. So if your pump is 2 hp then you could run it at 2.6 hp at 40C without over heating. Your insulation rating is probably B or C classified. It is possible you may have a voltage drop concern or too small of wire if the distance is too great for the factory specs. Usually with a well pump they will give you a wire size chart for a given distance for your particular pumps amperage and voltage.
You could also have the incorrect size for your discharge pipe (too small) or pressure switch set to high causing long cycling times. These three links I've found most informative in helping me with well pump problems regardless of manufacturer.

http://www.goulds.com/pdf/GSSINGLE.pdf

http://www.goulds.com/pdf/TTECHWP.pdf

http://www.goulds.com/pdf/IM096R03.pdf

Roger
 

Last edited by Roger; 12-07-06 at 01:13 PM.
 

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