How can I power a 3-phase motor and interpret the diagram on the cover?
Asked by José Eduardo Solís 
3 months ago
Last Updated: September 27, 2024
Hey, does anyone know how to get this motor up and running? It’s a 3-phase and I’m a bit confused by the diagram on the cover.
Depending on the supply voltage, connect in delta if it’s 265 volts or star if it’s 460 volts. What is the voltage supply you have?
What voltage do you have available?
Hey, , what about 480/277?
I might be mistaken, , but if you’re dealing with 480/277, you definitely have a Y or wye connection. Clarify it on the 460 side. Check the diagram on the right.
The one on the left is for Delta, and the one on the right is for Wye.
Might not be aware of the distinction
Hey Kevin, if you check the data plate, delta is 265v and wye is 460v
Make sure to check the data plate on the lower left and apply the information correctly.
Yep,
Hire an electrician
Individuals like you are simply malicious. The clear definition of this group states that it’s a space for individuals to ask ‘experts’. ‘t be here if you’re not willing to welcome such inquiries.
Stop it, answer his question or keep quiet as my grandma would say
Take it easy Kevin….. he’s correct. Even though he didn’t explain why…. He is correct.
If you’re not able to decipher simple wiring diagrams, it’s best to contact an electrician and have them guide you. If you’re the electrician, seek assistance from a colleague.
Eorge Spaulding I understand that posting on here doesn’t technically count as asking friends. But why not? Why promote rudeness instead of offering help?
Trent lad, good to hear, because this individual is clearly unqualified and should steer clear of this.
I agree. If you can’t understand the basic diagrams, you should steer clear from it.
Why is it that a straightforward statement like “Call an electrician” is sometimes seen as rude? It might be blunt and straight to the point, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s rude. If you interpret it as rude, it could be more about your own perception than the actual intent behind the statement.
If someone said that to me, I would definitely take it as an insult. It’s pretty rude to make assumptions about someone without knowing anything about them.
Trent, it’s all about the phrase “I would consider it.” Basically, even if you didn’t mean to, you’ve chosen to take offense. If a skilled electrician tells you that you’re in over your head, it’s probably true. Even with zero knowledge, an electrician can look at a diagram and see that anyone asking how to wire it up is in over their head just by asking the question. If you asked a doctor on Facebook how to stitch up a facial wound that won’t stop bleeding, would you be upset if they told you to go to the emergency room? You wouldn’t be offended because the doctor is looking out for your well-being. Similarly, telling OP to call an electrician is in OP’s best interest.
Hey everyone, just wanted to say thanks for recommending that book. I read it and you were totally right. I have a better grasp now on the differences between delta and Y in terms of power. In this motor, delta is handling the low voltage side while Y is for high voltage. I can handle it from here. I was a bit confused about delta termination before, but now I’ve got it. Sometimes it just takes someone pointing out what you don’t know to help you learn and grow. Thanks again! 👍🏻
Make sure to check whether the transformer supplying power to the motor is in delta or wye configuration, and adjust the taps accordingly.
Delta 🔼
You mentioned that you have a 480/277, not a delta, .
It sounds like if you’re working with 277, you probably have a transformer configured in a wye. But 480 could also work well for a delta setup!
The taps in the peckerhead are currently set up for Wye connection at 460 V, although I believe the motor is meant for 480 V.
What is the voltage of your load?
Make sure to check the voltage indicated on the nameplate for proper connection.
What is the dual voltage supply that you have?
Close the cover gently before walking away.
How was the wiring on the motor you removed?
It’s a new hydraulic boom system compared to the old manual one
Your wiring diagram can be found right inside the cover. Adjust the jumpers based on the voltage you are using and terminate them correctly. If you find the diagram confusing, it’s best not to attempt to connect the motor.
You know, uy Harrelson, they are aware that the diagram is there. They just don’t know how to read it. Therefore, they shouldn’t be the ones doing the work.
Hey, it’s not a high or low voltage issue, uy Harrelson.
Hey, isn’t that ? What am I missing here?
So, this is a delta or Y wired motor. If you’re having trouble reading the diagram, maybe someone else should wire it.
Italian, huh
Yes, it’s important to begin with 3-phase power. Avoid using 1-phase or 240v. After that, close the cover and consider hiring an electrician to avoid any potential hazards.
It’s best to consult a professional
A. So, what’s the incoming voltage for the motor? Is it 480? Since you mentioned 3 phase, I’m assuming it’s 480. Check the lower left of the nameplate. B. If you’re still unsure, consider hiring an industrial electrician with more experience.
Brooks Why automatically assume it’s 480 VAC just because it’s three phase? Remember what happens when you ASSUME.
That is worrisome.
If you are unable to understand the diagram, it’s best to avoid working on the motor.
You can go ahead and walk away now.
Connect it and have your assistant switch it on; they usually listen
Is funny
Love the question from the handyman 😂😂😂😂
I was under the impression that this page was for electricians. Did I make a mistake?
If it were all electricians, it would be dull … 😂🤣
You’re spot on. I’m comfortable with single phase residential projects. A friend asked for help connecting this motor, and I’m not as familiar with industrial 3-phase systems. So I thought I could get some advice from this group. Some have been really helpful, while others make it seem like it’s some exclusive club. I value any information I can get. In the end, I’ll connect the motor with the knowledge I gain 👍🏻
The thing is, anyone offering advice is just as responsible for any resulting damage from improperly wiring the motor. It’s not some mysterious men in black scenario, it’s actual people who have seen the consequences of non-electricians attempting to wire a motor. It’s not about being gatekeepers, it’s about not wanting to bear the consequences of your misguided decisions. Electricity is a leading cause of fatalities on construction sites, and I hope you never have to see the harm it can cause. But please understand that some electricians have witnessed this harm firsthand, if not experienced it themselves. The inability to understand the diagram should be a major warning sign to step back.
Share these pictures with your electrician, they will handle the rest. This motor is a typical 3 phase one, and comes with all the necessary installation details. On a lighter note, if you are unsure, seek assistance from someone who understands.
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So, right here you’ve got a diagram for both delta and wye connections. Now, the real question is: do you grasp the concept of delta and y?
If you’re not sure about it, just call an electrician
This is the point where the intimidating manual turns into a handy reference, especially if you’re not working on it regularly.
I’m not sure if the author of this post understands the purpose of that book!
We don’t need an ugly book from . We just need to know the incoming voltage and all the wiring information for the motor is already on it.
Try using the Delta Hookup on the left. I’m guessing you have a 3 phase power source.
Why are you trying to do this yourself? It’s best to call a professional electrician.
Do you know what the supply voltage is?
Ot it
If you’re unsure about the connections on the name plate (277 Delta or 480 WYE), it’s important to determine which voltage you need. Consult a professional electrician for guidance.
It’s actually quite simple – determine if the company is using delta or wye configuration, then connect your leads to 1-2-3 and ground. If not, you’ll need to follow the jumper plate instructions as per the diagram for wye. Take it easy and remember to LOTO
Also, keep in mind that if the diagram uses letters, just recall the alphabet sequence like UVW 123 abc
You’re all set for 460.
Assuming you’re not familiar with the concept of 3 phase power.
It’s currently set up for 460 volts. If you prefer to use 230 volts instead, refer to the diagram on the left. This is unrelated to whether your utility power is wye or delta. The motor has six standard leads with plenty of diagrams and information available. In essence, it can only be wired in low voltage delta or high voltage wye configuration, as it only has six leads extended to the peckerhead compared to a motor with all 12 leads extended.
It’s quite simple, buddy.
On the left side, delta connection with 460v
On the right side, wye connection with 230v
Just bundle all the wires together with a wire nut and see what happens
Whether your facility uses a Y or Delta system doesn’t matter. What’s important is your voltage. In the US, 265 volts are rare, with 480 volts being more common. For a 480 volt system, 3 phase, connect in the Y configuration.
Is the hero he was looking for.
Yeah, it’s usually around 240 or 480 in the US. Easy to read with a meter. Lo or hi wiring.
The images you shared display the wiring diagram and terminal box for a three-phase motor. According to the diagram on the cover:
1. **Delta Configuration (Δ)**: For high voltage operation, terminals U1, V1, and W1 should be connected to the three-phase lines (L1, L2, L3 respectively). U2 should connect to V1, V2 to W1, and W2 to U1. This ensures each winding receives full line voltage.
2. **Star Configuration (Y)**: For low voltage, U1, V1, and W1 should also connect to the three phases (L1, L2, L3). U2, V2, and W2 should be interconnected and not to the power line. This setup divides each winding by phase-to-phase voltage divided by √3.
Choose between Delta or Star configuration based on your supply and motor voltage ratings. Verify the motor’s nameplate (shown in the third picture) to align the motor voltage with your supply voltage. If the motor is rated for 400V and you have a 400V supply, opt for the Delta configuration. If the motor is set for 230V and your supply is 400V, go for the Star configuration. Always ensure the motor’s voltage matches your power supply to prevent motor damage. If unsure, seek advice from or hire a qualified electrician.
If I was qualified, you’d owe me 80 bucks 🤣
Remember, the order of L1 L2 L3 should match the leads in the motor from left to right. For delta connections, you need to splice the paired leads together and connect them to your wires in the correct phase order. If you’re dealing with wye power, connect the three paired numbers at the top to the 3 leads at the bottom individually, in the correct phase order.
Sometimes it’s better to invest a bit in hiring a skilled electrician. Consider the value of the motor you’re working with.
Once you’ve done that, put the cover back on and step away. If you’re having trouble understanding the data plate, you may need assistance setting up the starter bucket to protect it.
En conexión delta es para 240 y conexión estrella 480 pero según lo que se observa en la imagen, está configurado para 480
What’s your voltage? It can be either 260V or 460V.
It all depends on your supply voltage. If you ordered the motor to match your specific supply voltage, it should be wired correctly, but it’s always best to double-check
If the power you’re receiving is 480V and the jumpers are set up as shown on the right, you just need to check the rotation. But if you’re getting 240V, set up the jumpers as shown on the left before connecting your feed. Then check rotation. If the rotation is incorrect, swap two leads regardless of the voltage you’re receiving.