Machine Install 480v #8 wire

jamesthames · 10-09-2012, 04:49 PM

I got a machine running 480V on 26 amps (we can round off to 30 for the sake of this discussion). Machine got stuck while running, so the amperage went up, and then the 30 amp circuit breaker tripped. I reset the circuit breaker, but now there is no voltage going to the machine. The circuit breaker still flips on and off. I was advised on another forum most likely the CB needs to be replaced. Does anybody know if the CB will always burn out when the amps spike? Do I need to get a fused disconnect? Thanks in advance for your replies

rjniles · 10-09-2012, 05:04 PM

Not a DIY repair. You need to get licensed electricain.

Kapriel · 10-09-2012, 05:40 PM

Rjniles is right.

CB might be bad, but the line rails where breaker gets it's power could be erroded to the point that it will not work even with a new breaker.

You really should get an electrician.

Missouri Bound · 10-09-2012, 08:31 PM

Although I agree with the others about getting a licensed electrician, have you tried resetting the breaker a few times? Turning it off completely and resetting it? That wasn't an insult but believe it or not some people do not know how to properly reset a breaker. I would try it a few times at least.
Also I was wondering.....how do you know there is no voltage to the machine? Did you use a tester? Does it "just not run" and you assume it's a voltage problem? I'll assume it has a starter of sorts...does the starter have overload protection; does the machine have any internal fuses or resets? There are a lot of variables here. And once again I agree with the other posters: If this is beyond your ability safety is a huge issue and you need a professional.

jamesthames · 10-09-2012, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Missouri Bound

Although I agree with the others about getting a licensed electrician, have you tried resetting the breaker a few times? Turning it off completely and resetting it? That wasn't an insult but believe it or not some people do not know how to properly reset a breaker. I would try it a few times at least.
Also I was wondering.....how do you know there is no voltage to the machine? Did you use a tester? Does it "just not run" and you assume it's a voltage problem? I'll assume it has a starter of sorts...does the starter have overload protection; does the machine have any internal fuses or resets? There are a lot of variables here. And once again I agree with the other posters: If this is beyond your ability safety is a huge issue and you need a professional.

Missouri,

Thanks for your reply. I used a voltmeter sir. I did press the reset button on the breaker, but to no avail. How do you properly reset a breaker? I assumed you press the reset button when it's in the off position, let me know if otherwise. It has nothing to do with the machine, because we can't even get power to the machine. At least if there was power in the outlet the machine hooks up to, I would then be worried about the machine. I know this because I also used the voltmeter on the outlet, also no power.

Missouri Bound · 10-09-2012, 08:43 PM

A reset button? Perhaps I am not familiar with the type of breaker you have. The breakers I refer to have a "switch" for lack of a better term which you turn completely off and then back on. Any chance you could post some pictures of this breaker?

Kapriel · 10-09-2012, 08:49 PM

Just a thought......

I would be very careful working in a 480 Volt 3phase panel unless you are fully qualified to do so.

It has the power & potential to kill.

jamesthames · 10-09-2012, 08:51 PM

Missouri,

I could take a photo tomorrow. It's a Siemens triphase 480v 30 amp breaker with three screws (one screw for each wire of the triphase connection). It's got the lever that you flip on and off, and in the middle there is a tiny little reset button.

Missouri Bound · 10-09-2012, 08:55 PM

OK...so you flipped the lever and pushed the reset button....right? Isn't that button to test the breaker rather than reset it? All you should have to do is turn the lever completely off, then back on. If that does not restore power then call the electrician. I would be very surprised if the breaker was bad.

jamesthames · 10-09-2012, 09:19 PM

Missouri,

Yes boss, I think the breaker is ok too, I think it's something else. And to be honest, I think it's something small and stupid. I am going to look more carefully at the breaker tomorrow to see if there's any other switches, but I only saw the little reset button.

joecaption · 10-09-2012, 09:58 PM

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Siemens-Sent...item1e6636673c

Look like this?

jamesthames · 10-09-2012, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joecaption

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Siemens-Sent...item1e6636673c

Look like this?

Joe, it looks like 100% match

mpoulton · 10-09-2012, 11:48 PM

That's not a reset button, it's a test button. That's why it doesn't say "reset", it says "push to trip". Frankly, you have no business working in the panel and it's scary that you're attempting any troubleshooting on it at all - especially doing voltage measurements with a meter with the panel cover off. You are not qualified to do this work safely. I think you have no idea what a 480V arc flash accident looks like. One slip with a screwdriver or multimeter probe, or a minor failure inside the meter (is it a CAT III rated meter???) will blind you and burn you, or worse.

kbsparky · 10-10-2012, 12:27 AM

Did you press the reset button on the machine? Motor starter controls all have them ...

jamesthames · 10-10-2012, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kbsparky

Did you press the reset button on the machine? Motor starter controls all have them ...

KB, there is no power running to the machine right now.