Burned Up Air Compressor Motor while Running 803A

[jungleboy]

Looking for some guidance. After Beryl passed, I hooked up the genset and got the cabin items running again, AOK. I turned on the Quincy QT-54 5 hp 3450 rpm 230V 21A single phase Baldor compressor motor, began compressing, and within a minute the motor was smoking. I unplugged it but not before a small fire started in the motor. Did I do something dumb? I have read the original motors are lasting only 200-300 hours - I would doubt I have a hundred in 8 years, but do not believe in coincidences and doubt the motor failed at that precise moment due to anything other than something related to my management of the genset. I have ordered and received a new Baldor motor and will install directly. Would appreciate thoughts from gurus here prior to plugging back in to grid or gen power. Cheers from TX

 

[WWRD99]

Looking for some guidance. After Beryl passed, I hooked up the genset and got the cabin items running again, AOK. I turned on the Quincy QT-54 5 hp 3450 rpm 230V 21A single phase Baldor compressor motor, began compressing, and within a minute the motor was smoking. I unplugged it but not before a small fire started in the motor. Did I do something dumb? I have read the original motors are lasting only 200-300 hours - I would doubt I have a hundred in 8 years, but do not believe in coincidences and doubt the motor failed at that precise moment due to anything other than something related to my management of the genset. I have ordered and received a new Baldor motor and will install directly. Would appreciate thoughts from gurus here prior to plugging back in to grid or gen power. Cheers from TX

I'm not sure, but from what I found with that compressor, it uses a 50 amp breaker. Did you have anything else hooked up to the genset with the compressor? Curious as the startup amps might be around 40 so it could be the motor didn't get enough to actually get going while under load from the compressor. I think if so, then I'd start the electric motor with a bypass on the compressor pressure side so there's very little load on the motor, then slowly close it to ease ramp-up amps.

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[2Pbfeet]

Looking for some guidance. After Beryl passed, I hooked up the genset and got the cabin items running again, AOK. I turned on the Quincy QT-54 5 hp 3450 rpm 230V 21A single phase Baldor compressor motor, began compressing, and within a minute the motor was smoking. I unplugged it but not before a small fire started in the motor. Did I do something dumb? I have read the original motors are lasting only 200-300 hours - I would doubt I have a hundred in 8 years, but do not believe in coincidences and doubt the motor failed at that precise moment due to anything other than something related to my management of the genset. I have ordered and received a new Baldor motor and will install directly. Would appreciate thoughts from gurus here prior to plugging back in to grid or gen power. Cheers from TX

I'm with you about coincidences. Sorry to hear about the motor issue. In my experience, Baltor motors generally last better than 200 hours, but I don't know the motor model in this compressor.

Did you check the generator output with a DVM? Was anything else running? Did you check the capacitors on the Baltor? Did you check for mice or wasps in the motor?

All the best,

2Pbfeet

 

[Jeepadict]

The opinions of folks will vary as much as Google's AI will when trying to give you an answer to the same question. Bottom line, thankfully nobody was hurt. It could have been anything from a reversed Neutral to a loose connection. Even with pictures it will be difficult to discern the root cause. If you want a definitive diagnosis, my best thought would be to bring in a licensed Electrician to examine the carnage and install the new compressor motor. While he's there, he can examine your generator connections and interlock devices to ensure they meet code so you aren't confronted with this dellima again.

Edit: along with the notes mentioned above, the Electrician can also measure the startup power draw of your compressor to further help with that hypothesis.

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[Light in the Dark]

What is the LRA of that particular motor?

 

[Guyfang]

Has the motor always been hooked up the way it was when the motor was burned ?
Has anyone fooled with the output reconnection switch?
What position was the reconnection switch in, when this happened?

 

[jungleboy]

I'm not sure, but from what I found with that compressor, it uses a 50 amp breaker. Did you have anything else hooked up to the genset with the compressor? Curious as the startup amps might be around 40 so it could be the motor didn't get enough to actually get going while under load from the compressor. I think if so, then I'd start the electric motor with a bypass on the compressor pressure side so there's very little load on the motor, then slowly close it to ease ramp-up amps.

Sent from my SM-S906U using Tapatalk

Had a couple of small mini splits on and some lamps. I was in the garage and cannot say but "maybe" the well kicked on too..... Great idea about the gradual loading and startup load checks, and I do intend to have wiring checked at the receptacle prior to startup.

I'm not sure, but from what I found with that compressor, it uses a 50 amp breaker. Did you have anything else hooked up to the genset with the compressor? Curious as the startup amps might be around 40 so it could be the motor didn't get enough to actually get going while under load from the compressor. I think if so, then I'd start the electric motor with a bypass on the compressor pressure side so there's very little load on the motor, then slowly close it to ease ramp-up amps.

Sent from my SM-S906U using Tapatalk

The opinions of folks will vary as much as Google's AI will when trying to give you an answer to the same question. Bottom line, thankfully nobody was hurt. It could have been anything from a reversed Neutral to a loose connection. Even with pictures it will be difficult to discern the root cause. If you want a definitive diagnosis, my best thought would be to bring in a licensed Electrician to examine the carnage and install the new compressor motor. While he's there, he can examine your generator connections and interlock devices to ensure they meet code so you aren't confronted with this dellima again.

Edit: along with the notes mentioned above, the Electrician can also measure the startup power draw of your compressor to further help with that hypothesis.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk
[/QUOTE]
Y

I'm not sure, but from what I found with that compressor, it uses a 50 amp breaker. Did you have anything else hooked up to the genset with the compressor? Curious as the startup amps might be around 40 so it could be the motor didn't get enough to actually get going while under load from the compressor. I think if so, then I'd start the electric motor with a bypass on the compressor pressure side so there's very little load on the motor, then slowly close it to ease ramp-up amps.

Sent from my SM-S906U using Tapatalk

Affirmative on 50A breaker. Motor 1274661009 is discontinues I think, but will do some more archive research to check if there is a data sheet available other than data plate on motor. Had a couple of small mini splits on, fridge, freezer and some lamps. I was in the garage and cannot say but "maybe" the water well kicked on too..... Great idea about the gradual loading and startup load checks, and I do intend to have wiring checked at the receptacle prior to startup, and will consult with electrician on advisability of trying to run the compressor on the genset .

 

[jungleboy]

What is the LRA of that particular motor?

Will check and revert, thanks!

 

[jungleboy]

Has the motor always been hooked up the way it was when the motor was burned ?
Has anyone fooled with the output reconnection switch?
What position was the reconnection switch in, when this happened?

I have used the compressor sparingly to inflate tires, run an occasional tool and for blowing crud off the zero turn deck. Switches and wiring unchanged and unmolested, and the compressor switch was "off" when I turned it "on", and the fun began. Has been plugged into the wall continuously since 2016.

 

[Jeepadict]

Another thing to consider when running on a genset for backup power, is "load shunting"...calculate the maximum draw on all individual circuts with an inventory, then before you bring your genset online turn off all unnecessary circuts to prevent an overload condition. You can then toggle circuts on and off as your situation evolves and not worry about inadvertent power usage.

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[jungleboy]

I'm with you about coincidences. Sorry to hear about the motor issue. In my experience, Baltor motors generally last better than 200 hours, but I don't know the motor model in this compressor.

Did you check the generator output with a DVM? Was anything else running? Did you check the capacitors on the Baltor? Did you check for mice or wasps in the motor?

All the best,

2Pbfeet

No on DVM check, was just getting genset r.unning after rain let up. Good data for next time - will check that. Unit is in dehumidified, sealed garage and motor is on top of unit, so I guess no wasps or rodents, but will check this when I pull the compressor out to remove old motor. Haven't checked capacitors at all, but I expect a mess...

 

[jungleboy]

Another thing to consider when running on a genset for backup power, is "load shunting"...calculate the maximum draw on all individual circuts with an inventory, then before you bring your genset online turn off all unnecessary circuts to prevent an overload condition. You can then toggle circuts on and off as your situation evolves and not worry about inadvertent power usage.

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Yes, you are correct and thank you for the advice. I should have been more attentive - lesson only cost 600 bucks...... so far.

 

[NDT]

I have the same compressor setup, 5 hp single phase capacitor start. All of a sudden mine wouldn’t start, just tripped the breaker. After replacing the motor come to find out the compressor wouldn’t turn. Compressor also used very infrequently. Took the compressor apart, nothing wrong with it other than stuck from sitting.

 

[jungleboy]

Have not been able to find any info on the motor, any info presumably lost through Reliance and ABB acquisitions of the once great Baldor. That is not to say it is not available, it is to say that I cannot get anything out of archive.org. It used to be a reasonable resource, maybe still is, but seems like history is being erased....

 

[jungleboy]

I have the same compressor setup, 5 hp single phase capacitor start. All of a sudden mine wouldn’t start, just tripped the breaker. After replacing the motor come to find out the compressor wouldn’t turn. Compressor also used very infrequently. Took the compressor apart, nothing wrong with it other than stuck from sitting.

Great point. Will check by hand once I have motor and belt guard out of the way - that occurred to me as well, but needed motor anyway....

 

[Light in the Dark]

Have not been able to find any info on the motor, any info presumably lost through Reliance and ABB acquisitions of the once great Baldor. That is not to say it is not available, it is to say that I cannot get anything out of archive.org. It used to be a reasonable resource, maybe still is, but seems like history is being erased....

Share a photo of the data plate on it?

 

[G744]

Single-phase motors can pull up to 600% of running current for the first couple seconds.

Also check the cap for the correct uF and check for it being open or shorted with a VOM set on Ohms. If it is good, the reading should kick up at first, then fall to high ohms.

Also, eBay has a lot of motors for sale for a lot less that $600...

 

[Ray70]

Did the compressor sound normal when it was running?
I'd assume it has both a start and a run capacitor on it.
Without the start cap the motor won't start, but it can still run with a bad run cap and depending on it's condition, running with a bad capacitor may have caused your issue.

 

[jungleboy]

Share a photo of the data plate on it?

 

[jungleboy]

Did the compressor sound normal when it was running?
I'd assume it has both a start and a run capacitor on it.
Without the start cap the motor won't start, but it can still run with a bad run cap and depending on it's condition, running with a bad capacitor may have caused your issue.

It was a loud motor from new, sounded normal for about 10-15 seconds, then "abby-normal" I think it was.... In any case, all seemed OK in prior use.