Calculating amps on 3 phase

[rookie4now]

I'm installing a mixer in a bakery. Originally, the owner said the mixer was 3-phase 208 and 6.5 Kw and needed a NEMA L15-30 receptacle. I figured 4/10 M/C and 30a 3P breaker. I looked at the actual mixer now that it's here and it says 208 3P 6.5Kw then in says 36 amps. How can it be 6.5Kw and 36 amps? If I'm doing the math correctly, it would be 6500/(1.73 *208) which is 18 amps (forgetting about pf for a second). So I guess if they are saying 6.5Kw and 36 amps they are telling me the Pf is .5? And if they say 36amps on the name plate, why would they spec a NAME L15-30?

Thanks...confused.

 

[jph320]

name plate

name plate

the manufactors name plate usually trumps all. I would just follow that.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I would call the manufacturer of the appliance and see what the deal is.

 

[jim dungar]

First a common error.
The motor nameplate is most likely showing the output KW. You need to account for both the efficiency and power factor of the motor and in order to calculate input amps.

 

[rookie4now]

the manufactors name plate usually trumps all. I would just follow that.

The manufacturers nameplate is the one that has the conflicting information. The manufacturers documentation calls for the L15-30 plug.

 

[topgone]

If it's 6.5 kW and 36 amps, then the motor rating must be 120V and not 208V! Redo your calcs using PF=0.85. Just a guess though.