MOTOR FEEDS

[ron pfeiffer]

RECENTLY THERE WAS A MOTOR STARTER MOVED BY A CONTRACTOR ABOUT 10'AND THEY INSTALLED A 3/4 EMT TO HANDLE THE #8AWG. 3PHASE FEED TO THE STARTER AND IN THE SAME PIPE THEY PULLED THE MOTOR FEEDS. THE PIPE IS HOT AND IN THE JUNCTION BOX THE CLEAR PLASTIC ON THE WIRES IS CRACKING OFF DUE TO THE HEAT. SHOULD THE WIRES BE SEPERATED IN 2 PIPES OR SHOULD A LARGER EMT BE INSTALLED TO ALLOW MORE AIR SPACE. THANKS

 

[petersonra]

Re: MOTOR FEEDS

are you saying they somehow got six #8s in a 3/4 emt?

 

[coulter]

Re: MOTOR FEEDS

Originally posted by petersonra:
are you saying they somehow got six #8s in a 3/4 emt?

If they used THHN, the book says it will fit. Should be a derate of 80%. Could be that's why they are runnung hot.

Two raceways gets rid of the derate - a bigger conduit does not.

You didn't tell us the load, also could be the motor is big for the conductors and is loaded up hard. As well as checking the nameplate, I'd suggest checking the motor running current with a clamp-on.

carl