Voltage/Current Imbalance

Electromatic

Senior Member
Location
Virginia
Occupation
Master Electrician
I have a pumping station whose pumps are not running smoothly. We think it's mostly a mechanical/plumbing issue, but while investigating, I found what I consider a significant voltage and current imbalance with a motor running. The motor is 25HP, and the system is a high-leg 240V.
With the motor running, I have:
AB 240V
BC 237V
AC 235V

A 51.5A
B 53.5A
C 44.0A

Oddly, I get similar results with both an old motor and a newly-installed one. Also, there is a backup generator with slightly better voltage balance (238, 238, 241), and running off it, the motor pulls 51A, 53A, 46A.
Is there something I should look for to correct this, or is this a good as can be expected?
TIA
 

Electromatic

Senior Member
Location
Virginia
Occupation
Master Electrician
With no major load (no motors, just a couple of lights and small items) I have:
AB 245V
BC 242V
AC 238V

A-gnd 118V
B-gnd 212V
C-gnd 121V

I'm fine with the service being +/-10% from a nominal 240V, but the imbalance concerns me. It's about 11% current imbalance at the motor. However, I don't know that the utility is going to give much thought about their 1.5% voltage imbalance.
 
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