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Posted By: Clyde Interesting 3 phase results - 10/18/03 01:39 AM
I had something new happen to me last night, I've asked two other electricians and they don't have an answer for me either. I had a 3 phase, 4 wire 600 volt splitter, and I needed to power a 347 volt light, while I changed a single phase 120/240 volt x-former to a three phase 120/208. When I turned on the disconnect for the light, the light didn't come on. I checked the voltage and found 120 volts on the phase I was hooked to, I found 780 volts on another phase and over 800 volts on the next phase. I tried to hook the light to a different phase and had the smae results. With no lights hooked up, everything is normal. Has anyone seen this before.
Thanks.
Posted By: Electric Eagle Re: Interesting 3 phase results - 10/18/03 03:38 AM
It sounds like a loose connection somewhere. Possibly in the splitter or even all the way back to the poco's xfmr. You said 4 wire, so it could be the neutral, I've seen similar results with a loose neutral before.
Posted By: Scott35 Re: Interesting 3 phase results - 10/18/03 04:03 AM
I agree.
Sounds like you are reading the resultant voltage of Capacitive Coupling (if you are reading L-G and getting the wierd readings as stated).

Make sure the Common Grounded Conductor (AKA "neutral") is connected properly between source and load(s).
Also make sure the Equipment Grounding Conductor is connected properly between source and load(s).

Sounds like you have both - an open Noodle and an open Eq. Grounding Conductor, only the EGC is physically connected to earth ground somewhere, but not connected to the source's Grounded Conductor.

Just guessing... [Linked Image]

Let us know the outcome!

Scott35
Posted By: Pinemarten Re: Interesting 3 phase results - 10/18/03 11:16 PM
Another thought or two....
Are the ballast taps marked correctly, is the ballast capacitor hooked up correctly, does the voltage change when the lamp is in or out of the socket?
I think there are drawings in the technical reference section.
Posted By: Clyde Re: Interesting 3 phase results - 10/19/03 01:09 AM
I did check the neutral today and did find a fair amount of resistance between the neutral buss and ground. Perhaps this is the problem.

I also found out that the building is currantly fed with an open delta configuration due to a destroyed transformer. That shouldn't cause a problem though.

I appreciate your responses guys.
Posted By: Clyde Re: Interesting 3 phase results - 10/23/03 09:01 PM
After a little more research, I've discovered that the open delta configuration is the problem.

When an open delta configuration is used, only three wires are available from the transformers. Leaving you without a center-tapped neutral. I'm still learning every day.

Thanks.
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