motor iq quiz

Test Your Motor Control IQ

This quiz will help test your knowledge of a duplex pump controller.

By Larry Baran, Motor IQ Columnist

T
his month, we’ll wrap up our testing of the
duplex pump controller circuit by asking
you to select the best description for the
circuit conditions listed. Select all that apply, and
only one circuit condition is in effect at a time.
Consider the points A, B, C, D, E, and F as
reference points. Refer to the wiring schematic, and
assume the disconnect is closed and the motors and
transformer are fed by a 480V/3Ø/60 Hz power
source. Have fun, and don’t cheat!

Circuit Conditions (Part 1):

1. Point F is open.
2. OL1 contact is open.
3. OL2 contact is open.
4. Fuse F4 is blown.
5. Fuse F3 is blown.
6. Fuse F2 is blown.

Circuit Conditions (Part 2):

Sometimes, it’s useful to use a jumper to bypass L. Overload protection (OL2) does not work.
trouble. But serious damage to equipment and per- M. Pump Motor 2 receives power, but single phases.
sonal injury can result if you add jumpers without a N. Pump Motor 1 turns on without the float switch.
complete understanding of the consequences. O. Pump Motor 2 turns on without the float switch.
1. Points X1 and A are jumpered. P. M2 coil does not energize.
2. Points X2 and A are jumpered. Q. An overload may trip.
3. Points X1 and D are jumpered.
4. Points X1 and E are jumpered. Answers: C, M, Q 6.
A, B, F, I, K, P 5.
Descriptions: E, F, O, K, G 4. A, B, F, I, K, P 4.
A. M1 coil never turns on. E, F, N, G 3. F, I, P 3.
B. Pump Motor 1 never turns on. A, B, D, F, I, K, P 2. A, B, F, G, K 2.
C. Pump Motor 1 receives power, but single phases. E, F 1. F 1.
D. A fuse opens. 2): (Part 1): (Part
E. Control circuit short-circuit protection is com-
promised. Baran is owner of Starrats Technical Services, Riverside,
F. The pumps do not alternate. Ill. and former electrical controls instructor at Coyne
G. A pump turns on only when Float Switch 2 closes. American Institute in Chicago. You can reach him by mail
H. Overload protection (OL1) does not work. at Starrats Technical Services, P.O. Box 436, Riverside, IL
I. Pump Motor 2 never turns on. 60546; by e-mail at STARRATS@COMPUSERVE.COM;
J. Motor starts after a time delay. by phone at (708) 484-2477; or visit his Web site at
K. CR coil does not energize. http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/starrats.

50 December 2000 • EC&M • www.electricalzone.com