Wide Belt Sander, pulling high amperage all of a sudden.

[dirk martin]

I've got a 15" wide belt, from Grizzly.
Today when I turned it on, the amp meter is sitting at 27 amps, with no boards going through. Normally, it starts at about 18, and goes up as I put it under load.

I fed a board thru, and all seems fine, and the meter needle "danced" as it sanded, but it's staying high at 27 amps, under no load. The book stresses I can damage the motor if it runs at 30 amps. I've got it on a 40 amp wire and breaker.

It's the model G9983

[John Lanciani]

Single phase or 3 phase motor?

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Dirk,

Are you hearing any strange noises while it's running now without a load?

The way I read the wiring diagram, the amp meter only monitors the main motor current. A sudden increase in current could be 1) an electrical change in the motor, centrifugal switch, start and run capaciotors or 2) a bearing on the main motor providing drag and thus causing the motor to draw more current or 3) the motor brake not releasing or dragging while the motor runs.

[dirk martin]

Single phase.
The motor pulley turns freely.
The motor brake is not engaged.
Nothing sounds odd.

[dirk martin]

I'm thinking perhaps the start capacitor isn't kicking it into the run windings?....???

[Rod Sheridan]

I'm thinking perhaps the start capacitor isn't kicking it into the run windings?....???

Hi. if the motor starts, the run winding and start capacitor are in the circuit.

The issue could be a faulty ammeter, or a motor that's running with the starting winding still energised.

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Dirk,

I would consider checking the centrifugal switch to ensure it's able to open once the motor is up to speed.

[Myk Rian]

Dirk,

I would consider checking the centrifugal switch to ensure it's able to open once the motor is up to speed.
^^^^THIS^^^^
Check it before you burn it up.

[Rick Fisher]

I would check the run cap

[dirk martin]

Indeed....the Run Capacitor is toast.
Grizzly wants $55
My local shop wants $19

[Rick Fisher]

Failed Run cap caused a spike in amperage in my DC.