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Electrician Red Seal · Question

A three-phase squirrel-cage induction motor is operating normally. If one of the supply phases opens while the motor is running, what is the most likely immediate effect on the motor?

If a three-phase motor loses one phase while running, it will continue to operate as a single-phase motor, but with reduced torque and increased current in the

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Question: A three-phase squirrel-cage induction motor is operating normally. If one of the supply phases opens while the motor is running, what is the most likely immediate effect on the motor?

Answer options: ✅ The motor will continue to run but at a reduced speed and with increased current in the remaining phases.

  • The motor will immediately stop due to loss of torque.
  • The motor will draw excessive current and quickly trip its overcurrent protection.
  • The motor will run in reverse direction.

Correct answer: The motor will continue to run but at a reduced speed and with increased current in the remaining phases.

Explanation: If a three-phase motor loses one phase while running, it will continue to operate as a single-phase motor, but with reduced torque and increased current in the remaining two phases, leading to overheating if not protected. It will not immediately stop unless heavily loaded, nor will it run in reverse.

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