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Electrician Red Seal · Question

An electrician is troubleshooting a 480 V, three-phase squirrel cage induction motor that fails to start when energized. A voltmeter shows proper voltage at the motor terminals, and an ohmmeter reading across phases U-V, V-W, and W-U of the windings shows 0.8 ohms, 0.8 ohms, and infinity respectively. What is the most likely issue?

An 'infinity' reading on an ohmmeter between two phases (V-W in this case) indicates an open circuit in one of the motor windings. This prevents the motor from

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Question: An electrician is troubleshooting a 480 V, three-phase squirrel cage induction motor that fails to start when energized. A voltmeter shows proper voltage at the motor terminals, and an ohmmeter reading across phases U-V, V-W, and W-U of the windings shows 0.8 ohms, 0.8 ohms, and infinity respectively. What is the most likely issue?

Answer options:

  • The motor is overloaded.
  • There is a short circuit in one winding. ✅ One phase of the motor winding is open.
  • The power factor correction capacitors are faulty.

Correct answer: One phase of the motor winding is open.

Explanation: An 'infinity' reading on an ohmmeter between two phases (V-W in this case) indicates an open circuit in one of the motor windings. This prevents the motor from establishing a rotating magnetic field and starting.

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