32 Volt Raritan Heads Voltage Draw

[wndsr]

I have a head that will pop the breaker from time to time especially when the flush button is held in for a long period of time. I am assuming it is drawing too much voltage. Does anyone know the proper draw so I can check it with a meter??

 

[Angela]

I had a head that did that too. When I disassembled the macerator, I found that it had a forbidden object in it (that got in there while under a previous owner's rule). The mess was wound on there very tight - so tight that I was suprised the T-blade could move at all! I have almost finished rebuilding the macerator and an anxious to see if that solved the problem with the breaker is solved. I'm guessing that the pump overheated to some degree while trying to spin with that mess all wound up in there.

On my fourth head, the macerator is completely seized. It's next in line for disassembly. When the flush button is pressed on that one, it pops the breaker instantly. We tested the wires and it is getting power, so I think I'm seeing a trend here with the breaker popping.

This may not exactly answer your question, but it may give you a place to start looking otherwise.

 

[TedZ]

The voltage is not the issue, it is the current draw and i consider measuring the current in a DC circuit a bit of a pain but it really isn't if you take your time.

You need a precision resistor of any value but a lot of folks like 1 ohm, .1 ohm etc. Then you need to make a shunt with the resistor, which is a matter of connecting the resistor in parallel with ONE of the wires to the motor. Near the motor is fine. Sounds nuts i know and then you measure the voltage on either side of the resistor with a DMM and use ohm's law to calculate the current i.e. current = voltage / resistance (of the resistor).

If the current is over the motor rating, new motor. If not, new breaker.

Ted

PS Use a good size resistor (a few watts) as it could get quite hot!

 

[thoward]

Fluke makes an amp meter you clip over the wire. You send the current and read the draw. If it is more than the motor calls for then look there. If it is less look at the breaker. It is a good investment as it will help you diagnose a problem faster.

 

[TedZ]

Apparently that is correct. I have never used a DC version but if it works it would be a lot easier.


Ted