Single Phasing (Phase Failure):

Three-phase motors must be connected to a nominal voltage to function properly. If for any
reason any of the phases that supply the motor are disconnected, the motor continues to
operate with the remaining 2 phases. This is called phase failure or single phasing.
If a three-phase motor is operating and loses one of the phases, the motor will continue to
operate at a reduced speed and experience vibrations. The current will also increase
considerably in the remaining phases, causing an internal heating of the motor
components. If the motor is not disconnected quickly, it will break down as a result of this
increase in temperature.
Quickly troubleshooting a phase loss and determining the root cause is often difficult.
Voltages and currents in a three-phase system do not typically just drop to zero when a
phase is lost. Often measurements yield confusing values that require a great deal of
complex analysis to correctly interpret. Meanwhile, damage and downtime of the
equipment continues to rise.

This failure can be harmful even if it occurs when the engine is not in operation because,
depending on the load, sometimes the engine is able to start even when only two phases
are connected.
In short, a phase failure is never a desirable condition for the operation of an induction
motor and appropriate measures should always be taken to protect it.
Causes of a phase failure:
•Loss of one of the phases from the supply.
•One of the cables that supply the motor is damaged.
•Broken connection terminals due to vibrations or aging.
•Connection terminals that are not properly tightened.
•One of the fuses of the three-phase circuit opens.
•The starter contactor is damaged/rusty and leaves an open phase.
•Damaged relay contacts.
•Protections poorly configured.
Effects of a phase failure:
•The engine operates at a reduced speed.
•Considerable loss of the relative power of the motor.
•Because only 2 phases are providing the power, the current in the remaining phases
increases considerably. This means that the insulation in the motor windings is not able
to withstand the increase in current and heat. When the insulation is damaged, a short
circuit is created in the winding that causes the motor to burn.
•It can cause generator overload.
•If the motor is off when the failure occurs, it may not start when its operation is
required and if it does, it will burn.
Protection devices:
Overload relay:  All the three phases of the motor are fitted with an overload relay. If
there is any increase in the value of the current then this relay activates automatically
and the motor trips.

Thermistors: They are used along with the electromagnetic relay and inserted in the 3
windings of the motor. They sense the increase in the temperature and a signal is sent
to the amplifier which in turn amplifies the current signal and operates the relay coil
resulting in tripping.