Phase Loss

When one phase of a three-phase system is lost, a phase loss occurs. This is also called 'single phasing'.
Typically, a phase loss is caused by a blown fuse, thermal overload, broken wire, worn contact or mechanical
failure. A phase loss that goes undetected can rapidly result in unsafe conditions, equipment failures, and
costly downtime.

Under phase loss conditions motors, pumps, blowers, and other equipment draw excessive current on the
remaining two phases which quickly overheats the motor windings. Power output is greatly reduced and
starting is not possible in this condition. This can potentially leave the equipment in a 'locked rotor' state which
will overheat and damage the equipment even more rapidly.

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.

A three-phase monitor relay, also called a phase failure relay, is an economical investment that is simple to
install. A three-phase monitor relay protects against damage caused by phase loss as well as other three-phase
fault conditions. These relays notify of fault conditions and provide control contacts to turn off motors or other
equipment before damage occurs. Further, the relay provides clear indication of the fault present allowing for
rapid troubleshooting and reduced downtime.

Three-phase monitor relays can be designed into new installations or easily retrofitted into existing
installations. Several models are available providing different types of protection and multiple voltage ranges
are offered to fit most three phase applications.

Three-phase motors and other equipment are commonly used in a variety of industries:

 HVAC
 Mining
 Pumping
  Elevator
 Crane
 Lift
 Generator
 Irrigation
 Petro-Chem
 Wastewater
 And more

Macromatic offers the only phase monitor product of its kind that retains fault indication and continues to
monitor all voltages even with a phase loss present. Lose any phase. See it. Every time. Learn more about
Macromatic's Three-Phase Monitor Relays to prevent damage to your critical motors and equipment.

There are various ways to gaurd against this. Depending on the size of the motors, they are
nomally started with a contactor(large pupose made relay). The contactor should be fitted with an
overload that sits between the contactor and the motor. A proper overload detects the phase failure and
trips to protect the motor. Another way is to employ a phase failure relay at the main distribution board.
This is a plug in device on a relay base. Normally refered to as 8 or 11 pin bases. This device is wired to
control the main circiut breaker via a shunt trip coil. Or if the total load is not high (let's say 80 to 100
amp per phase) you can add a contactor in series between the main circiut and the load. The relay then
controls the contactor.