Inductor Burning: Low Voltage Causes & Explanation

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Applying low voltage across an inductor does not inherently cause it to burn up; however, insufficient voltage can lead to motor damage. When motors receive inadequate voltage, their start coils may remain activated without sufficient rotational force to disengage, risking overheating and burnout. Additionally, the lack of back EMF can result in excessive current draw, further increasing the risk of damage. This phenomenon is often referred to as a "brown-out" in some regions, where lights dim due to low voltage. Refrigerator motors are particularly susceptible to damage under these conditions.
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Is it true that when a lower voltage is applied across an inductor it burns up the coil? If so can someone please explain why?
 
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No that is not true.

What they might mean is that you can burn out a motor if you don't give it enough voltage to turn.

When this happens, the motor start coil can stay activated because there is no rotational force to disconnect it. These coils are only meant to operate for a few seconds, so they can overheat and burn out if left like this for too long.

Also, the motor itself will not develop any back EMF and so it could also draw excessive current even at the reduced voltage.

In some countries this low voltage situation is called a "brown-out" because lights glow brown or dull red due to the lack of voltage.

Refrigerator motors are very likely to get damaged this way.
 

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