Inductor Burning: Low Voltage Causes & Explanation

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SUMMARY

Applying low voltage across an inductor does not directly cause it to burn out; rather, it can lead to overheating in motor start coils. When insufficient voltage is supplied, motors may fail to turn, causing their start coils to remain activated longer than intended, leading to overheating. Additionally, the lack of back EMF results in excessive current draw, further increasing the risk of damage. This phenomenon is often referred to as a "brown-out," particularly in certain regions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of inductor behavior in electrical circuits
  • Knowledge of motor operation and start coils
  • Familiarity with back EMF concepts
  • Awareness of electrical phenomena like brown-outs
NEXT STEPS
  • Research motor start coil specifications and thermal limits
  • Learn about back EMF and its impact on motor performance
  • Investigate the effects of brown-outs on electrical appliances
  • Explore methods for protecting motors from low voltage conditions
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, technicians working with motors, and anyone involved in appliance design or maintenance will benefit from this discussion.

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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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