In the last issue we spoke of contactor coil characteristics and how both high and low voltage could cause coil burn-out. We also described how a typical three-phase pump panel and a Franklin deluxe control box has both a main power circuit and a separate control circuit.

In this issue we will discuss circumstances which can result in contactor coil burn-out or the failure of the contactor to dropout (shut off the motor) even though the control switch has opened. The Figure to the right shows a contactor and control circuit for a single-phase unit, although this condition could affect either a single- or three-phase contactor. Note that in the example there is more than 300 feet of wire between the contactor and the control circuit switch. Again the control switch could be a pressure switch, float switch, time clock, or other control device(s).

>There will always be some capacitance between the two wires in the control circuit. With normal control circuit lengths, this capacitance causes negligible voltage on the coil. However, if the length of the wire is long enough, this voltage may exceed the coil's “sealing” or “must hold” voltage rating and keep the coil energized. The resultant coil voltage can also be either high or low enough to cause coil burn-out (remember the contactor characteristics' example from the last issue). If the capacitance happens to be near a specific ratio to the coil's inductance, a phenomenon called “series resonance” can cause the coil volts, or cable volts, or both, to exceed the line voltage. One test demonstrated that 0.8 microfarad open-switch control cable capacitance created 420 volts across the coil-with only 240 volts input! Specific tests conducted at Franklin Electric have shown that cable capacitance of as little as 0.1 microfarad could keep a contactor closed even though the control switch had opened. Tests have also shown that as little as 0.2 microfarad could cause contactor coil burn-out.

The length of control circuit wire necessary to set up this type of capacitance will vary from a few hundred to several thousand feet. Factors such as cable type, cable size, and burial locations (wires side by side or separated) are some of the factors contributing to this condition. In addition, different brands and types of contactors are affected differently.

Also, keep in mind that these same symptoms may be caused by wiring problems such as ground fault or shorts between the wires. With all power removed and all control switches opened, if there is any continuity between the two control circuit wires, the wires are shorted or connected together somewhere. Continuity is always checked with the POWER OFF and generally an ohmmeter is used. Always carefully troubleshoot the control circuit before assuming the coil problems are caused by control cable capacitance. Shorted connections can also be caused by a malfunctioning switch or timer. You should also eliminate possible damage caused by mice, moles, fire-ants, or other insects.