Brian :
IMO, you've got the right answer. There should always be a margin between
actual current draw and rated current, to allow for line voltage variations,
etc. IMO 10% is a minimum (and ISTR UL requires 15% for new designs). Your 3%
just isn't enough.
Randall
On Tuesday, October 17, 2000 11:24 AM, Lyn Fatt, Brian A
[SMTP:brian.lynfatt@eds.com] wrote:
>
> I've been off and on pursuing the problem of my
> dryer blowing fuses. Some of you may remember my
> questions on this list from a few years ago.
> It's been almost a year before this thing started
> blowing fuses again. I borrowed an amp-meter from a
> friend.
>
> With the old heating element and a full load, the
> reading is 28.5 amps.
> With the new heating element and a full load, the
> reading is 29.0 amps.
> On startup, it peaks at 36amps.
> With just the motor running, the reading is 6.0 amps
> which is what the little plate on the motor shows.
>
> I think the 30a circuit is a little overloaded and
> propose to change out the wires to a lower guage
> and the secondary fusebox to a 40 amp. Am I right,
> or do you have any other suggestions?
>
> BTW, I've already taken this thing completely apart
> and cleaned the lint from everywhere that I can
> find. I am using time-delay fuses and I've checked
> the wire screw connections to make sure everything is
> tight on both ends of the circuit.
>
> Brian
> brian.lynfatt@eds.com
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