phase loss/imbalance

[powernewbie]

Excuse me for asking this basic question.

What happens to the current in the phases, neutral and ground of a system when one of the phases is interrupted assuming you have a 3-phase WHY + PEN (TN-C) and the 3 phases are connected to the load.

 

[dydt]

in a balance load...say a motor, the current on the other 2 phase leg will draw higher current...coincidence i did an actual test on this a week ago and the current jumps to 40% more when it is running on a 3 phase 3 wire..and of course you will hear an unpleasant humming noise from the motor...that is why it is critical to set the O/L protection correctly..this is a case a single phasing which should trip your O/L protection..

dydt