How to Wire a Baldor 3-Phase Pump Motor

Wiring a 3-phase Baldor pump motor is not that much different from a regular 3-phase motor. The exception to this is that the electrical connections will be made outside of the motor enclosure and maybe immersed in water.

Things You'll Need

• Volt ohm meter
• Wire pliers
• Wire strippers
• Screw drivers - Philips and slotted
• Plastic wire nuts
• Vinyl black plastic tape
• Black rubber tape
• Safety glasses
• Basic electrical knowledge

Instructions

1. Read and observe all safety precautions provided by the Baldor motor company in the provided literature that accompanies the new motor. Disconnect or shut off all incoming power supply whether this is a by using a circuit breaker or by pulling the three fuses from the disconnect switch. Double check this by using the volt ohm meter and testing between each phase and ground while the meter is in the voltage position. It should read zero. Confirm that the supply voltage matches the name plate rating of the motor.

2. Test all of the motor connections with the volt ohm meter and confirm that there are no direct shorts to the pump casing from the individual motor winding connections. Place the meter in the Ohm position and check each lead to the pump case. This reading should be wide open or show no continuity. If the meter reads any small resistance reading as 100 ohms or less you may have a shorted motor. Do not proceed with any power connections.

3. Strip back the insulation from the pump motor leads approximately one inch from the end. There should be four leads from the pump motor altogether, three power leads and the green ground wire. Strip back the power leads from the supply; there should also be four wires, three power and one green ground wire. Use the wire pliers to make a secure mechanical clockwise twist connection of the wires. Each single wire will connect to a single pump motor lead. The green ground wire supply will be connected to the green ground wire on the motor.

4. Apply the plastic wire nuts. Carefully twist on the plastic connectors in a clockwise motion. Make sure the connector is firmly in place. Test the pump motor for correct rotation. If rotation is correct then proceed to Step 5. If rotation is incorrect simply interchange any two of power supply leads. This will change rotation. Be sure to remove the supply power, before exposing any bare wires.

5. Cut off an appropriate length of rubber tape 3 to 4 inches and stretch wrap the wire nut and wires individually to make a secure water tight seal for each connection. Wrap a generous amount of the black plastic vinyl tape around each of the rubber tape wraps. Once all of the individual connections are wrapped you should be ready to immerse the pump in water.

Tips & Warnings

• Use only U.L. approved wire connectors, wire and insulating tape for any type of electrical connections.

• Always double check your work and that the supply power is off before attempting any type of electrical installation.

• Certain areas of the United States and individual states have specific codes and practices that must be followed for any electrical work. Check with your local building inspector to conform to these regulations.

Resources

• Baldor Electric Company