How to Rewire a 5 HP Electric Motor
A 5 horsepower (HP) electric motor uses approximately 3,730 watts each hour, which is a considerable amount of energy consumption. It needs high-voltage electricity to operate, such as the 110 volts you get from your home electricity supply, and is therefore a fairly expensive item to run. A 5 HP electric motor uses three wired terminals, but it is a relatively straightforward task to rewire one as the terminals are clearly labeled. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Turn off the electricity supply to the 5 HP electric motor before rewiring. Ensure the plug is removed from the socket.
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Open or remove the terminal cover on the electric motor. If it's a hinged cover, remove the screw holding the cover in place using a screwdriver, or unclip it and flip it open. If the cover is removable, use a screwdriver to remove the screws and lift off the cover.
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3
Remove the nuts or screws on the three terminal poles. Use a wrench or screwdriver as appropriate.
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Remove the three wires connected to the terminal poles. Use your fingers to pull the wires from the poles.
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Prepare the new wiring. Strip 1 inch of plastic off of the end of the wire to reveal the three colored internal wires using wire strippers. Strip 1/2 inch of plastic off the ends of each of the three colored wires using the wire strippers so the metal cores are showing.
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Look at the wiring terminal block on the electric motor to identify the three terminals. The terminals are labeled "Hot", "Live", "Pos" or "+" for positive, "Neu", "Neg" or "-" for negative and "Gnd" or "T" for ground.
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Place the end of the green stripped wire on the base of the terminal pole labeled "Gnd" or "T." Twist the bare metal around the pole to hold it loosely in place. Replace the screw or nut and tighten it.
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Place the end of the white or gray wire on the base of the terminal pole labeled "Neu", "Neg" or "-" and then twist the wire around the pole as before. Replace and tighten the nut or screw.
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Repeat the process for the last terminal. Place the red, orange or black wire around the terminal pole labeled "Hot", "Live", "Pos" or "+" and then replace and tighten the nut or screw.
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Check the ensure that the three wires are secure. Close or replace the terminal cover. Replace and tighten the screws to hold the cover in place. If it clips in place push it shut using your hand until you hear it click.
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References
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