Is it possible for a 3HP, 3PH, 220V motor to draw 15A?

Question

I'm just looking at the specs of some used machinery and saw the above specs. Is it possible for that motor to draw 15A? I'm assuming that one of those numbers must be a typo, either it doesn't draw that much amperage or it isn't 3 phase, isn't 220v, or is actually 5HP.

Am I out to lunch?

Answer 1

A 3 Hp, 3 phase, 220volt motor has a full load current of 7.8 amperes only. If the motor runs at 15 amperes without overheating and with a load, it must be rated 5 HP.
Check if the 15 amperes is only a starting current.

Answer 2

The power dissipated in an object in an electrical circuit is
P = V*I
where P = power, V = voltage across the object, and I = current through the object. In your case:
P = V*I
I = P / V
I = (3 horspower) / (220 volts)
I = (2237 watts) / (220 volts)
I = 10.17 amps

So, a 100% efficient electrical motor operating at 3 HP and 220 volts draws 10.17 amps. Of course, the motor is not perfectly efficient. There will be extra energy lost to heat and sound. So, it is reasonable to assume that the motor might draw substantially more current than the bare minimum a perfectly efficient motor would require to output 3 HP at the spindle.

Answer 3

absolutely especially at initial startup.

Answer 4

15amp-is probable max-and or-the fuse-braker size

Answer 5

may be