The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1918-09-04
THREE PHASE SYSTEM
THE COMING MOTOR EXCHANGE
FOR MADISON POWER
CONSUMERS.
Contributed

Less than Is years ago the three
phase motors came to the front with
the electrical manufacturer and con-
sumner because of the low cost of in
stallation and maintenance, and still
having the same power efficiency.
Consequently, the two phase system
is becoming obsolete and the three
phase system has become s%tandardiz-
ed the world over.
Large electrical corporations have
devised methods whereby they deter
mine accurately the maintenance cost
of overhead line construction. The
results of their efforts have forced
new companies to consider nothing
but the three phase system.
Some information right here might
not come amiss regarding the differ
nce and the possibilities of the two
systems. In the first place, with the
two phase system we are confronted
with two separate single phase lines
of distribution throughout the light
ing and power circuits making the
balancing possibilities at the general
ing station hard to arrange for the
various conditions presented by the
load changes throughout the days of
the week. Secondly, the additional
line equipment represented by the
two phase system is one wire plus the
cost of construction and maintenance,
or in other words, the cost of the
three phase line is 33 per cen less
throughout.
Load balancing possibilities are alb
solutely essential at the generating
station and a only efficiently be
obtained with the three phase system
where 1t is possible to make load cir
cults from any two of the three wires.
When the plant burned, destroy
ing all the two phase equipment the
city commission deemed it the oppor-
tune time for the three phase install
lation, and thus obtain, as recogniz-
ed, the most efficient electrical prod
uct known. To do this required the
reminding of the generator to three
phase. and with a slight remodeling
of the existing lines besides the ex-
change CT the present two phase mo-
tors owned by the customers.
The commission did considerable
investigation to obtain the best ex-
change proposition for the consum-
ers and believe they have found in
the Lerone Electrical Works of Om-
aha, Neb., a firm that to all concern
ed, can handle. 1t most economically
and effectively. They propose send
ing In car lot, and having on the
ground all the new motors ready for
the exchange when the Diesel engine
is made ready for operation. They
further agree to inspect the i~nstalla-
tion so as to be sure the motors are
operating under proper load condi-
lions. In every exchange instance
the customer will receive a guaran-
teed standard brand new motor re-
gardless of the kind or condition of
the old motor they are exchanging
Considering the instability of the
old two phase motors, this one item
In itself is of much consequence il
the customer prefers to exchange
with some other firm and take his
chances for the future.
The new standard three phase mo-
tors are wound to withstand the eve
uncomfortable potential surges to
which all motors are subjected, and
bears the name plate of a company
whose reliability is unquestionable
this cannot be said of the two phase
motors that are reconnected to three
phase without being rewound. The
assurance of steady operation would
be gone as well as the original guar.
antee.
Considering these conditions a.
mentioned, the commission feels they
are submitting a fair and reasonable
proposition to the customers.
We are advised that nearly the en-.
tire required number of motors are
In stock in Omaha, but il is e~ssentia
that the orders be made soon so a:
to hold them from other sales which
would then make the customers wal
for the release by the government OF
factory shipments. A General Elec
trio company salesman, here recently
said that priority order is now re
qired for all motors and he could mo-
guarantee shipments short of si,
mnoths. "a word to the WISE" etc
We might mention here that prior
ity has been received from the gov
eminent for the speedy repair of thu
Diesel engine, however, it is another
question when an individual puts il
a late order covering material for
non-essential industry.
"A meeting of the city commission
with all the motor owners will b,
held at 5 p. m, in city hall Thursda,
where 1t Is hoped customers will de
eide whether they will exchange q,