Inductor Burning: Low Voltage Causes & Explanation

[XPTPCREWX]

Is it true that when a lower voltage is applied across an inductor it burns up the coil? If so can someone please explain why?

 

[vk6kro]

No that is not true.

What they might mean is that you can burn out a motor if you don't give it enough voltage to turn.

When this happens, the motor start coil can stay activated because there is no rotational force to disconnect it. These coils are only meant to operate for a few seconds, so they can overheat and burn out if left like this for too long.

Also, the motor itself will not develop any back EMF and so it could also draw excessive current even at the reduced voltage.

In some countries this low voltage situation is called a "brown-out" because lights glow brown or dull red due to the lack of voltage.

Refrigerator motors are very likely to get damaged this way.

 

[oswaler]

I cannot confirm or deny the claim that a lower voltage can cause an inductor to burn up. However, I can provide some potential explanations for this phenomenon.

Firstly, it is important to understand that an inductor is a passive electronic component that stores energy in the form of a magnetic field. When a voltage is applied across an inductor, a current flows through it, and this current creates a magnetic field. The strength of this magnetic field is directly proportional to the current flowing through the inductor.

When a lower voltage is applied across an inductor, the current flowing through it will be lower, resulting in a weaker magnetic field. This may cause the inductor to overheat and potentially burn up, depending on the materials and construction of the inductor. This is because the magnetic field is not strong enough to support the flow of current, leading to increased resistance and heat generation within the inductor.

Additionally, the lower voltage may also cause the inductor to experience a phenomenon known as "saturation." This occurs when the magnetic field reaches its maximum strength and can no longer increase in strength, even with an increase in current. When an inductor is in saturation, it can lead to a significant increase in current and subsequent overheating, potentially causing the inductor to burn up.

Overall, it is important to carefully consider the voltage and current ratings of an inductor when designing electronic circuits to prevent potential damage or failure. It is also crucial to use inductors that are designed to handle the specific voltage and current levels required for a given application.