What does high amp draw in a motor usually indicate at startup?

Study for the HVAC Troubleshooting Test. Improve your skills with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

High amp draw in a motor at startup typically indicates a potential overload condition. During the startup phase, motors often draw significantly more current than they do during normal operation, and this is known as the inrush current. If the amp draw remains excessively high beyond this initial period, it suggests that the motor is struggling to overcome a load that is greater than what it was designed to handle.

This can be due to various factors, such as mechanical binding of the motor components, a blocked drive system, or an issue with the motor windings. An overload condition can lead to overheating and damage to the motor if not addressed promptly. Therefore, monitoring the amp draw is crucial for diagnosing the health of the motor and ensuring it operates within its specified limits.

In contrast, normal operation typically involves a steady, lower amp draw after the initial inrush. High gas pressure and low voltage supply wouldn't directly correlate with high amp draw at startup for a motor in the same way that an overload condition would, making this option the most accurate in identifying the issue at hand.

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