On a 3ph motor measuring the Power factor on each leg, will it harm the motor to experience a lead on one ph

Question

voltage,hp, amps all vary. overall if only one phase is in a lead it should not harm the motor?

Answer 1

If you measure a leading power factor in just one phase, there is probably a problem with the connection of the instruments. Another possibility it that there are power factor correction capacitors connected between the instrument and the motor and there is too much capacitance connected to one phase.

Re Additional Details

If the .99 initial power factor readings are correct, there must have been power factor correction capacitors connected when the readings were taken. The .39 power factor in one phase might indicate that the capacitor fuse is blown in that phase. Even then, .39 is unusually low, but I don't know what happens when the capacitance is unbalanced. There must be something wrong with the installation or the measurement.

A power factor of 1.0 will result in minimum current. If you get to leading powerfactor, the current will increase. Power factor is usually not corrected beyond .95 to avoid getting to leading power factor if the load increases or the line voltage changes a little.

Answer 2

if 2 phases are 15amps and the third phase is 25amps. there is an issue with your motor, if it's on your motor leads or it's with your incoming power if it's on the power supply side.

motor will still run, but it isn't very efficient.