Got Dirty Power?

Do you feel like you go through more motor control boards than mix chambers? Have you allocated a large portion of your retirement investment into Graco stock?

Dirty power is the major culprit leading to fried motor control boards. Better defined, dirty power is any power source with voltage fluctuations. Graco states that their Reactors will operate between 190 and 260 volts, though a more cautious contractor should consider the lower and upper limits to be 200 and 250 volts. Minor voltage surges and shortages will cause an E25 or E26 error code (high or low line voltage), though a major surge will blow the in rush limiter which renders the motor control board useless. 

Graco Reactor Motor Board

Dirty power can come in the form of brown shore power, an out of spec generator or even from using the incorrect compressor. Covering this in reverse order:

• Picking the incorrect compressor could be detrimental as an off the shelf unit draws 3 times its full amp load each and every time the motor starts up. The proper compressor option would be a  continuous run unit, which does not shut the motor off and back on with the air demand. Instead either unloading heads or modulators allow the motor to remain in motion which  eliminates excessive startup amp draw.
• Spray foam rigs need to correctly calculate amp usage prior to picking a generator. A contractor should add up the full load amperage draw of all equipment and then pick a generator that will handle this load at 80% of prime power. I always like to prepare for the future too, so if you have plans to expand to a dual proportioner rig, make sure you have the extra amps available.
• Shore power can be a mixed bag and while it does save on fuel, you run the risk of having to replace a board. Shore power itself may not be culprit, but too many other contractors over loading temporary panels can result in damaging fluctuations.

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