Came FROG - one leaf occasionally does not open

[fezster]

I have 2 x Came Frog 230V underground motors with ZA3 control panel on a double leaf gate. The system is around 6 years old and has been relatively trouble free with regular servicing.

I've noticed in the past 3 months that occasionally one leaf does not open first thing in the morning. If I close the gates and re-open, then it is fine. I can proceed to open and close them many times and they are fine. The problem will usually not occur again for 2 weeks or more. It's happened on perhaps 4 occasions in 3 months and the gates are opened and closed every morning and night.

My suspicion is the capacitor may need changing, but I'm also wondering if the torque setting may need increasing due to the age of the motor. Or perhaps the motor itself is on it's way out?

As the problem is difficult to replicate, I'm reluctant to call someone out just yet. But it's very frustrating when it does happen. Any advice appreciated.

[JamieF]

Hi,

I hope you are well. Usually, as a capacitor is reaching the end of its life it can show intermittent faults. You could check the capacitor visually, or test this using a multi-meter. As the price of capacitors are very low, i would recommend starting with replacing them. I would also advise replacing both capacitors on each motor, just to keep motor start up problems to a minimum in the future.

If the problems still arise, then i would look at the motor itself.

Kind regards
- Jamie

[fezster]

Thanks very much. I already have a couple of spare capacitors, so will look to swap them out if the problem manifests itself more regularly.

[JamieF]

Thanks very much. I already have a couple of spare capacitors, so will look to swap them out if the problem manifests itself more regularly.

Hi,
No problem. If you need any more information, feel free to contact us on info@easygates.co.uk

Kind regards 
- Jamie