The voltage imbalance trip point for a programmable solid-state overload relay is typically set for?

The voltage imbalance trip point for a programmable solid-state overload relay is typically set at 5% because this percentage is considered the threshold at which the relay should begin to act to prevent damage to the motor or equipment being protected. A 5% imbalance generally indicates that there is a potential issue, such as unequal loading among phases that can lead to overheating, decreased efficiency, or even failure of the equipment.

Setting the trip point at 5% allows for sufficient sensitivity to detect problems early while also balancing the likelihood of nuisance tripping. It provides a good compromise between performance and protection, ensuring that the equipment is safeguarded without frequently interrupting operations due to minor fluctuations that would not cause harm. Other options, such as higher percentages like 10% or 15%, may not provide adequate protection from potentially harmful imbalances, while a lower setting, like 2%, may lead to excessive nuisance trips.