Dear All,
1. IRstuff : "...total area of 300 mm^2 --> 11.2 mohm, which is less than 1/3rd of the measured IR drop; that's still..."
Refer to BS7671 4C x 300mmsq current rating : non-armoured PVC 464A , armoured XLPE 628A.
A 300kW 415V motor full-load would be around 495A approx.
Depending on whether armoured or non-armoured and the type of insulation PVC or XLPE , the voltage-drop reported is of concern.
2. edison123 :
2.1. " Why do you need 4 core cable for a 3 phase motor?"
May be [3 conductors one for each line and 1 conductor (full-size) for earthing (CPC) ?.
2.2 "Poor quality of copper/aluminum in cables"
[Quality] of copper used for cable by reputable manufacturer is (never) a concern.
It is [unlikely an aluminium cable] as the (current rating would be far too low) for a 300kW motor..
2.3 " Poor terminations (improper cable lugs fixing)
Loose connections (improper tightening of terminals)"
Agreed.
If the terminations/contacts are property done, the contact resistance would be in the micro-ohm range. The voltage-drop would be minimal.
Che Kuan Yau (Singapore)