General Description
From Service Manual
When the organ is started, the starting switch is turned on and held for about “8” seconds while the starting motor brings the system up to speed. The “run” switch is then turned on. This switch simultaneously connects the synchronous motor and introduces a resistor in series with the starting motor (Figure 1), thus reducing it’s driving power. With a braking action of the synchronous motor and a loss of power of the starting motor, the system slows to synchronous speed and the synchronous motor begins to carry the load.
This has always been more confusing than it should be. This run switch has an extra pair of contacts that are connected to the start switch resistor.
When the run switch is off, one pair of normally closed contacts simply short out a series resistor with the start motor. This allows the start motor to have full power when it is used to first start up. After the run switch is turned on, those contacts open causing the series resistor to be introduced to the start motor reducing it’s power. Also, the run motor is powered up with the other set of normally open contacts.
Here’s Another Look At The Run Switch Wiring:
So can a Hammond not start because of a bad run switch? You bet! The series resistor must be shorted for the start motor to have enough power to start the generator. If you have a starting problem here’s a test;
Looking at the above diagram, you see the large wire wound resistor which is located on the line panel on the generator. This is a 250 Ohm 10 Watt resistor. On models with two generators, this would be a 125 Ohm. If you suspect the run switch contacts which short out the series resistor for the starting motor, you can short this resistor out yourself with a clip lead and then try the start switch. If the run switch contacts are bad, then you will now see more starting power. In this case, replace the run switch.
If there is no difference then you may have a bad start switch.
Always remove the power cord from any power source when changing out any switches or modifying any wiring. This is all connected to 117 Vac and is lethal.
It is also common for older consoles to have brittle insulation on certain wires which should be replaced for safety.
1 thought on “Console Start and Run Switch Wiring”
thanks, bad run switch was causing a slow start motor for me, shorted the resistor and it ran up to speed. New run switch now and all is good.
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