Those working with electric motors know that when it comes to maintaining the life of your equipment, electric motor maintenance best helps to reduce the chance of failure. Further, it improves the safety of your system. And, it helps to lower any downtime that you face because of any potential problems. We at Rocky Mount Electric Motor pride ourselves in providing quality electric motor maintenance services. But, there are signs that those working with electric motors can take to ensure their motor runs without issues. By knowing these signs and bringing in RMEM for preventative services, you maintain the health of your motor and improve ongoing operations.
The easiest way to keep track of any problems with your electric motor comes from documentation of any potential problems. This information is priceless to your electric motor maintenance crew, as we then know exactly what to check out and assess whenever we’re brought on site. This also allows us to perform predictive maintenance for the same issues moving forward.
Predictive maintenance for your motor depends on its age, usage, and importance. For instance, in a manufacturing facility operating 24/7, you might complete electric motor maintenance every three months. Critical motors may require more frequent checks, while older motors generally need more upkeep than newer models. On the other hand, a general use motor may only require predictive maintenance performed once a year. Maintenance such as this helps to avoid issues like vibration, overheating, bearing failure, and more.
Electric Motor Maintenance Helps Avoid:
1. Vibration in the Motor
A major reason why electric motors face failure sooner than they should, vibration poses a large risk to any system suffering from it. Loose, improperly mounted components or unbalanced motors face vibration and further issues caused by it. Vibration leads to further loosening of connections and parts, which causes potentially bigger issues and failure. Even minor vibrations cause major problems down the road, so make sure to contact your electric motor experts to avoid any potential damage.
Measuring Motor Vibration
For electric motors in regular operation, Rocky Mount Electric Motor recommends a predictive maintenance plan. Depending on how crucial it is for your operation to avoid downtime, we will establish a plan to help you always stay operating without issue. Our team carries the necessary equipment and expertise to always ensure your equipment avoids failure from vibration.
Causes of Vibration
- Worn out or damage bearings in the motor
- Unbalanced or misaligned loads during operation
- Poor-quality power supply for the motor
Ways to Check & Reduce Vibration
- Inspect bearing conditions and overhaul the motor if needed.
- Ensure the motor is securely mounted and double check alignment of the motor.
- Verify that voltage and current are within specifications for the motor.
- Tighten any loose electrical connections that could create imbalance.
2. Overheating in the Motor
Overheating dramatically shortens a motor’s lifespan, especially damaging insulation and lubrication. Even a minor temperature increase can heavily impact the motor’s life.
What Causes Overheating?
Running motors at higher- or lower-than-necessary speeds can lead to overheating. Operating below the manufacturer’s base speed reduces airflow and cooling efficiency, leading to heat buildup. Operating above it overworks moving parts, leading to additional friction heat and wear and tear. Always refer back to your electric motor’s manual for guidelines on operating speeds.
Preventative Measures
Conduct infrared thermal imaging tests to identify potential issues without disrupting operation. Keep the motor within recommended service levels by consulting product manuals for guidance on standard, severe, or extreme operating conditions. For motors frequently starting and stopping under load, use available tools to effectively manage acceleration of the motor and avoid unnecessary friction.
3. Contamination of Motor
Motors deal with dirt, debris, and moisture depending on their environment. This can impede cooling and damage bearings. Some motors are designed for harsher conditions, featuring enclosures that protect against contaminants. Make sure that you know if your motor was built with debris for your environment in mind. And, if not, make sure to keep an eye on buildup of contaminants in your system.
Preventative Maintenance
- Maintain a clean environment as best as possible around the motor.
- Ensure ventilation ports are free of debris.
- Regularly clean the motor’s exterior, including cooling fins, using a brush or compressed air.
- Inspect electrical connections for dirt and corrosion.
- Keep motors dry during operation and storage to prevent moisture-related damage.
4. Bearings Wear & Tear
Motor bearings face natural wear and tear through general operation. But, they also require lubrication to avoid unnecessary friction that can otherwise lead to damage and loosening. Always lubricate motor bearings according to manufacturer specifications. Replace sealed bearings at the end of their service life. Avoid overfilling bearings during lubrication, as excess can contaminate windings and disrupt electrical connections. Professional motor techs can help you determine the proper amount of lubricant to use for a smooth, worry-free operation.
5. Current & Voltage Problems
To maximize service life, ensure that motor voltage and current remain within specified limits. Under-voltage can degrade performance and cause heat damage. On the flip side, current spikes from sudden load changes can also harm the motor. Consider using a soft starter or VFD to better manage current flow and avoid sudden changes in voltage.
Detection and Prevention
Verify that the motor has a stable power supply connection. Voltage dips or spikes may indicate poor connections, which you can assess by measuring resistance or voltage drop. For three-phase motors, ensure all connections have equal voltages and currents. If you can’t find where a poor connection occurs, Rocky Mount Electric Motor can help to monitor and locate the problem connection and help stabilize the voltage of your system.
Investing in a quality electric motor and maintaining it with regular preventative care will ensure a long, reliable service life and uninterrupted productivity. Rocky Mount Electric Motor not only provides a variety of high-quality, durable electric motors for almost any application, but we also provide a full catalog of services for electric motors to ensure your operation never faces breakdowns or downtime. Contact us today to get dependable, professional electric motor maintenance!