Ecmweb 7522 Quiz 0
Ecmweb 7522 Quiz 0
Ecmweb 7522 Quiz 0
Ecmweb 7522 Quiz 0
Ecmweb 7522 Quiz 0

Electrical Troubleshooting Quiz - June 23, 2015

June 23, 2015
Wanting to save the IR program, the plant engineer gave you a list of 10 failed motors and asked you to explain IR testing for each one.

Recently, your factory got a new plant manager. He’s a micromanager and is trying to cut maintenance costs. He told the plant engineer to eliminate insulation resistance (IR) testing for motors because motors fail anyway so the testing is pointless. He also said to lay off two people due to the decreased workload.

Wanting to save the IR program, the plant engineer gave you a list of 10 failed motors and asked you to explain IR testing for each one.

What should be your strategy for preparing a report?

Rather than examine 10 specific instances of failure, it would be better to prepare a short report that explains IR testing. IR testing doesn’t tell you how healthy insulation is (it can tell you if insulation has faulted). But if you perform IR testing frequently enough and trend the results, you’ll get a predictive tool.

Insulation degrades over time, so its resistance slowly decreases. Close to the point of breakdown, the resistance loss accelerates; this produces a downward break in the slope of the plotted line. Because it dries the windings, you should always perform IR testing before performing other tests that require higher voltage.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EC&M, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Electrical Conduit Comparison Chart

CHAMPION FIBERGLASS electrical conduit is a lightweight, durable option that provides lasting savings when compared to other materials. Compare electrical conduit types including...

Don't Let Burn-Through Threaten Another Data Center or Utility Project

Get the No Burn-Through Elbow eGuide to learn many reasons why Champion Fiberglass elbows will enhance your data center and utility projects today.

Considerations for Direct Burial Conduit

Installation type plays a key role in the type of conduit selected for electrical systems in industrial construction projects. Above ground, below ground, direct buried, encased...

How to Calculate Labor Costs

Most important to accurately estimating labor costs is knowing the approximate hours required for project completion. Learn how to calculate electrical labor cost.