Replacing Motors, Part 2

June 11, 2012
What do you need on your motor replacement checklist in addition to a preliminary investigation that would reveal such things as voltage imbalance

What do you need on your motor replacement checklist in addition to a preliminary investigation that would reveal such things as voltage imbalance, load issues, and mounting issues? Concurrent with this investigation, someone needs to be ordering the replacement motor (unless you happen to have one in your storeroom). So the checklist should include a parallel activity to investigate motor and drive applicability for the application. The original motor may have been specified for conditions that are different now.

Simply getting another of the same horsepower rating isn't sufficient. Someone needs to walk through the application conditions to ensure the correct motor will replace the one that failed. While the plant electricians are probably capable of this analysis, they are already under pressure, and this is really a support function that should come from plant engineering.

When the electricians have completed the initial diagnosis, what should they do next? If they found a problem, such as voltage imbalance, this needs to be addressed before a new motor is installed. The time factor might mean that job goes to a parallel repair team.

If you order a new motor for a critical application, consider having it first delivered to your motor service shop for balancing and insulation resistance testing.

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.