Motor nameplates contain important information about the electric motor that would be difficult to find anywhere else. Factors such as electric motor manufacturing companies using different nameplate formats, dirty and damaged nameplates that obscure information and strange codes and abbreviations on the nameplate make reading them a challenge. This information is critical when performing any sort of electric motor service. Here are a few of the most common identifiers that you will find on most NEMA electric motor nameplates. NEMA Electric Motor Nameplate – Required Information Most e
Everyone knows that performing preventive maintenance on your electric motors is critical to make sure that they continue to run smoothly and reduce the number and frequency of unplanned work stoppages due to equipment failure. But what sort of services should you perform each year? Physical Inspection A lot can be discovered by being physically near an electric motor. Information such as: Conditions of the operating area near the motor–Is it dirty? Damp? Very dry? The conditions in the workspace might indicate possible problems with the motor working within it. Visual inspection o
Your hoist is the most important part of keeping your overhead crane in tip-top working order. But in order to keep it that way you always need to be on the lookout for the following issues: Abrasion Abrasion is an extremely common issue with the hoists on overhead cranes mainly because it is a very subtle process. It is often the result of poor lubrication which causes vulnerable areas of your hoist, such as chains, wire, joints and any other moving parts to be damaged. The best way to spot abrasion is to look for shiny surfaces that indicate two surfaces rubbing together. Looking for t
Early detection of motor and gearbox alignment issues allows problems to be corrected before a component fails. A misaligned electric motor or gearbox can easily damage other connected parts, increasing the time and expense involved in repairs. These failures can create safety hazards and cause unproductive downtime which can be easily prevented. If left unrepaired, alignment problems could give rise to a “cascade failure” where spiking repair costs approach the cost of new equipment, thus “totaling” your valuable equipment. Why Use Infrared Thermographic Studies for Motor and
A line and load check is an important part of any electric motor preventative or predictive maintenance program. The first thing you need to understand is what the words “line” and “load” mean to individuals working in the electrical trades. The “line” generally refers to the wires that bring power (electricity) from the source to a device. Some people also refer to the “line” as “incoming” or “upstream” as well. The “load” refers to wires that carry power to other devices along the circuit. These are also known as “outgoing” or “downstream” wires. Bo
Ultrasonic motor testing (AKA - motor vibration analysis) is an excellent “nondestructive” means of finding possible problems with the operation of your electric motor before it becomes a serious problem. What is a nondestructive testing? It is a group of testing methods that evaluate the properties of a particular object without causing any damage. A lot of nondestructive tests can be performed while the unit is still in operation. What Problems Can Motor Vibration Analysis Detect? Ultrasonic testing uses a lightweight ultrasonic translator to listen for possible problems in the
Buying a new industrial electric motor is a huge investment, and it is important to do your homework before putting money down on one. Here are some factors you should think about before making a purchase: 1 Age of the Motor You Want to Replace The age of the motor is very important in these decisions. Motors manufactured before 2005 are far less efficient than those manufactured after that time. New standards established by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 mandated that electric motors be more energy-efficient, which will save you
An Ingress Protection rating is a code that classifies and rates the degree of protection provided by an electric motor casing or enclosure against outside contaminants or “intrusion” that is published by the International Electrotechnical Commission. The IP code is a two or three-digit code that identifies the level of solid particle protection, liquid ingress protection and also any special circumstances about the motor such as oil resistance, weatherproof, etc. This is important information to know if you are getting an industrial motor repair or purchasing a new electric m
Buying a new industrial pump is a huge investment, and it is important to do your homework before putting money down on a new pump. Here are some factors you should think about before making a purchase: Flow Rate This determines how fast a pump can pump a specific amount of liquid (gallon or liter) per minute. This is the most basic measurement of the effectiveness of the pump. Inlet Size The inlet size determines how fast a liquid can be sucked in and displaced. The bigger the inlet, the faster liquid can be processed through the pump. Composition of the Liquid to be Pumped Most ind
A superior electric motor rewinding service can make your existing motor run as good as–and sometimes even better than–new. But superior results depend on several factors that you might not have considered when seeking out an electric motor rewinding shop. Here are some of the things you should think about when selecting a service provider. Where the Motor Rewind is Performed An electric motor rewind is a delicate process, and removing the dirt, old insulation and grime accumulated after years of use within a motor is a difficult dirty practice (in most cases). These particles can co