Do you know that 51% of motor failures happen because of bearing issues?​​ This makes it one of the most common problems with electric motors.
Have you noticed any odd or unexpected behaviors with your electric motor lately? If so, it may be time to get it checked out.
Broken motors not only slow down your productivity, but they can also be costly to repair. Before spending a fortune trying to work out what the issue is, it’s useful to know what the most common motor problems are so you can potentially fix the problem yourself, saving you time and money.
If you’re wondering how to know your electric motor needs to be repaired, then read on. Here are the three most common motor malfunctions you should watch for.
1. High Temperatures and Overheating
Overheating can be a key cause of problems with all types of motors. Overheating can be caused by a variety of reasons from lack of maintenance, through general wear and tear. It’s essential to guarantee that your engine runs within the normal temperature range.
This should always be at the top of your priority list! Overheating can be catastrophic, leading to irreversible damage and deterioration of the components held within the motor.
It’s normal for motors to generate heat naturally while they are working. However, electric motors can break if they get too hot. Research shows that if the motor gets 18°F hotter, it will only last half as long. Even a small increase in heat can cause problems.
Parts of your motor like the bearings and rotor can fail. To keep your motor working well, check it regularly. Make sure lubrications are topped off and that there are no excessive vibrations.
2. Dust and Debris and Contamination
When it comes to shielding electric motors from pollutants and dust, enclosures are the go-to choice. But if they don’t possess the protection of a sufficient grade, minuscule particles can still get inside them.
There are things called contaminants in the air. They look like dirt, dust, and other tiny particles that can damage machinery. Over time, they can cause excessive corrosion and hasten wear.
Like any other machine, this contact may cause harm to electrical motor components, which could lead to eventual deterioration and overheating.
Ensure that engineers’ workspaces remain clean and position motors away from potentially pollutant machines.
To preserve the life of your machinery, you might want to have a professional look at your motor. The team at Houghton International does exactly that.
Visit them at https://www.houghton-international.com/service/electric-motors/ for more information.
3. Humidity and Moisture
Electrical components and moisture do not mix. Even moisture in the air will make it difficult to keep your premises completely dry.
Increased exposure to water can cause harm to the insulation of your electrical motor and significantly reduce its lifespan–not to mention put lives at risk.
Therefore, it is essential to select a secure location for your motor. Furthermore, consider incorporating humidity-control and monitoring apparatuses near the motors for optimal safety.
Need More Help With Your Electric Motors?
We’ve given you the three common problems why electric motors fail. It is important to take proactive steps to prevent motor problems from happening.
With these tips, you can ensure that your electric motors will remain safe and efficient for years to come. If you need more help with understanding or diagnosing issues with your electric motors, then reach out to a professional who has experience working on them, or check our blog for more information.
