A world without electric motors is tough to imagine. From the tiniest task to the large, complicated operations, electric motors have come a long way. They are used in diverse applications ranging from household chores to powering a ship. Electric motors provide driving power for a large and still increasing part of the industrial economy where every task is dependent on complex machines. Motors are inserted in almost every device that is moving around us. Just about everything in one’s life that whine or cracks does so because of the electric motors that caused the motion.
The role of electric motors is so extensive that they used in every part and every sphere of life. The primary purpose of the electric motor is to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy and brings things into motion. There are a multitude of motor types to choose from, and each one of them has its own unique
characteristics, specialized for a particular function. Electric motors have a massive impact on the performance and the profitability of the company. Proper maintenance of electric motors is essential in ensuring long-term reliability and performance. It is estimated that the high repairing costs will exceed the initial cost of purchasing it if not handled with care. Let us discuss several points on how to maintain the electric motors:
Periodic inspections: Electric motors a wide variety of function and are subject to a lot of wear and tear. A visual inspection and the record of the observations must be made at regular intervals. Unscheduled stoppage and critical breakdowns in the industries and factories are intolerable, so it is essential to take into account preventative measures. Periodic inspections are also required to ensure the best operating results.
Carry a motor winding test: Once you are done with the inspection and checking of internal components, you have to identify the failures in the windings. This test will help you in finding the defaults and abnormalities if any. If there is a burning odour or crack in the parts, then this test is mandatory to be conducted.
Check the bearings: Motor bearings problems generally arise when there is excess or lack of grease. If the bearing is getting very hot, it means that there is insufficient grease. The maintenance requirements of bearings vary depending on where the equipment is placed.
Verify the temperatures: Overheating of an electric motor is something that is very common and often leads to damaging the internal components of the motor. Regularly verifying the temperature is essential to detect overheating. Overheating can result from defective bearings or other mechanical problems that draw excessive current. Temperature can be simply checked using a thermal gun.
Document everything: This is the most neglected step by everyone. Keeping a detailed record of the tests and maintenance schedules is very vital. Maintaining a record of replacements and repairs will help you in the long run. This will give us detailed knowledge about our device and a better understanding of which parts require timely maintenance.
