Industrial Electric Motors: Expert Tips for Extending their Life

In industrial operations, you rely on the equipment to get the job done, but the equipment, on the other hand, looks to you to stay in good health. In this post, we will take a closer look at electric motors. By taking good care of your electric motors, you are sure of getting extra life out of them when compared to others that are poorly cared for. 

How Do Electric Motors Work 

To be able to take good care of your electric motors, it is important to start by understanding how they work. The tools work by converting electrical energy to mechanical energy to help create motion that can be used to run machines, such as conveyor belts or pumps. Force in a motor is generated via the interaction of the magnetic field and winding direct (DC) or alternating (AC) current. 

When the force of the current increases, the strength of the magnetic field also increases. Motors work by following Ohm's law (V = I*R), where voltage must be increased to maintain the same current as resistance intensifies. Although many types of motors are used in industries, the most common are brushless and brushed motors. Other categories include servo motors, stepper motors, and vibrating motors. Now, let us look at expert tips that you should use to increase the life of your motors. 

Learn about the Common Causes of Failures 

One of the top methods of extending the life of a motor is to understand the common ailments and try to avoid them. You can learn this by reading through motor reviews from experts and working with experienced technicians. Some manufacturers also provide comprehensive guides that you can use to reduce the risk of failure. Here are the main causes of motor failure: 

• Shaft imbalance. 
• Misalignment. 
• Sigma current. 
• Harmonic distortion. 
• Reflections on drive output PWM signals. 

Prevent Motor Contamination 

If your motor gets contaminated, its operation and life can also get compromised. For example, water can cause corrosion of the inner parts of the motor and increase the risk of failure. Other contaminants that can affect the operation of a motor are dust, chemicals, and greases. From transportation to storage and installation, your motor should be properly protected from contamination. 

Maintain the Motor in Top Condition 

You can only be able to extend the life of a motor by maintaining it in good condition. One of the common types of maintenance is ensuring the bearings are always in top condition. So, have them checked from time to time for issues and if worn out, make sure they are replaced. Also, you should use the right oil to grease the bearings and keep the friction as low as possible. Other maintenance tasks on your motors are: 

• Clearing the fans and vents regularly. 
• Checking the brush and brushes' spring tension. 
• Review the power consumption of the motor to note possible changes. 

Ensure the Electrical Connections are Okay

Because of vibrations and shaft rotation at high speeds, the electrical cables of your motors can easily get worn out. This can result in a sudden shutdown and even degenerate into a safety issue if not addressed urgently. So, make sure the electrical connections are inspected well and the damaged ones replaced without delays. 

If you maintain your electrical motors in good condition, they will no doubt deliver high value for money. Remember that when damaged parts are detected, they should only be replaced by high-quality spares and by experts in electric motors.