Feature

Q&A: How to mitigate motor failure

Here, Acting Group Editor Sophia Bell chats to Markus Bakker, Field Application Engineer at Fluke Corporation, about the common causes of motor failure, the problems that arise as a result, and how it can be mitigated through regular testing.

03/08/2022 15:53:12

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What are the most common causes and consequences of motor failure?

In our experience, winding insulation breakdown is the most
common cause of motor failure, but we find that this condition arises for many different reasons, typically relating to issues
with power quality or variable frequency drives (VFDs).

With regard to power quality, the typical issues we encounter include transient voltage,
which can erode or cause insulation breakdown in your motor windings. These transients originate from thunderstorms and lightning, but switching
loads are a more obvious cause. Think of electric motors switching on.

Voltage imbalance is another potential problem...

Read the full article in DPA's August issue

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.