Feature

Commissioning motors for reliable and efficient service

Careful installation of motors will help ensure their efficient and reliable operation, minimising the potential for costly downtime or sub-standard operation. Karl Metcalfe, Technical Support at the Association of Electrical and Mechanical Trades (AEMT), outlines key steps that should be taken when commissioning motors that have been in storage or removed for repair.

06/01/2023 15:50:12

Stored motors
A motor that has been in storage should first be cleaned to bring it back to the condition that it was in when placed there. If there are any signs of damage, such as broken cooling fins, they should be investigated to assess whether any internal damage could have occurred and, where necessary, the damage repaired.

In an ideal scenario, motors should be stored in a vibration-free environment; however, this is not always practical. If the motor under inspection has been subject to vibration, there is a potential for the bearings to have been damaged. Even minimal ambient vibration will cause motor bearings to wear over time and can result in fretting or false brinelling, which can lead to motor failure. Therefore, unless there is complete certainty that the stored motor was not subjected to any vibration, the bearings should be inspected for signs of wear and replaced if necessary.

Bearing lubrication should also be considered when taking a motor from storage...

Read the full article in DPA's January 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.