Before you choose a repair shop, it’s important to understand the various steps involved in motor repairs. Here are some tips:
Rewinding
Rewinding an electric motor requires the rewinding of the stator core. It is the fixed part of the motor that contains the rotating armature. The stator core is composed of two main parts: windings of copper wire and iron laminations. These components are stacked and insulated. Rewinding an electric motor repair involves redoing the copper wire. It is also possible to rewind an older electric motor.
First, the technician must remove the motor housing. Once the motor housing is removed, he can see the armature, stator, and winding. If he cannot see the winding pattern, he can record it on video. It is also important to use the proper tools and materials to make sure that everything goes smoothly. During deconstruction, make sure to wear gloves to avoid getting oils on the parts. If possible, you should also set aside the housing as it might collect stray metal pieces. The second step of rewinding an electric motor involves cutting the spent windings.
Hi-pot testing
Hi-pot testing is a method for detecting electrical motor malfunctions. There are many types of high potential tests. A step voltage test, for example, is the most common and effective. This test works by gradually increasing the voltage applied to the motor, evaluating the change in the leakage current. If the current changes dramatically, then the motor is most likely to have a problem. However, it is not necessary to perform this test for every motor.
In the case of Hi-Pot testing, the voltage of an electrical motor is increased to a certain level. Using this voltage, the electrical motors will be stressed to determine whether they can sustain a certain amount of current. Typically, the current to the ground is around ten percent of the rated current. However, the frequency of the test can vary greatly, depending on the machine. Using an ohmmeter, an electrical motor repair technician should measure the output current and voltage from the motor to find its optimal working condition.
Upgrade repair
An upgrade repair for an electric motor is an excellent solution when the original one is no longer efficient enough. While it seems like an easy fix, it can be expensive and cause downtime. Fortunately, there are engineers who can offer electric motor overhauling services. Often, these repairs take less time than replacing the entire motor. But it is important to remember that the choice between overhauling the motor and replacing it depends on the state of the equipment.
The efficiency of an electric motor is not only impacted by environmental factors, but also by improper maintenance. Improper cleaning and maintenance practices can lead to bearing failures, which account for over half of all motor failures. Improper maintenance practices such as overloading, using incorrect grease, and improper cleaning can result in premature bearing failures. A quality repair company will use proven techniques to optimize the life and efficiency of your electric motor.
Motor circuit evaluation
To understand how much it costs to repair an electric motor, it is first important to know how many hours the electrical circuit should be expected to operate. Then, multiply that number by the failure rate. If a motor failed one time every 40,000 hours, then the failure rate is 1/MTBF, or 2.5 x 10-5. If the failure rate is higher than that, replacing it would be a better option.
A leader in Electric Motor Testing, offers mobile computer-supported test equipment that can detect hidden problems. This testing helps identify defective motors before they reach catastrophic or functional failure. Using a motor circuit evaluation prevents unplanned shutdowns and repairs, and minimizes interruptions in normal production. An electric motor tester makes it easier for maintenance personnel to pinpoint and diagnose issues before they cause production to stop.
Reliability
One of the biggest questions surrounding the reliability of electric motor repair is: is there really an issue? There is a significant problem with the overall reliability of electric motors. Studies by the IEEE Power Engineering Society and others have shown that electrical motor failure is a major problem. The study also shows that electrical motor failures can be related to improper diagnosis and repair. The problem is compounded when the electrical motor fails repeatedly or has several faults.
The first question to ask is, how reliable is the current process for identifying the root cause of electrical motor failures? Many of us take for granted the reliability of our electric motors. This is unfortunate. Fortunately, there are ways to improve reliability in electric motor repair. For example, you can take digital photographs of the motor when it arrives at the repair facility or before shipping it. Digital photos of the faults should also be included in the final report. Some electrical engineers need additional data for their analysis, but forensics and root cause failure analysis should be performed with input from the user and repair facility.
Energy efficiency
The average energy efficiency of electric motors varies widely, with only a slight difference. Most motors meet minimum standards, but some have significantly lower efficiency values. The table below presents the efficiency data for four-pole, six-pole, and eight-pole motors. These motors are categorized according to their regulated speeds. Table 17 shows the comparison between measured efficiency values and the legislation. As can be seen, the SCIM efficiency of motors with four poles is significantly lower than the legislation required.
There are regulations and standards requiring motors with higher energy efficiency to comply with energy conservation regulations. The IEC has issued a standard IEC 60034-2-1:2014 for energy efficiency testing. While many countries have their own national standards, these are referenced on the IEC website. Motors with lower energy efficiency may not be as environmentally friendly as those with higher performance levels, but their energy consumption still contributes to the environment.