Electrical motors are amazing gadgets that are utilized in a variety of ways, making things simpler in our everyday lives as well as a broad range of industrial applications. But when these devices malfunction, work typically comes to a standstill till they’re back up and operating, and the explanations for electrical motor breakdown might range from the ordinary to the utterly strange.

While the list of probable reasons might go on endlessly, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most prevalent causes for malfunctions in electric motors.

Common Causes of Electric Motor Failures

In order to assist you in addressing and understanding the most common electric motor failures, we have compiled a list of everyday causes that are best handled by consulting with a qualified professional.

1. High Temperatures And Overheating

Most motor failures and deterioration can be attributed to exposure to extreme heat. Your first concern should be to ensure that your motor is functioning at an optimal temperature.

In most cases, electrical motor failure results in excessive heat generation. The insulation on motor windings will only last half as long if they are exposed to an additional 10° C of heat. Even a little increase might cause problems over time.

2. Accumulation of Dust And Debris

When it comes to protecting electric motors from dust and pollutants, enclosures are commonly used. However, if the enclosures are not Ingress Protected to the appropriate grade, tiny particles can still get inside them.

Just as with any other machine, this exposure may cause damage to electrical motor parts, which can ultimately result in failure. Based on the type of contamination involved, the damage might range from component degradation due to corrosion to interruption in current due to electrically conducting particles, among other possibilities.

3. Sudden Power Surges

Electric motors, like all other electric equipment, require a certain amount of electricity to operate efficiently. It is quite likely that a device may malfunction if the quantity of energy it accumulates exceeds the limit set by the device or motor in question. That’s why many industries have installed variable speed drives to reduce the impact of any unanticipated spikes in electrical power. Consider seeing an expert if your electric motor lacks variable speed drives.

4. Wear And Damage of Bearing Over Time

Bearings are essential to the operation of an electric motor, but they are often disregarded. Overheating, poor lubrication, and excessive drag are just some of the problems that might arise if one of these tiny bearings breaks. Bearing problems can be caused by a variety of factors, the most prevalent of which are motor imbalance, extreme load management, and poor fitting.

More Interested: Predictive Maintenance

An electric motor’s bearing can fail in as many as 13% of all failures. You can detect early bearing deterioration or failure indicators by monitoring the motor’s vibration. This is a good technique to find out whether your electric motor’s bearings are damaged before it becomes a major problem.

5. Humidity and Moisture

Electrical equipment and moisture are incompatible. As a result, it’s nearly impossible to keep your workplace dry and free of moisture and humidity. Your electrical motor’s insulation can be damaged by water (and greater exposure to water), which in turn affects the motor’s overall life and even puts your life in danger.

For this reason, it is important to choose a location where your motor may be stored safely and securely. Moreover, try to install humidity-control and monitoring devices as well.

There are several variables and possible causes that might create disruption inside an electric motor and impair its performance in the long run. The key to ensuring that your equipment continues to operate at peak performance for as long as possible is to ensure that you conduct long-term preventive maintenance as well as predictive maintenance.

If you are experiencing a major motor problem, contact a specialist immediately, or contact us if you have any questions.