Industrial equipment go through a lot of wear and tear. With a heavy workload, they are bound to break down at some point. Same is the case with high-quality electric motors. Their magnets can lose their charge, or some moving parts can stop working as they are supposed to.
The reason behind the failure can be anything. Whatever it be, if a critical piece of machinery cannot do its job, it results in lost time, lost revenue, and high levels of stress. This calls for a repair of the machine or perhaps even an immediate replacement.
Though never an ideal situation, a motor breakdown doesn’t spell catastrophe. A quick fix and work resumes. On other occasions, the motor has done all it can, and quick fixes don’t work. The issues are a lot deeper, and it might be best to cut your losses. After repeated breakdowns and repairs, the cost of getting a new electric motor might be a better investment. So how do you know it’s time to replace the electric motor?
How Does One Know If It’s Time to Replace Your Electric Motor?
An electric motor is an electrical machine that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. It has a rotating magnetic field, which rotates with the motor’s shaft. The magnetic field produces a rotating magnetic field in the stator, which causes the rotor to rotate and turn.
It can be difficult to determine when to replace your electric motor. Many factors affect the lifespan of an electric motor, which include:
Age.
The age of the electric motor is one of the most important factors in determining the right time to replace it. The older the engine, the more likely it is that it has been exposed to high temperatures and stress over time. It will lead to premature failure of components such as bearings, bushings, and other parts used in the design of an electric motor.
Consistent Overheating.
When your electric motor overheats, you must think of immediately replacing it. It can also be a sign of contamination or poor airflow. Cleaning out the motor and inspecting for loose parts is a good place to start. If you notice any heat-related issues with your motor, such as consistent overheating, then you should schedule an appointment with a certified electrician to repair the problem.
Vibrations.
Vibrations indicate something wrong with your motor’s bearings or bushings. Again, replacing them is the most sensible thing to do. Contamination often causes this type of vibration in the interior of the motor or an uneven load on the motor shafts. If you experience this type of vibration frequently, you should schedule an appointment with a certified electrician as soon as possible, so that your system gets inspected at once and the cause behind it gets identified.
Power Failure.
If your electric motor gets cut out during operation and does not turn back on after 20 seconds, then you may again want to contemplate replacing it. Power failures are usually caused by problems with electrical wiring in your building — especially if they’re common throughout your facility, like an outlet that keeps tripping.
Loud Bearings.
Often you get to hear loud noises from your electric motor’s bearings when they spin slowly at low speeds. If that is the case, they might be out of alignment and need to be adjusted by manufacturers before running smoothly again. You may notice that the elevator starts to make a loud buzzing sound when it first turns on and then again when it stops moving.
If you have any doubts about whether or not it is time to replace your electric motor, you should contact a professional at an electric motor company in India.
What You Must Consider When Making an Electric Motor Replacement
When you are in the market looking for an electric motor, you want to ensure it’s a reputable company that can provide you with quality parts. Knowing what to look for when choosing an electric motor is important.
Here are some things you should consider when buying an electric motor.
- Know the type of motor you have. If you have an old-style 3 phase motor made of steel, you may want to consider replacing it with a newer phase motor. These newer motors are lighter and more efficient than their older counterparts.
- The Voltage and Frequency of the Motor
- The Frequency of Operation
- How much power the the motor is producing
- The type of material used to make the motor
- The time between when maintenance needs to be done by you and when you can perform it
- How many people will be using the product at any given time
If you’re dealing with an existing and outdated three-phase motor, it may be time to replace it.
While a lot can go wrong with an electric motor, it’s important to remember that no motor is perfect. Performing routine maintenance can boost the lifespan of a motor, and using high-quality replacement parts will help avoid many problems in the first place. Before you call up an electric motor company in India or hire a contractor to replace your motor, make sure you are familiar with the main issue in hand.
