How To Minimize The Need For Frequent Electric Motor Repairs

Having to frequently get your electric motor fixed can be a very expensive and inconvenient experience, especially if you need it in the day-to-day running or your business or home. So, what can you do to minimize the need for frequent electric motor repairs?

The key is to routinely inspect and service your motor. Make sure to keep a record of when this is done and what has been replaced or repaired so that future breakdown patterns become obvious.

Inspect your electric motor for dirt and corrosion. You will have to blow, brush, vacuum or wipe dirt from the frame and air passages as this can make the motor run hot and eventually leads to its failure. Feel for air that is being discharged from the various cooling ports; if there isn’t any air, or if the pressure is weak, the internal passages of your electric engine are most likely blocked and will need to be cleaned. You will also need to check for any corrosion as a serious case of this may require a professional motor repair.

Checking the lubrication of your electric motor can also help to minimise the need for electric engine repairs. Only lubricate the bearings when it has been scheduled, or if the motor is running noisily or hot. Over lubrication can damage the bearings as excessive grease and oil encourages the gathering of dirt.

Electric motor repairs can also be avoided if you check for heat, noise and vibration. It is a good idea to feel the motor’s frame and bearings for excessive heat or vibrations, and to listen for any abnormal noises. If any of these are present, it could be suggesting a system failure and use of the motor should cease immediately. Locating a problem quickly can help reduce the cost of repairs.

If you own a DC electric motor, the brushes and commutators should also be checked. Look at the brushes while the motor is running – they should be riding on the commutator with little to no sparking, and with no noise. With the engine switched off, check that the brushes move freely in their holder and that the spring tension on each brush is the same. Regularly doing so will reduce your need for constant motor repairs.

And, if you own a synchronous motor, the brushes and collector rings should be checked. If you notice any black spots on the collector rings, they must be removed by gently rubbing with fine sandpaper. Any signs of wear (including an imprint of the brush and signs of arcing) will require the rings to be repaired or replaced. The collector ring brushes should also be checked in a similar way to what is required in a DC electric motor repair.