Do You Repair or Just Reduce Damage?

Nov. 30, 2020

Questions to ask when a motor fails due to the conditions of use

Most repairs are done in response to an equipment failure. Restoring the equipment to operation as soon as is practical is usually the goal.

Suppose a motor fails due to the conditions of use. These include a high ambient temperature, load shocks, and frequent stopping/starting. Is replacing the motor a repair or just a reduction in damage?

The motor system has other components subjected to the same or similar stresses. Did you perform a PM on the motor starter? If the motor is VFD controlled, did you at least run the system diagnostics? Did you perform a visual and thermographic inspection of electrical connections? Did you calculate voltage imbalance?

Did you inspect the motor base and pedestal for damage such as cracks? Are the bolts in good condition or heavily rusted?

Did you perform a visual and thermographic inspection of all mechanical connections, such as load couplings? If there is a gearbox, did you perform a vibration analysis (to predict bearing failure) and check the lubrication date?

About the Author

Mark Lamendola

Mark is an expert in maintenance management, having racked up an impressive track record during his time working in the field. He also has extensive knowledge of, and practical expertise with, the National Electrical Code (NEC). Through his consulting business, he provides articles and training materials on electrical topics, specializing in making difficult subjects easy to understand and focusing on the practical aspects of electrical work.

Prior to starting his own business, Mark served as the Technical Editor on EC&M for six years, worked three years in nuclear maintenance, six years as a contract project engineer/project manager, three years as a systems engineer, and three years in plant maintenance management.

Mark earned an AAS degree from Rock Valley College, a BSEET from Columbia Pacific University, and an MBA from Lake Erie College. He’s also completed several related certifications over the years and even was formerly licensed as a Master Electrician. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE and past Chairman of the Kansas City Chapters of both the IEEE and the IEEE Computer Society. Mark also served as the program director for, a board member of, and webmaster of, the Midwest Chapter of the 7x24 Exchange. He has also held memberships with the following organizations: NETA, NFPA, International Association of Webmasters, and Institute of Certified Professional Managers.