Ecmweb 8816 Thinkstockphotos 476380044motor 1
Ecmweb 8816 Thinkstockphotos 476380044motor 1
Ecmweb 8816 Thinkstockphotos 476380044motor 1
Ecmweb 8816 Thinkstockphotos 476380044motor 1
Ecmweb 8816 Thinkstockphotos 476380044motor 1

Tip of the Week: Is Your Motor Maintenance Going In Circles?

Feb. 27, 2017
Follow these steps to ensure that your motor maintenance program is thorough.

Motor maintenance is pointless if it doesn’t prevent motor failures. Check your motor maintenance program for the following:

• It includes vibration testing.

• It does not include tightening anything. Tightening the motor mounting bolts to “ensure” they are tight is a downtime-inducing practice. If the motor vibration is within tolerance, don’t mess with the mounting bolts. If it’s out of tolerance, replace them and torque them properly.

Photo credit: stalkerstudent/iStock/Thinkstock

• Insulation resistance readings are trended, not merely taken and recorded.

• Temperatures are taken at the bearings, windings, and (if used) gearbox. Preferably on critical motors, these temperatures will be monitored continually.

• Lubrication is done with the correct lubricant in the correct amount, following the correct procedure. Mixing lubricants, overlubricating, or lubricating without opening the grease plug are practices that kill motors every day.

• Voltage imbalance is calculated from measurements taken while the motor is running. This metric should be recorded and trended so that a change can be highlighted for corrective or preventive action even if the imbalance is within tolerance.

• If air filters are used, they are changed.

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.

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