A survey conducted in 2018 showed the average age of an electrician was 58, which is a year older than a 2016 survey by the same group showed.
Let’s assume an average-age electrician started trade school right after high school and joined the trade at age 20. That’s 38 years in the trade. If this person has worked in industrial maintenance this whole time, they have seen considerable change in how motors are maintained today versus in 1982.
In 1982:
- Perform voltage measurements quarterly; look for voltage imbalance or phase loss. Replaced by line monitoring.
- Conduct insulation resistance testing annually. Replaced by automatic insulation resistance testing.
- Test for total vibration, quarterly. Typical method was to feel by hand. Replaced by vibration monitoring that can break down the actual signature for intelligent analysis.
- Touch the motor (quickly!) to test for heat. Replaced by using a thermograpic camera.
Aside from changing the grease (annually or longer), are you still doing things in the old, inefficient ways?
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.