A long time ago at ABC Co., a maintenance manager wrote maintenance procedures for the plant’s many motor drives. The procedures involve taking various voltage measurements and current measurements in addition to setting up an oscilloscope to compare waveforms.
The sheer complexity has resulted in many mistakes. And because each PM is time-consuming and tedious to perform, the motor PM intervals have been stretched well beyond the manufacturer’s recommendations. In many cases, the techs are skipping the more complex measurements.
How can this company make these PMs simpler and more efficient, while also ensuring the complete battery of tests is performed on the input, output, DC bus, and motor?
By investing in a motor drive analyzer. The best models have test menus; just select the test you want and be guided step by step to perform it. The device will also help with correct data collection, for example with preset measurement profiles. Look beyond PM to using features like reporting functions that will help with troubleshooting.
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.