Tip of the Week: Motor Baseline Data

Data from tests on new motors can be used to help detect when changes occur and spot impending problems.

April 24, 2017

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New motors often are installed without predictive maintenance in mind. This is a costly mistake. Invest in some testing upfront, so you know exactly which characteristics your motor has. Then you can compare future test results with the baseline ones to track deterioration, spot impending problems, and avoid surprise failures.

Ideally, your baseline tests and measurements will be the same tests and measurements your preventive maintenance (PM) and predictive maintenance (PdM) programs call for, plus some key tests and measurements for troubleshooting.

Here's some of the data you definitely should collect.

Before installation:

• Axial runout of shaft.

• Insulation resistance of the windings.

• Photograph of nameplate.

After installation, before energization:

• Alignment data.

• Axial runout of shaft. Yes, do this again; if it differs from pre-installation, you have a problem.

• Supply voltage.

After energization:

• Vibration levels.

• Thermographic survey, after sufficient runtime.

• Supply voltage under normal load.

Also, the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) or other asset tracking system should be updated with the information about any new motor. This would include not just all of the standard specs, but also maintenance data such as the kind of bearing grease used.

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.