As the leading electric motors supplier in Yorkshire, YB Components have years of experience dealing with the problems facing applications using electric motors. Here we share some of the best tips for avoiding motor failure.
Keep the Motor Cool
A lot of insulating failures in motors happen because of overheating. Excessive heat can be caused by friction, high temperatures in the operating environment, or by a poor power quality. As the temperature of a motor rises, the insulation life decreases accordingly, and can ultimately lead to breakdown and costly repair time.
Avoid this issue by monitoring the motor to ensure all parts are functioning properly and not causing unnecessary friction. Ensure you are using the correct power supply and keep the operating environment as cool as possible.
Install Over-Current Protection
Electrical overload or over-current will zap your motor and cause a breakdown. It is another common cause of motor failure but it can be easily avoided with the right precautionary measures. It happens when an excessive current flow within the motor windings exceeds the current which the motor is designed to handle safely. Obviously an excessive voltage supply can cause such electrical overload, but it can also happen because of a low supply voltage. This is because the low supply forces the motor to draw in more current in an attempt to maintain the optimal level of torque. Short circuited conductors are another common cause of electrical overload.
As an electric motors supplier, Yorkshire’s YB Components can advise you on the best way to avoid electrical overload. One of the easiest methods is to install some effective over-current protection that can detect any over-current and interrupt the supply before it overloads.
Inspect the Insulation
Low resistance is one of the most common causes of electric motor failure. It is caused by the degradation to the windings insulation, usually because of physical damage, overheating or corrosion. There needs to be enough isolation between the conductors and motor windings, or there could be leakages and short circuits which cause damage or corrosion, which eventually cause the motor to fail.
Regularly inspect all of the motor insulations and look for signs of wear and tear. Get in touch with a electric motors supplier like Yorkshire’s YB Components to get a replacement as soon as possible before low resistance causes failure.
Minimise Vibrations
Vibration can cause a few problems for motors, and eventually even lead to failure. A bad vibration will often be caused by the motor’s poor positioning, either being positioned on an uneven surface or on an unstable one. Other causes of vibration include loose bearings, misalignment or corrosion.
Always monitor your motors for vibrations, and there are motor analysing tools which can make the job much easier. Ensure your motors are on flat and stable surfaces, and regularly inspect them for signs of wear and tear. If you cannot quickly identify the source of the vibration, then you may need to contact a specialist.
If you require any electric motors, then contact YB Components who are the UK’s leading electric motors supplier in Yorkshire. We keep local stocks of all such parts and more ready to ship out fast and free all over the UK and the rest of the world.