Trouble Shooting of Electrical Motors

Troubleshooting Chart
Failure Probable Cause Corrective Measures

- Check feed connections to control system and from
1. No voltage supply
control to motor.
- Check voltage supply and ascertain that voltage remains
2. Low voltage supply within 10% of the rated voltage shown on the motor
nameplate.
- Compare connections with the wiring diagram on the
3. Wrong control connections
motor nameplate.
Motor fails to start
4. Loose connection at some
- Tighten all connections.
terminal lug
- Try to start motor under no-load conditions. If it starts
there may be an overload condition or a blocking of the
5. Overload
starting mechanism. Reduce load to rated load level and
increase torque.
6. Brushes - Brushes may be worn, dirty or incorrectly fitted.
- Vibrations can be eliminated by balancing rotor. If load is
1. Unbalance
coupled directly to motor shaft, the load can be unbalanced.
2. Distorted shaft - Shaft can be bent; check rotor balance and eccentricity.
3. Incorrect alignment - Check motor alignment with machine running.
4. Uneven air gap - Check shaft for warping or bearing wear.
High Noise Level - Dismantle motor and remove dirt or dust with jet of dry
5. Dirt in the air gap
air.
6. Extraneous matter stuck between - Dismantle motor and clean. Remove trash or debris from
fan and motor casing. motor vicinity.
7. Loose motor foundation - Tighten all foundation studs. If necessary, realign motor.
- Check lubrication. Replace bearing if noise is excessive
8. Worn bearings
and continuous.
- Remove grease bleeder plug and run motor until excess
1. Excessive grease
grease is expelled.
2. Excessive axial or radial strain on
- Reduce belt tension.
belt
3. Deformed shaft - Have shaft straightened and check rotor balance.
4. Rough bearing surface - Replace bearings before they damage shaft.
Overheating of bearings
5. Loose or poorly fitted motor end - Check end shields for close fit around circumference and
shields tightness.
6. Lack of grease - Add grease to bearing.
7. Hardened grease cause locking of
- Replace bearings.
balls
8. Foreign material in grease - Flush out housings and relubricate.
1. Unbalanced rotor - Balance rotor statically and dynamically.
- If bearing rings are in perfect condition, clean relubricate
2. Dirty or worn bearing
the bearing, otherwise replace bearing.
Intense Bearing - Before altering shaft or housing dimensions, it is advisable
Vibration 3. Bearing rings too tight on shaft
to ascertain that bearing dimensions correspond to
and/or bearing housing
manufacturer's specifications.
4. Extraneous solid particles in - Take bearing apart and clean. Reassemble only if rotating
bearing and support surfaces are unharmed.
- Clean and dry motor; inspect air vents and windings
1. Obstructed cooling system
periodically.
- Check application, measuring voltage and current under
2. Overload
normal running conditions.
- Compare values on motor nameplate with those of mains
3. Incorrect voltages and
Overheating of Motor supply. Also check voltage at motor terminals under full
frequencies
load.
4. Frequent inversions - Exchange motor for another that meets needs.
5. Rotor dragging on stator - Check bearing wear and shaft curvature.
6. Unbalanced electrical load (burnt - Check for unbalanced voltages or operation under single-
fuse, incorrect control) phase condition.
Troubleshooting Chart
Failure Probable Cause Corrective Measures
1. Control circuit conductors too
- Install heavier conductors on control circuit.
light
2. Control too far from motor - Bring control closer to motor.
3. Open circuit on rotor circuits
- Test circuit with a magneto, or other means, and
(including connections with control
undertake necessary repairs.
apparatus)
Slip Ring Motor 4. Dirt between brush and slip ring - Clean slip rings and insulation assembly.
Operating at Low Speed
with External Resistance 5. Brushes gripe on brush holders - Select brushes of correct size.
Disconnected 6. Incorrect pressure on brushes - Check pressure on each brush and adjust it accordingly.
7. Rough surfaces on slip rings - File, sand and polish.
- Machine on lathe or with portable tool without removing
8. Eccentric rings
from machine.
9. High current density on brushes - Reduce load or replace brushes.
10. Poorly set brushes - Reset brushes correctly.
1. Poorly set brushes with
- Check brush setting; adjust for correct pressure.
insufficient pressure
2. Overload - Reduce load or install motor with higher capacity.
3. Slip rings in poor condition - Clean rings and reset brushes.
Brush Sparking
4. Oval slip rings. Rough surfaces - Polish the slip rings with an emery and machine the same
and scored rings. on lathe.
- Balance the rotor, check the brushes for free movement
5. Excess of Vibration
within holders.

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Troubleshooting Chart

Failure Probable Cause Corrective Measures

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