Electrical Repairs

Variable frequency drives are used on electrical alternating current (AC) motors. These drives control the speed of AC motors in a very accurate fashion. In most all applications the frequency...

Electric motors are used in many applications today. From the small motors used in audiocassette tape decks to the large electric motors used in trains, we see evidence of this fact...

A double pole double throw (DPDT) switch is a three-selection electrical device in which there is one "off" and two "on" positions. An application for this switch is for reversing a direct current...

Ceiling fans are great for circulating the air in the home. The most abused part of the ceiling fan is the pull chain, which is connected to the motor switch. Pull chains get broken off and motor...

Motor start capacitors help an electric motor overcome heavy loads. The capacitor does this by storing an electric charge much like a battery. Upon starting the motor, the capacitor releases this...

Typically powered by either 240 VAC or 480 VAC, 3-phase motors are also capable of being powered by both voltages if so denoted on the metal identification tag. The electrical tag is generally...

The megohmmeter, or megger, is a measuring device that tests high electrical resistances. Typically these measurements are made on electrical wires and motor windings to test the insulation value...

If your bathroom vent fan stops working or starts making noise, turn it off, tape the switch in the off position and replace it. Bathroom fans have a low starting torque which means they are...

The commutator is a set of copper wedges or bars that conduct the electrical power from the wall outlet into the motor windings on the moving portion of the motor. This moving part is called the...

The most efficient and inexpensive method for controlling the speed of an AC motor is a frequency drive inverter. Besides helping you conserve electric power, the inverter offers precise speed...

Testing a DC (direct current) motor may take more than just a simple volt ohmmeter. Sometimes the problem with the DC motor may won't be apparent until it is under operation. In cases such, a meg...

Most single-phase motors use a rotating armature called a squirrel cage. These types of armatures are attached to the motor shaft. The motor shaft performs the work of the device to which it is...

Have you ever walked out of your shower and mistaken your bathroom for foggy night in London, even though your exhaust fan sounds like it's running? Does your bathroom exhaust fan sound like a 747...

Central vacuum motors are typically an item that needs little to no maintenance. However, you can extend the life of your central vacuum motor by replacing the carbon brushes every five years.

An electric motor is a device that uses electricity to produce mechanical energy. The energy in an electric current causes the electric motor to spin. Any devices attached to the motor can then...

DC or direct current motors are the most efficient electrical motors on the market today. Understanding the basic layout of a DC motor can go a long way in the troubleshooting and repair of the...

Your permanent magnet electric motor can be used as a generator. All that needs to be done is to apply an external power source to spin the shaft of any permanent magnet electric motor and your...

Ceiling fans are becoming more popular these days as they can save homeowners money by reducing the electric bills. But despite this advantage, it can be annoying when a ceiling fan hums whether...

A generator is very handy to have in emergency situations. But before you go shopping for one, there are a few things you need to consider. In this article I have outlined some key points to...

Outside mounted television antennae often benefit from the installation of a motor driven rotor unit on the antenna mast that allows the homeowner to rotate the antenna in the direction of the...

Electrical loads are what you pay for at the end of every month on your electric bill. It is what makes the electrical meter spin, sometimes at an alarming rate, around and around. If you have the...

There are 3 basic types of electrical motors: DC, single phase AC and 3 phase AC. Switching the polarity of the input voltage will cause a simple DC motor to run in the reverse direction....

When a bad motor winding cannot be found by a physical inspection, many times an ohmmeter may show that there is a defective winding. Most repair shops will use a "megger" or a ground insulation...

Farm duty electrical motors most often consist of split-phase induction motors designed for heavy duty assignments. As split-phase motors use a separate starter winding, these require a capacitor...

Industrial grade motors are normally powered by 3 phase motors. These motors will not run on the single phase 220 volts that is usually found in residential houses. In order to run with the single...

Wiring an AC electric motor is not particularly difficult if the manufacturer's manual is available. But if the manual cannot be found, the job becomes tougher. In all cases, if you're unsure...

Improving the power output from a motor may be as easy as adding a secondary device or wiring it for a different voltage to give it that little extra boost. Not a hard process, but you will need...

Making power from a motor, especially a DC electrical motor which has permanent magnets, is relatively simple. The reason for this is because, for all practical purposes, a DC electric motor with...

Installing an electrical garage motor head seems like a difficult task with the electrical wiring that has to be done. However, once it's in place and working, having the garage door swing up...

Shop Vac owners love their machines almost like a part of the family, and when the motor may start to sputter, they look in all directions to be able to fix the problem rather than just kick their...