How to Troubleshoot an Electrical Motor

The electrical motor is a dependable workhouse that runs without problems most of the time; however, they do sometimes require maintenance or repair. Follow the steps below in order to troubleshoot electrical motor issues and make informed decisions on repair or replacement.

Instructions

1. Check for blown line fuses or tripped breakers first, if your motor won't start at all. If it has failed while running, allow the motor to cool and then try to reset it.

2. Clean the vents and any of the open areas of the motor by blasting it with air from an air compressor, if the motor is running hot or runs for a while and then fails. Dirt, dust and debris buildup is a very common problem. If the motor is in an extremely dirty environment, consider replacing it with an enclosed model.

3. Check the motor for any loose mountings or a shaft that is out of alignment or bent, if the motor is exhibiting unusual vibration.

4. Inspect the bearings and rotor for damage if the motor is making unusual or excessive noise.

5. Check that there is enough area around the motor to provide proper ventilation and inspect the vents and other open areas of the motor for obstructions if the motor is running excessively hot. You can also use a shorter, heavier extension cord to attempt to correct this problem.

Tips & Warnings

• To avoid electrical shock, always make sure that the power to the motor is OFF before attempting any repairs.

References

• Electric Motors

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Electric Motor Warehouse
• Extensive Troubleshooting Help with Flow Charts