Troubleshoot AC Motors – Part 3
This is a 4 part series, click to view each part: 1 : 2 : 3 : 4
Problem C – Motor overheats
C1: Is ambient temperature too high? | Reduce ambient, increase ventilation or install larger motor. | |
C2: Is motor too small for present operating conditions? | Install larger motor. | |
C3: Is motor started too frequently? | Reduce starting cycle or use larger motor. | |
C4: Check external frame. Is it covered with dirt which acts as insulation and prevents proper cooling? | Wipe, scrape or vacuum accumulated dirt from frame. | |
C5: Feel output from air exhaust openings. Is flow light or inconsistent indicating poor ventilation? | Remove obstructions or dirt preventing free circulation of air flow. If needed, clean internal air passages. | |
C6: Check input current while driving load. Is it excessive indicating an overload? | Go to Step C11. | |
C7: Is the driven equipment overload? | Reduce load or install larger motor. | |
C8: Are misalignments, bad bearings or damaged component causing excessive friction in driven machine or power transmission system? | Repair or replace bad components. | |
C9: Are motor bearings dry? | Lubricate. Does motor still draw excessive current? | |
C10: Are damaged end bells, rubbing fan, bent shaft or rubbing rotor causing excessive internal friction? | Repair or replace motor. | |
C11: Are bad bearings causing excessive friction? | Determine cause of bad bearings (See Problem D). | |
C12: Check phase voltage. Does it vary between phases? | Restore equal voltage on all phases. | |
C13: Is voltage more than 10% above or 10% below nameplate? | Restore proper voltage or install motor built for the voltage. | |
C14: Check stator. Are any coils grounded or shorted? | Repair coils or replace motor. |
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