Choosing a suitable motor can be challenging, but finding the motor that matches your speed and power requirements is not enough. When selecting an electric motor that fits your application requirements, it would be best to consider a few factors.
Many problems can occur in electric motors, including those associated with lubrication and voltage spikes. Over time, overheating occurs, reducing an electric motor’s lifespan. Electric motor manufacturers in India have helped compile a list of signs and solutions for electric motor overheating.
How to tell if an Electric Motor is Overheated
It may be difficult to tell if an electric motor is overheated or something else is causing the problem. The failed functionality of a motor must be correctly diagnosed. These tips can be useful in identifying overheated electric motors:
- Don’t touch the motor to check the temperature. Use a simple thermostat, as this is safer for you.
- Some motors may have the thermal reset button, a fast and effective way to check the temperature.
- If you often rely on motors, you need to have them back running in no time. You might need to invest in an infrared camera which is a quick way to test the temperature.
What are the Signs and Solutions of Electric Motor Overheating?
Protecting your electric motor begins with understanding the signs of overheating.
Contamination
Dust and debris caught up in the motor can lead to an increased internal temperature of the motor. In addition, it can prevent the motor from cooling, which leads to excessive heating over time. It mainly occurs when proper maintenance is not done.
Solution: You must ensure that your 3hp induction motor is regularly maintained and vented for particles. It will reduce overheating of the electric motor.
Low Resistance
It is possibly one of the most common causes of motor failure and also the most difficult to overcome. This results from the degradation of insulation of the windings because of corrosion and overheating. It then reduces the isolation between the motor windings and the conductors, causing lowered resistance.
Solution: You should regularly inspect the insulation of the electric motor to identify any signs of wear and tear and replace it.
Electric Overload
It is caused by extreme current overflow within the motor windings. The current overflow is beyond the designed current that the electric motor can carry efficiently. It is caused by a low supply voltage that makes the motor draw more current to maintain its torque.
Solution: Electrical overload is possible to prevent. It is done by installing adequate over-current protection to detect overcurrent and supply interruption.
Running intermittent-duty motors continuously
Different electric motors have different ways of running. Those rated for intermittent application need to be run at or below the duty cycle. It is essential to run the motor at the rated performance specs and also give it enough time to cool down completely between cycles. Failing to do so will not allow the motor to cool down, and it will get hotter with each cycle, hence overheating more easily.
Solution: Each motor must be run according to its performance specs. It will enhance its operation and also the lifespan of the motor.
Altitude
The location of your workshop or business can affect your electric motor performance. For example, due to thin air, your motor might not cool as effectively at higher altitudes. However, some motors are designed to work best in high-altitude areas.
Solution: When purchasing an electric motor, engage the manufacturer to get the correct one rated for your location.
Poor Surroundings
An electric motor needs plenty of room to breathe to perform better in its next cycle. Running a motor in a hot environment can lead to overheating, as it will struggle to cool down quickly.
Solution: Ensure your workshop has enough space to allow the motor to operate well. Motors should be allowed time to cool off between cycles in a cool environment.
Electric motors are a vital part of modern-day life. They are used in most machines in a business, like computer printers and printing presses. An electric motor operating at a high internal temperature will affect its life span. It would help if you lowered the internal temperature by improving ventilation and choosing a motor that is up to the task in your location. In short, regular maintenance should be adhered to.
