Common Causes of Electric Motor Failure

Common Causes of Electric Motor Failure

The lifespan of an electric motor is predetermined from the time of their creation. Most electric motors last 30,000- 40,000 hours. However, this life cycle is dependant on if they receive the proper care. When not cared for properly, an electric motor lasts 20,000 hours at most.

Top five causes of electric motor failure include:

  • Movement: When a motor vibrates constantly, it can lead to failure of the engine. This unstable vibration indicates an underlying problem with the motor itself, as well as a possible issue with the uneven surface the motor most likely lies on.
  • Physical Conditions: One of the leading causes of motor failure is dust, dirt and moisture contaminating the engine. These factors overheat the engine, by blocking the cooling fan from directing its product into the motor. To avoid this issue, the physical engine must be kept clean at all times.
  • Heat: The overheating of an engine results from poor power quality of the overall motor. For every 10°celsius the temperature of the engine rises, the insulation life of the motor reduces by 50%.
  • Resistance: Low resistance of the electric motor results from the degradation of the insulation of the windings on the motor. Conditions such as overheating, corrosion and physical damage have all been known to cause low resistance.
  • Electrical Overload: Most experts know this condition as over-current. This results from an overflow of current within the motor windings, exceeding the design capabilities, which the motor can not carry safely.

Care for your electric motor by taking precaution about these common issues. Ensure that your electric motor is properly cared for and it will last for years to come, providing you support, just as you do it.

For more information on common causes of electric motor failure from the experts at Fixall Electric Motor Service, please contact us here or call us directly at 616.454.6863.