Why Motors Fail

Heat is the ultimate threat to a motor's longevity. Excessive heat literally cooks the components of a motor, causing material breakdown, and ultimate failure. It is well known by most motor folks: For every 10 degrees centigrade increase in the operating temperature, there is a corresponding 50% loss in motor life.

It is important during the selection process, the installation, the ensuing operation and maintenance, to focus on eliminating, or at least reducing, all potential causes of overheating.

For example, every motor has nameplate information that defines its operating temperature range and its tolerance to temperature rise.

Adherence to voltage, phase and frequency tolerances insure that the "fuel" for the motor's operation will be as pure as possible.

Regularly scheduled preventive maintenance that focuses on the motor's physical and electrical environment can help detect potential overheating problems.

Ultimately, any operation's goal is to produce the most using the least, saving as much as possible. Well thought out strategies that keep motors working longer help to meet the economic goals.

And Furthermore . . .