Electric motors are the backbone of many electrical appliances and electrical machines. They convert electrical energy to mechanical energy. They are crucial because they help in normal day-to-day tasks and large manufacturing industries.
There are many jobs available in capital goods. Some of the most common jobs include manufacturing, engineering, and research and development. The industry is growing rapidly, and there are always new opportunities to be found. If you have the skills required for a particular position, there is no doubt that you can find a job in this sector.
Just like all other appliances and equipment, electrical motors have problems that may eventually lead to them breaking down. When some of these problems arise, a big question also pops up, do you replace the motor, or should you go for motor rewind? Though most replace their motors, some also prefer motor rewinding. Motor rewinding is a process to improve the efficiency of motors that have experienced deterioration.
Below are noticeable signs that should make you consider a motor rewind:
Signs of Deterioration in Parts
As time goes by, parts in an electric motor are inevitably vulnerable to wear and tear. Some of this may include burns, broken parts, and parts being contaminated by external factors such as moisture and rust.
In such a case, rewinding may be considered because it is cheaper than replacing it with a brand-new motor. If during an inspection, a technician finds that the laminations are not damaged, they may suggest motor rewinding as the best approach.
Decrease in Winding Resistance
In case you notice that a motor is not performing to its maximum efficiency, you can hire a professional to measure the winding resistance. After the test is carried out, the professional can determine whether there are any shorted coils in the electric motor.
In a 3hp induction motor, there is an optimum winding resistance level listed on the nameplate. If the results from the test carried out by the professional does not match the indicated level, then a rewinding process may be necessary.
Age of the Motor
It is common for machines and general equipment to wear out with time. Most electrical motors in the market have a long-life expectancy while working at maximum efficiency. For example, a 2hp motor has a life expectancy of 20 years. In case the motor starts misbehaving before the maximum life expectancy has reached, it is safe to go for motor rewinding.
The motor rewinding process is cheap compared to replacing the motor with a new one, which saves costs when running a business. Also, if you care about the environment, motor rewinding is a process that reduces the carbon footprint of the industry.
Problems with Insulation Resistance
Contamination, either by rust or moisture, power surges and high-frequency vibration, are significant problems that trigger low insulation resistance in an electric motor.
An electric motor has many components which are highly affected by heat. Low insulation resistance can cause insufficient lubrication in parts which may further lead to damaged parts.
Using a well-equipped rewind professional who uses modern rewinding techniques can help improve the efficiency of a motor and improve the motor’s insulation resistance.
In case you find yourself in a situation where you are divided between motor rewinding and replacing, you need to ask yourself three questions
- Do you care about the environment?
- Do you need to save money?
- Do you need better efficiency in your motor?
If the answer to all these questions is yes, then hiring a motor rewinding professional is the best solution for your electric motor.
