Motors
March 11, 2025
Explosion-Proof Motors: What You Need to Know
Maintaining the safety and efficiency of your motors is crucial for your facility’s operations. Explosion-proof motors play a vital role in ensuring this safety, especially in hazardous environments. Below, we explore the function of explosion-proof motors, the critical classification considerations, and essential maintenance and repair practices. Defining an Explosion-proof Electric Motor: An explosion-proof motor […]
Read MoreNovember 11, 2024
What is a Wound Rotor Induction Motor? Benefits, Applications, and Comparison
What is a Wound Rotor Induction Motor? A wound rotor induction motor (WRIM) is a unique type of three-phase induction motor, known for its superior startup capabilities compared to the more common squirrel cage induction motor. This advantage makes it ideal for heavy-duty applications that require high starting torque, such as cranes, hoists, elevators, mills, […]
Read MoreAugust 14, 2024
How Does a 3-Phase AC Electric Motor Work?
When I think about who invented the 3-phase electric motor, I think of Mikhail Dolivo-Dobrovolsky. However, the 3-phase power evolved out of electric motor development done by Galileo Ferraris and Nikola Tesla independently of each other. In 1885, Italian physicist Galileo Ferraris was responsible for experimenting with different types of asynchronous electric motors. In his […]
Read MoreMay 6, 2024
The Importance of Dyno Testing
What is Dyno Testing? Dynamometer testing, more commonly known as dyno testing, is a type of motor load test. It detects issues with motors that only surface while under load and ensures that all the electrical properties of a rebuilt motor are correct. This can only be confirmed by putting a minimum of 30-50% load […]
Read MoreMay 1, 2024
Everything You Need to Know About Vibration Analysis
Vibration analysis is an essential maintenance process for electric motors today. This article breaks down everything you need to know about vibration analysis to ensure your facility’s motors are running at peak efficiency. What is Vibration? In a dictionary, you might see vibration defined as “to swing back and forth; to oscillate.” In the electric […]
Read MoreApril 7, 2024
3 Steps to 3 Phase Motor Rewinding
During the life span of every 3 phase electric AC motor, the stator windings will need to be rewound. The timing of a needed motor rewinding will vary according to the application and environment. Mechanical failures could also cause the rotor to fail unexpectedly, calling for a rewind. When stator windings do fail, there are […]
Read MoreMarch 25, 2024
3 Avoidable Electric Motor Issues
The following article was previously published by Utilities Tech Outlook. Read the original article here. Electric motor owners often ask how long their motors will last under current conditions. Exact timelines can’t be determined, but identifying the most common, avoidable electric motor issues, we can prevent premature failures. Adhering to proper maintenance practices can extend run […]
Read MoreMarch 14, 2024
4 Common AC Motor Issues
Electrical AC motor issues can arise from a variety of causes and, if ignored, may result in equipment inefficiency or failure. Problems can happen with motors both used and new, from any manufacturer. It is important to know what kind of issues to look for. This allows you to begin to troubleshoot and increase your […]
Read MoreFebruary 12, 2024
6 Common DC Motor Issues
Though DC Motors are simple machines, proper and timely maintenance is important to lengthen the motor and facility’s lifespan. DC motor users in the manufacturing sector know all too well the headaches that can come along with troubleshooting issues. This article will help you troubleshoot six of the most common DC motor issues. 1. Carbon […]
Read MoreJanuary 26, 2024
The Basics of Synchronous Motors
At Southwest Electric, we work with synchronous motors daily in our shops. These motors are distinct in that they prevent magnetic slip and are great for applications where constant and precise speed is required. This article explains some of the basics of how synchronous motors get the job done. Magnetic Slip Unlike synchronous AC motors, […]
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