This includes any misalignment, vibration, or problems with the bearings.Īlthough offline or static testing is an important part of a routine maintenance program, dynamic testing of motors can be done more frequently and, in many cases, with greater benefit. Online motor testing can not only determine if there are any electrical problems with the motor, but it can also test a variety of other issues within the system as well. This type of data collection is also safe with some of it even being performed without coming into contact with the motor itself. It can typically be done without any interruption in productivity, and depending upon the kind of test that is done, it can be done quickly. Since the motor does not need to be taken out of service to be tested, it is a nonintrusive type of test. The biggest benefit of online motor testing is watching how the test is performed. It provides a variety of information including the existence of undesirable conditions such as imbalance, high or low voltage levels, and distortion. This type of testing is done while the motor is operating within its normal environment at standard loads. There may be a need for periodic off-line motor testing, but online or dynamic testing typically yields the most benefit with a preventative maintenance program. It should be an ongoing process to reduce the likelihood of a catastrophic failure along the way.Īlthough there are several ways to test industrial motors, one of the better options to consider is online motor testing.

A maintenance program should not be thought of as a system to diagnose the problem after it takes place.

In many cases, the testing of the equipment will determine if problems do exist even before they become apparent with a visual inspection. A preventative maintenance program can test the motors at a facility to determine if they are operating within acceptable limits.

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