URL Slug: /5-common-causes-industrial-motor-failure
Meta Description: Motor overheating? Vibration? Discover the top 5 causes of industrial motor failure and how to fix them. Need a replacement fast? Check CTCMOTOR’s stock.
TITLE: 5 COMMON CAUSES OF INDUSTRIAL MOTOR FAILURE AND HOW TO PREVENT THEM
Introduction
There is nothing worse than the silence of a stopped production line. When a motor fails, every minute costs money. Understanding why it failed is crucial to preventing a repeat incident. Here are the top 5 culprits we see at the CTCMOTOR service center.
1. Overheating
Heat is the enemy of insulation. For every 10°C rise in temperature above the rated limit, the insulation life is cut in half.
- Cause: Clogged ventilation ports, overloading, or high ambient temperature.
- Solution: Check the cooling fan (TEFC) and ensure the motor is not undersized for the load.
2. Bearing failure
Bearings account for over 50% of motor failures.
- Cause: Improper lubrication (too much or too little), misalignment, or shaft currents.
- Solution: Implement a strict greasing schedule and use laser alignment tools during installation.
[INSERT IMAGE 2 HERE: A close-up, high-definition shot of a damaged motor bearing next to a new one, illustrating the wear and tear caused by lack of lubrication.]
3. Electrical overload
This happens when the current exceeds the motor’s full-load ampere rating.
- Cause: A jammed load or a significant drop in voltage (undervoltage).
- Solution: Install effective overload protection relays.
4. Contamination
Dust, dirt, and chemicals can get inside the motor and damage the windings.
- Solution: If your environment is dirty, stop using ODP motors. Upgrade to a fully enclosed IP55 or IP65 motor from our catalog.
Is your motor beyond repair? Sometimes, rewinding an old motor costs 60% of the price of a new one but offers lower efficiency. [Browse our inventory] of ready-to-ship motors from Siemens, ABB, and WEG to get your line moving again.
