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Industrial generators are an investment. You must take care of them to get the most bang for your buck. Since these motors are essential to countless industries, finding ways to extend their longevity will help industrial leadership avoid unnecessary downtime.

Motors are complex, and staying on top of their upkeep can be tricky. Don’t let your time, money, and resources go to waste. Here are three ways to get the most value out of your electric motor.

Follow Manufacturer Recommendations

As with most forms of heavy equipment and machinery, electric motors come with a set of manufacturer instructions. These guidelines tell operators about the best practices for their generators. From operation instructions to maintenance information, your motor’s manufacturer knows the best ways to keep up with your equipment.

You should always follow manufacturer recommendations. Doing so will prevent you or your staff from making detrimental, easily avoidable mistakes. You will get the most value out of your electric motor by keeping their expert advice in mind.

Perform Frequent Inspections and Maintenance

If you want to get more use from your industrial equipment, you need to perform frequent inspections. These checks will identify problems that need immediate attention and point out potential issues in the early stages of development. Address these minor concerns before they become significant complications.

You should also perform regular maintenance on your industrial motors to keep them in good condition. Wear and tear degrade your generator’s essential components, shortening their lifespan. Taking good care of your equipment will ensure that you get your money’s worth out of your motor.

Train Employees Thoroughly

Poor operation and inefficient handling can significantly damage your generators and reduce their longevity. That’s why it’s so important to train your staff thoroughly. All of your manufacturing research and maintenance efforts will mean nothing if employees don’t know how to work their equipment properly.

If you want your electric motors to live up to their value, inform technicians about best practices. You can encourage your staff to handle generators with care by offering incentives for performing equipment upkeep. Knowledgeable employees will keep motors in superb shape and avoid conditions that could cause safety hazards and other forms of damage.

The best way to get the most from your equipment is by working with a reputable Midwest industrial generator service provider. From calibration to full-on repairs, we offer every service you’ll need to extend the life of your motor. If it comes time to replace your motor, we are here to help! Contact Illinois Electric Works and request a quote today.

Countless industries utilize electric motors, from manufacturing to mining to construction. Plants depend on these motors to run essential applications that keep production levels high and consistent. Faulty machinery can lead to a standstill in the workflow when things break or shut down, costing companies precious time and money.

 

To avoid this problem, professionals must optimize their equipment to reduce costs and energy use. Here’s how to improve the efficiency of industrial electric motors.

Eliminate Voltage Unbalance

Voltage unbalance refers to the difference in voltage measurements between multi-phase drive system phases. Deviations in these measurements can degrade industrial motors and impact speed, temperatures, and other essential functions. To eliminate voltage unbalance, technicians can install unbalance reducing filters and distribute single-phase loads across a three-phase system so that each load is equal.

Use Variable Frequency Drives

Variable frequency drives (VFDs) are a type of motor controller that supplements energy by varying the amounts of frequency and voltage supplied to a motor. These devices dramatically improve the efficiency of industrial electric motors by allowing them to complete tasks without exerting maximum force. This means that VFDs help plants cut utility costs and energy usage, making them more environmentally friendly and productive on the work floor.

Monitor Heat Levels

Overheating is one of the primary causes of motor failures in warehouses and other production plants. When a machine overheats, insulation, bearings, and other vital features deteriorate, leading to slower production and complete equipment breakdown. Overheating can also present a significant safety hazard to employees running machines using industrial motors. Monitoring heat levels and keeping the operating environment cool is one of the safest ways to prevent disruptions in productivity.

Regular Maintenance and Inspection

Of course, the best way to increase efficiency is to perform regular maintenance and inspections on all important machinery, including electric motors. Frequently examining motors allows crews to observe their conditions and promptly make necessary repairs, reducing downtime spent getting them up and running again. Check for things like leaks and inadequate insulation that may minimize resistance and increase the likelihood of equipment failure.

The success of many facilities depends on high-functioning motors. As such, those who use them should form a relationship with a reputable electric motor supplier who can install them, fix problems, and educate professionals on how to maximize efficiency.

Electric motors are a necessary part of almost every piece of heavy equipment in large manufacturing places. This is why it’s so damaging when they break down and bring production to a grinding stop, costing time and money. However, if you know when to repair or replace your electric motor, you can minimize your losses in these moments.

When To Repair

If your motor does break down, it doesn’t mean you must replace it. Oftentimes, a simple repair or replacement part will get your motor back into action. This repair will quickly fix your problem and bring production back online. Please note that not all breakdowns are directly related to your motor; often, the gearbox breaks down, and you’ll need a gearbox specialist for repairs.

When To Replace

Your motor will eventually wear down and break past the point of cost-efficient repair. Although it may be possible to fix your motor, the cost is just not worth it, and replacement is cheaper. At that point, you should look for a replacement, possibly one that is an upgrade from your older model. Consider the breakdown an opportunity to upgrade your whole system.

Preventative Maintenance

If you aren’t doing this already, one major change you should make is performing regular preventative maintenance on your motors. Instead of waiting for your motors to break and halt production, repair and replace parts when there are signs of damage—this can save you a lot of downtime and money. Running frequent inspections will help you know when to repair or replace your electric motor before it causes massive issues for your production. That’s why preventative maintenance is the best thing a company can do.

Now you know the best practices for motor repairs and replacements, you should be in a great spot for future profits. Even if you do have full breakdowns, you should know how to best approach the situation and deal with it efficiently, reducing the loss of profits.