4 – Troubleshooting AC motors and starters

Publisher Summary This chapter provides cognitive and technical inputs to diagnose and troubleshoot AC motors and starting gears. It discusses basics of the three-phase AC motors, then single-phase AC motors, and then DC motors. AC motors provide the motive power to lift, shift, pump, drive, blow, drill, and perform numerous other tasks in industrial, domestic, and commercial applications. Three-phase AC motors are known as the “workhorses of industry” because of their wide use and acceptance. They are popular because they are low in cost, compact in size, require less maintenance, and withstand harsh industrial environments. Three-phase AC motors are broadly classified as induction motor, synchronous motor, and wound rotor induction motor. The trouble free operation of induction motors over the greater part of their service life requires little more than regular and routine maintenance chores. Regular cleaning, correct lubrication, and proper maintenance, is all that is required to ensure a consistently high level of performance from a motor that is correctly selected and properly installed.