Motor troubleshooting chart – Watts PWR4021 User Manual
Page 12
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Motor Troubleshooting Chart
PRoblem
Possible cause
coRRective action
Motor fails to start
Blown fuses
Replace fuses with proper type and rating
Overload trips
Check and rest overload in starter.
Improper power supply
Check to see that power supplied agrees with motor nameplate and load factor.
Open circuit in winding or control switch
Indicated by humming sound when switch is closed.
Mechanical failure
Check to see if motor and drive turn freely. Check bearing and lubrication.
Short circuited stator
Indicated by blown fuses. Motor must be rewound.
Poor stator coil connection
Remove end bells, locate with test lamp.
Rotor defective
Look for broken bars or end ring.
Motor may be overloaded
Reduce load.
Motor Stalls
One phase connection
Check lines for open phase.
Wrong application
Change type or size. Consult manufacturer.
Overload motor
Reduce load.
Low motor voltage
See that nameplate voltage is maintained. Check connection.
Open circuit
Fuses blown, check overload relay, stator and push buttons.
Motor runs and then dies down
Power failure
Check for loose connections to line, to fuses and to control.
Motor does not come up to speed Not applied properly
Consult supplier for proper type.
Voltage too low at motor terminals because of line drop.
Use higher voltage on transformer terminals or reduce load. Check connections. Check
conductors for proper size.
Broken rotor bars or loose rotor.
Look for cracks near the rings. A new rotor may be required as repairs are usually temporary.
Motor takes too long to accelerate Open primary circuit
Locate fault with testing device and repair.
Excess loading
Reduce load.
Poor circuit
Check for high resistance.
Defective squirrel cage rotor
Replace with new rotor.
Applied voltage too low
Get power company to increase power tap.
Wrong rotation
Wrong sequence of phases
Reverse connections at motor or at switchboard.
Motor overheats while running
under load
Overloaded
Reduce load.
Frame or bracket vents may be clogged with dirt and
prevent proper ventilation of motor.
Open vent holes and check for a continuous stream of air from the motor.
Motor may have one phase open
Check to make sure that all leads are well connected.
Grounded could
Locate and repair.
Unbalanced terminal voltage
Check for faulty leads, connections and transformers.
Motor vibrates after correcting
have been made
Motor misaligned
Realign
Weak support
Strengthen base.
Coupling out of balance
Balance coupling.
Driven equipment unbalanced
Rebalance driven equipment.
Defective ball bearing
Replace bearing.
Bearing not in line
Line properly.
Balancing weights shifted
Rebalance motor.
Polyphase motor running single phase
Check for open circuit.
Excessive end play
Adjust bearing or add washer.
Unbalanced line current on
polyphase motors during normal
operation
Unequal terminal volts
Check leads and connections
Single phase operation
Check for open contacts
Scraping noise
Fan rubbing air shield
Remove interference.
Fan striking insulation
Clear fan.
Loose on bedplate
Tighten holding bolts.
Noisy operation
Airgap not uniform
Check and correct bracket fits or bearing.
Rotor unbalance
Rebalance.
Hot bearings general
Bent or sprung shaft
Straighten or replace shaft.
Excessive belt pull
Decrease belt tension.
Pulleys too far away
Move pulley closer to motor bearing.
Pulley diameter too small
Use larger pulleys.
Misalignment
Correct by realignment of drive.
Hot bearings ball
Insufficient grease
Maintain proper quantity of grease in bearing.
Deterioration of grease, or lubricant contaminated
Remove old grease, wash bearings thoroughly in kerosene and replace with new grease.
Excess lubricant
Reduce quantity of grease: bearing should not be more than ½ filled.
Overloaded bearing
Check alignment, side and end thrust.
Broken ball or rough races
Replace bearing: first clean housing thoroughly.
These instructions do not cover all details or variations in equipment nor provide for every possible condition to be
met in connection with installation, operation or maintenance. Chart courtesy of Marathon Electric.