Electric motors are the silent heroes behind the operation of countless machines and devices in industrial environments, from powerful exhausters and blowers to the rhythmic hum of pumps and conveyor belts. Yet, when these power sources don’t work optimally, their performance degradation reverberates throughout the entire operation. For example, if an electric motor malfunctions, it is likely to affect the performance of the machines it sends power to.
The significance of testing electric motors cannot be overstated, and for good reason. The benefits of regular equipment testing might surprise you. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons that electric motors must be kept in optimal working condition.
Maintaining energy efficiency
Energy costs always seem to be on the rise, which means industries need to find smarter ways of achieving the same results. When it comes to electric motors, it’s not uncommon for performance to drop over time, which can directly impact energy efficiency. Think of it like your household air conditioner. If it’s not running smoothly, it has to work harder to deliver the same amount of heat. The result is a higher energy bill for the same output.
Industrial electric motors are no different. When they are serviced regularly and well-maintained, they perform better and help to keep overall operating costs down.
Preventative maintenance
Another way to keep costs down in an industrial environment is by avoiding costly repairs. Typically, when machinery ages, its performance gradually decreases. It might not be noticeable daily, and you can be under the impression that everything is running well. However, as internal components suffer wear and tear, the motor will ultimately fail.
Preventative maintenance helps to avoid these faults by catching them early. Annual testing can identify minor issues before they become costly problems. Remember, it’s not just the repair costs you have to deal with but also the downtime caused by one of your assets being out of action.
Better asset management
In larger industrial settings, you’ll likely find a whole host of machines and devices powered by electric motors. Regularly testing your motors under different load conditions is a great way to find out whether you’re really optimising your assets.
Comprehensive testing can show you if a motor is being either overworked or underworked. Overworked motors could be deployed for less intensive processes, while underused ones can be shifted to tasks that take full advantage of their power.
Assessing power quality
Some equipment can be quite sensitive in certain environments, such as laboratories, pharmaceuticals or high-tech manufacturing. This means they always require a very even, controlled power supply. Regular testing of electric motors can identify voltage issues and other power supply problems that might damage equipment.
Excessive currents or imbalanced voltages can cause serious damage to very expensive equipment, so if you want to avoid costly replacements, it’s worth testing all of your electric motors regularly.
Need help with service and calibration of industrial equipment?
NWI Group specialises in the service and calibration of all industrial weighing and measurement equipment types. From precision laboratory scales to commercial ovens, we test everything thoroughly to ensure your assets remain in good working order. Our team is fully accredited by NATA and the National Measurement Institute, giving you peace of mind that our calibration and testing services are of the highest standards. Contact us today to find out more.
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