All motors, drives, pumps, and compressor articles
Five key test points for understanding motor drive efficiency and performance
Motor drives are a ubiquitous technology for transforming the constant voltage from the main ac power supply into a voltage that varies to control motor torque and speed ideal for motors that are driving mechanical equipment loads.
Transients and voltage unbalance
The electrical power issues that most frequently affect industrial plants include voltage sags and swells, harmonics, transients, and voltage and current unbalance.
13 common causes of motor failure
This article demonstrates how to detect the 13 most common causes of winding insulation and bearing failure in advance.
Using infrared cameras for preventive maintenance
Information on the role of thermal imagers in preventive maintenance programs, including cost savings, return on investment (ROI), and the inspection process. Included are common examples of infrared camera applications.
How to inspect a motor with a thermal imager
Seeing a motor’s heat signature under normal operating conditions—with at least 40 % of design load—can tell you a lot about its condition.
Case study: See how the 438-II Motor Analyzer is building an underwater fan club
Watch the video to see how the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium uses the Fluke 438-ii power quality analyzer and motor analyzer to reduce water and energy use.
Why you should add motor analysis to your maintenance routine
Four keys to understanding motor efficiency, and causes for failures
Case study: A motor braking manufacturing plant steps up to proactive maintenance
Bob Despres of Jacobs Vehicle Systems® in Bloomfield, CT shares how he stepped up the motor maintenance program to be more proactive.
Motor analysis should be a part of your maintenance routine
Discover how the Fluke 438-II Power Quality and Motor Analyzer can play a key role in maintenance programs.
Managing VFD Voltage with a Shaft Grounding Kit
Managing VFD voltage with a shaft grounding kit to detect shaft currents and eliminate downtime for customers, with a Fluke ScopeMeter™ oscilloscope
Busy elevator electronics technician saves time with new Fluke motor drive analyzer
Fluke MDA-550 Motor Drive Analyzer provides clear diagrams of the proper setup, pre-defined test procedures and step-by-step instructions to save time and help streamline troubleshooting elevator motor drives.
Measuring motor shaft voltage discharges with Fluke MDA-550 Motor Drive Analyzer
This application note explains how to use the MDA-550 Motor Drive Analyzer and a shaft voltage probe to measure motor shaft voltage discharge events.
Don't run it backwards
There's an old saying that the first time you hook up a three-phase motor it will run backwards. If you're lucky, it will only make you look foolish. If you're not, it could severely damage expensive equipment and cost you or your employer substantial money.
Using thermal imaging to monitor motors and gearboxes
Predictive maintenance (PdM) programs monitor equipment condition, with the goal of identifying problems in advance and avoiding equipment failure. One powerful tool for monitoring rotating equipment is thermal imaging.
Preventing machine failure by detecting the first signs of trouble
Preventing machine failure by detecting the first signs of trouble
Multimeter measurements on adjustable speed drives utilizing the new Fluke 87V DMM
In the past, motor repair meant dealing with traditional three-phase motor failures that were largely the result of water, dust, grease, failed bearings, misaligned motor shafts, or just plain old age. But motor repair has changed in a big way with the introduction of electronically controlled motors, more commonly referred to as adjustable speed drives (ASDs).
Maximizing VFD and UPS performance
Monitoring power quality parameters in a variable frequency drive or uninterruptible power supply, can help to maximize performance. Find out how to determine what power quality parameters to measure and when as well as other associated issues such as harmonic currents.
Identifying and solving common motor and drive problems
Troubleshooting motor and drive problems such as single-phasing (losing one of the phase voltages) and flashover currents to outer bearings.
How to troubleshoot motors and drives, starting at the inputs
Here we look closely at the first segment in a typical three-phase motor and drive system: from the mains supply at the drive input to the drive itself, concentrating on input measurements. This application note maps common problems to the measurements used to diagnose them . We show you what tools to use for a given situation and how to apply them to a problem, to enable you to troubleshoot more quickly and accurately.
How to measure output voltage from a VFD to a motor
How to measure output voltage from a VFD to a motor
Four must-have measurement practices for the mechanical maintenance team
Four must-have measurement practices for the mechanical maintenance team: thermal, vibration, insulation, electrical
Case study: Fluke 1587 Insulation Multimeter helps keep 1950s motors and generators running into the 21st century
MetalTech produces steel sheets. Maintenance technicians use the Fluke 1587 Insulation Multimeter to troubleshoot and maintain the equipment.
Top causes of single-phase motor malfunctions
Most problems with single-phase motors involve the centrifugal switch, thermal switch, or capacitor(s). If the problem is in the centrifugal switch, thermal switch, or capacitor, the motor is usually serviced and repaired. However, if the motor is more than 10 years old and less than 1 HP, the motor is usually replaced. If the motor is less than 1/8 HP, it is almost always replaced.