Electric motors convert electric energy into mechanical energy to create force. These engines can be found in household items like power tools and fans, as well as disc drives and pumps. When you neglect to address an electric motor repair, or a sudden issue pops up with your equipment, you may experience a motor failure. Below, A-1 Electric Motor Service in Covington, KY, shares a few reasons that may contribute to this issue, so you can identify the problem and get your motor running again.

3 Reasons Electric Motors May Fail

1. Overheating

Think of the fan found in PCs. This electric motor runs to keep the hard drive operating at an optimal temperature. If the computer is plugged in or used for too long, the motor can overheat and cause the fan to fail. The computer may shut itself down as a form of self-preservation, purposefully turning the motor off. The same reaction can happen with overheated HVAC electric motors and other alternating or direct current machines.

2. Too Much Tension

Electric motors require belts to create torque and bear loads. When the tension on a belt is too tight, the engine bearings take the brunt of the weight and burn out prematurely. On the other hand, loose belts can’t create force to power the engine. It’s crucial to check that basic electric motor repairs like belt replacements and adjustments are performed frequently to prevent motor failures before they can occur.

3. Excess Current

A motor may experience an electrical overload if it draws more power than it was manufactured to handle. A surge during a lightning storm, for example, can send too many volts into the machine which will seize and fail. Thankfully, surge protectors are built into many electric motors to prevent this from occurring. 

Since electric motors are made up of many moving parts, there are a plethora of reasons why a motor may fail. Following proper maintenance routines and scheduling electric motor repairs as soon you notice an issue will reduce the likelihood of a failure. To talk to the professionals at A-1 Electric Motor Service about their expert service and extensive inventory of electric motor products, call (859) 291-1351 or visit the website.