What to do in case of a stalled electric motor?

Electric motors are renowned for their sturdiness, but lock-ups can sometimes occur. If you’re unprepared, such situations can be very unsettling. Here are a few best practices to adopt in the event of a jammed electric motor. You can also entrust the repair to Audette Électrique. We’ll be happy to come and help you.

Try to identify the source of the blockage

To find out why you have a jammed electric motor, you can use several methods.

Check the crankcase condition

Start by checking the outside of the motor. Take a look at the crankcase openings, where foreign matter may be attached. The motor casing may also contain damaged mounting holes, lugs or black paint. These are signs of overheating.

Consult the nameplate

During your investigation, read the motor’s nameplate, as it contains important information about its operation, such as voltage, revolutions per minute, power, wiring diagram, amperage, manufacturer’s name and so on. Your objective will be to ensure that there are no hidden overloads or malfunctions.

Check bearings and windings

Check shaft movement, windings and stator bearings, as a blocked electric motor is not necessarily the result of an electrical problem, but may have a mechanical origin. Also consider inspecting the insulation resistance with an ohmmeter. The housing at the back of the motor may also be the cause of the blockage. Remove the starter capacitor cover to check its condition.

The most common reasons for blocking

Detecting and repairing the cause of a jammed electric motor requires technical engineering knowledge and specialized equipment. There are two types of electric motor on the market: single-phase and three-phase. Here are two reasons why your motor may be jammed.

Phase loss

This is one of the most frequent sources of blockage on three-phase motors. It often results from an open connection between one end of the cable and the motor. By damaging the fuse, this blockage causes mechanical anomalies on the switching device. To remedy this, take current measurements to determine the open phase, then have it repaired by a professional.

Loss of bearing shape

The cause of this blockage is a voltage imbalance between the insulating capacity of the bearing grease and the motor shaft.  The motor makes abnormal noises and overheats. Use an oscilloscope to measure shaft voltages.

Contact Audette Électrique to repair a jammed electric motor!

Is the electric motor on your pool pump jammed? Contact Audette Électrique for the services of true professionals in electric motor repair and maintenance. We’ve been in the business for 40 years, and have the experience needed to intervene in all types of sectors, whether residential, commercial or industrial.

Contact our team right away for more information. The quote is free!