Maintenance Plan. A specific maintenance plan that is carried out on a regular basis is a primary factor in preventing motor problems and failures. And, when problems do arise and system shutdown is inevitable, a logical, step-by-step method of troubleshooting can save time and money.

At the very least, the motor manufacturer’s maintenance schedule should be adhered to on all electric motors. The amount of additional maintenance attention required and the stocking of spare parts, or even spare motors, depends to a large degree on the importance, cost, and complexity of the motor. For example, a small, normally stocked, low-horsepower, low-cost standard motor that is not necessarily vital to the continuous operation of a system may not demand such a rigid maintenance schedule. Spare parts may be readily available and stocked. In some cases, it may be less costly to replace the entire motor rather than to proceed with intense repair.

On the other hand, a high-cost specialty motor on which an entire manufacturing process depends will demand more painstaking care and maintenance. Spares may not be readily available, or cost-effective.

Scheduled routine inspection and service will minimize motor problems. Frequency of routine service depends upon the application. It is usually sufficient to include motors in the maintenance schedule for a driven machine or general plant equipment. If a breakdown could cause health or safety problems, severe loss of production, damage to equipment, or other serious losses, a more frequent maintenance schedule should be adopted

It is important to plan and document your maintenance program. This includes prepared forms for recording such data as the date of inspection, items inspected, service performed, and general motor condition. These records can help identify specific problems in an application and help avoid breakdowns and production losses.