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  1. Electric Motor Repair vs. Replace – Costs, Benefits

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    Almost any industrial activity depends on an electric motor. When repair vs. replace considerations arise, the choice can result in thousands of dollars saved or lost. This is partly due to the direct repair/replacement costs but also as a result of downtime that grinds operations to a halt. Making the right call between electric motor replacement vs. repair is thus extremely vital to minimizing downtime and costs.

    Should You Repair or Replace Your Electric Motor?

    It’s essential to make time for regular servicing appointments. Preventative maintenance is the most reliable way to keep long-term equipment costs low, as poorly serviced electric motors are a common cause of motor repair and replacement issues. Consider these factors when deciding whether to replace or repair your electric motor:

    Electric Motor Repair vs. Replace

    Electric Motor Repair vs. Replace
    • Environmental impact: Repairing motors results in less waste by extending the lifespan of existing equipment while reducing demand for new motor manufacturing. It can also help operations meet financial and waste-reduction goals.
    • Lead time: Compare the lead time for repair and replacement. Generally, repairs have a shorter lead time than new motors, which tend to take longer to order, ship, and install in your facility.
    • Extent of damage or wear: If the severity of a motor’s damage is extensive, repairs may be more costly than replacement. Worn brushes, bearings, or capacitors can be cost-efficiently repaired, while major damage to windings or other essential parts could be beyond repair.
    • Cost of repair vs. replacement: Generally, if electric motor repair costs reach 50% to 75% of the cost of replacement, it may be a better idea to replace the motor.
    • Motor age: At some point, motors reach the end of their expected lifespan, where repairs occur more frequently and the one-time cost of replacement is justified. If the motor is relatively new and the cost of repair is reasonable, repair is the better choice.
    • Parts availability: Waiting on parts for outdated motors or uncommon brands can create costly downtime. Replacement parts can even become difficult or impossible to find and result in extensive custom repair work.
    • Energy efficiency: New electric motors are often more energy efficient, resulting in greater long-term energy and cost savings.
    • Performance requirements: Determine whether the motor, once repaired, would meet the output and efficiency requirements of your operation. If not, you may need to replace it.
    • Downtime and lost productivity: Assess the financial impact of motor downtime in your production. Perhaps the downtime is expensive, and it’s more financially feasible to do a quick replacement rather than an extensive repair.
    • Service history: On reviewing a motor’s maintenance history, look for signs of recurring issues. This could make a replacement electric motor the smarter option.
    • Technological upgrades: Replacing your motor with a newer model may be worth the higher cost if you need the enhanced features.
    • Warranty coverage: See if your electric motor is still under warranty because this alone can significantly cut your repair costs.
    • Expert opinion: Motor technicians and engineers can provide a reliable assessment of the motor’s true condition and then suggest the most effective solution.

    A cost-benefit analysis using the points above will help determine whether industrial electric motor repair or replacement is the wisest course of action. Compare each choice’s short- and long-term benefits and decide what your cost threshold is where repair is no longer cost-effective.

    Premium In-House Motor Repair Services from Renown Electric Motor

    Renown Electric’s extensive in-house motor repair services help our customers extend the service life of their motors. Our 60,000 sq. ft. repair facility in Concord, Ontario, has everything needed for full motor repair and diagnostics, including:

    • Motor rewinding and rebuild
    • Gearbox rewinding and rebuild
    • Generator rewinding and rebuild
    • Sheave regrooving and manufacturing
    • Servo motor repair
    • Machine shop services
    • Motor drive repair
    • Pump repair

    Our Preventative & Predictive Maintenance Services

    Regular electric motor service will keep your motor’s repair costs low. Our comprehensive preventative maintenance program includes:

    • Dynamic balancing
    • Laser alignment
    • Infrared thermography
    • Vibration analysis
    • Motion amplification
    • Winding analysis
    • Oil analysis

    Quality You Can Trust

    Renown Electric Motors & Repair Inc. is committed to providing our customers with the best quality of services and products—that’s why we work hard to maintain our many certifications:

    • ISO 9001:2015
    • Electro-Mechanical Authority (EASA) Member
    • Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) Member
    • Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Qualified for the Repair and Service of Motors and Generators in Hazardous Locations
    • ISN-Compliant
    • EXIROS-Compliant
    • QUAREM-Compliant
    • ISNetworld
    • Cognibox
    • Avetta
    • Contractor Compliance
    • Contractor Check

    Contact Our Electric Motor Repair and Service Experts

    Deciding between motor repair vs. replacement can be a challenge, especially considering expenses from both the repair/replacement and downtime. Conduct a cost-benefit analysis of all relevant considerations, or have an expert team like Renown Electric help you decide which course of action is best for your motor and facility.

    In addition to in-house repairs, we also provide a range of on-site field services for customers across Canada. With decades of experience and industry-leading certifications, Renown Electric is prepared to help you with even the most challenging motor needs. Contact us today to begin your solution.

  2. Motor Bearing Failure 101 – Types & Causes

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    Bearings are a critical element of electric motors. They facilitate even load handling, reduce friction, provide shaft support, and enhance the reliability and longevity of rotating components. However, without proper installation, operation, and maintenance, bearings can become damaged or fail. Here, we’ll go over some of the most common causes of bearing failure and how to prevent them.

    Common Causes for Motor Bearing Failure

    Common Causes for Motor Bearing Failure

    Some of the most common causes of motor bearing failure include:

    Motor Bearing Failure 101

    Motor Bearing Failure 101
    • Improper lubrication & fretting. Improper lubrication can lead to overheating and excessive wear on bearings. The lack of lubrication can also cause fretting, which develops when two dry and dissimilar surfaces move against each other, resulting in corrosion.
    • Corrosion & contamination. Contaminants such as water, sand, dirt, and chemicals can lead to various problems in bearing assemblies. For instance, they can erode/corrode bearing surfaces or degrade the lubricant, all of which can cause premature failure.
    • Misalignment. Misalignment between the shaft and bearing housing can be caused by contaminated components, bent shafts, or improperly positioned locking nuts and shafts. These problems can result in excessive vibrations and uneven load distribution, which can lead to failure.
    • Fatigue. Bearings are subjected to repeated cycles of load and stress during operation. Over time, this can lead to material fatigue and the development of cracks in bearing components, ultimately causing the bearing to fail.
    • Moisture. Outdoor or humid environments can lead to moisture seeping into your bearings. This creates the ideal setting for rust and corrosion development that contributes to bearing failure.
    • High temperatures. It’s important to refer to your motor’s operating guide for lubrication requirements and working temperature. Incorrect lubricant can bleed in even mild temperatures, resulting in a variety of lubricant-related problems. High temperatures can also decrease bearing hardness, leading to cracks.
    • Incorrect installation. Bearing failure can be caused by improper installation and setup. The most common installation mistakes include imbalance, incorrect mounting, and misalignment or excessive shaft run-out.
    • Electrical damage. The passage of electrical currents through the bearing can lead to electrical erosion, or arcing. This can cause various issues, including lubricant degradation, pitting damage to the rolling elements and raceways, and premature bearing failure. To learn more, check out our “Avoid Motor Shaft Voltage & Bearing Current Damage” eBook.

    Avoid Bearing Failure With A Preventative & Predictive Maintenance Program

    Bearing damage can result in costly issues. To prevent this, it’s important to perform regular inspections and preventative maintenance on motor components. At Renown Electric, we offer custom-tailored preventative and predictive maintenance services, as well as in-house motor repair services. To maximize the efficiency and lifespan of your equipment, we provide various preventative and predictive maintenance capabilities, including:

    • Dynamic balancing
    • Infrared thermography
    • Laser alignment
    • Oil analysis
    • Regular lubrication
    • Vibration analysis
    • Temperature monitoring
    • Winding analysis
    • Motion amplification monitoring

    Why Choose Renown Electric?

    Renown Electric’s motor repair and preventative maintenance services far exceed those of other repair shops. We can perform our services in-house or in the field to ensure you get the solution you need. Our highly trained staff provides unmatched customer service and is available 24/7 to help in any way we can. In addition, Renown holds many industrial certifications and qualifications, including ISO 9001:2015 and the CSA Qualification for the Repair and Service of Motors and Generators in Hazardous Locations. We are also EXIROS, BROWZ, QUAREM, and ISN compliant.

    Contact Our Experts for Premium Motor Repair Services

    Bearing failure can lead to a variety of costly problems within your motor. To enhance your equipment’s longevity and reduce costs associated with motor upkeep, it’s important to perform regular motor maintenance. Properly inspecting your bearings to look for damage and causes of failure can increase bearing life and, ultimately, enhance motor performance.

    At Renown Electric, we serve customers across various industries with customized preventative and predictive maintenance services designed to prevent equipment failure and avoid costly replacements. We also offer diagnostic and repair services to address even your most challenging electric motor problems. For more information about our quality motor maintenance and repair capabilities, contact Renown Electric today.

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