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Learn More About Failure Analysis

Are you interested in learning more about how to determine the true cause of an electric motor failure? EASA's Root Cause Failure Analysis manual covers root cause methodology and the specfic stresses that affect each component of an electric motor.

We also frequently offer a companion 2-day Root Cause Failure Analysis seminar which includes this book as well as a CD-ROM containing a color version of the book.

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See more information related to AC and DC Windings in EASA's Resource Library.

AC WINDINGS DC WINDINGS

Failures in Three-Phase Stator Windings

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The life of a three-phase stator winding can be shortened dramatically when the motor is exposed to unfavorable operating conditions — electrical, mechanical or environmental. The winding failures illustrated here are typical of what can happen is such circumstances. Failures are shown here to help identify the causes of failure, so that, where possible, preventative measures may be taken.

Winding single-phased (wye-connected)

Winding single-phased (wye connected)

A single-phased winding failure is the result of an open in one phase of the power supply to the motor. The open is usually caused by a blown fuse, an open contactor, a broken power line or bad connections.

Winding single-phased (delta-connected)

Winding single-phased (delta-connected)

A single-phased winding failure is the result of an open in one phase of the power supply to the motor. The open is usually caused by a blown fuse, an open contactor, a broken power line or bad connections.

Winding shorted phase-to-phase

Winding shorted phase-to-phase

This type of insulation failure is typically caused by contaminants, abrasion, vibration or voltage surge.

Winding shorted turn-to-turn

Winding shorted turn-to-turn

This type of insulation failure is typically caused by contaminants, abrasion, vibration or voltage surge.

Winding with shorted coil

This type of insulation failure is typically caused by contaminants, abrasion, vibration or voltage surge.

Winding grounded at edge of slot

Winding grounded at edge of slot

This type of insulation failure is typically caused by contaminants, abrasion, vibration or voltage surge.

Winding grounded in the slot

Winding grounded in the slot

This type of insulation failure is typically caused by contaminants, abrasion, vibration or voltage surge.

Shorted connection

Shorted connection

This type of insulation failure is typically caused by contaminants, abrasion, vibration or voltage surge.

Phase damage due to unbalanced voltage

Phase damage due to unbalanced voltage

Thermal deterioration of insulation in one phase of the stator winding can result from unequal voltage between phases. Unequal voltages usually are caused by unbalanced loads on the power source, a poor connection at the motor terminal, or a high resistance contact (weak spring). Note: A one-percent voltage unbalance may result in a six- to ten-percent current unbalance.

Winding damaged due to overload

Winding damaged due to overload

Thermal deterioration of the insulation in all phases of the stator winding typically is caused by load demands exceeding the rating of the motor. Note: Under-voltage and over-voltage (exceeding NEMA standards) will result in the same type of insulation deterioration.

Damage caused by locked rotor

Damage caused by locked rotor

Severe thermal deterioration of the insulation in all phases of the motor normally is caused by very high currents in the stator winding due to a locked rotor condition. It may also occur as a result of excessive starts or reversals.

Winding damaged by voltage surge

Winding damaged by voltage surge

Insulation failures like this usually are caused by voltage surges. Voltage surges are often the result of switching power circuits, lightning strikes, capacitor discharges and solid-state power devices.