Cyndi Nyberg
Technical Support Specialist
Electrical Apparatus Service Association, Inc.
St. Louis, MO
The paper "Customer Specs: Proactively Handling the Good, the Bad and the Ugly" by Cyndi Nyberg, presented at the EASA Convention 2005, discusses the importance of motor repair specifications for both end users and service centers. The paper aims to provide guidelines on what should and should not be included in repair specifications, ensuring that motors are repaired to a standard that meets or exceeds their original condition.
Nyberg emphasizes the need for clear communication between the service center and the end user, especially when modifications to the original manufacturer's design are involved. For instance, if a motor originally had open bearings but was later modified to have shielded or sealed bearings, the service center must document this change and communicate with the end user to decide whether to replace the bearings in kind or restore them to the original type.
A motor repair specification is crucial for service centers as it helps identify the specific requirements for a good repair. It allows service centers to compare the end user's specifications with their own standard practices and address any discrepancies. Record keeping is also essential, with both the service center and the motor owner maintaining records for a minimum of three years.
For end users, a repair specification ensures that motors are repaired consistently, regardless of where the repairs take place. Pre-qualification activities, such as selecting a qualified service center based on experience, equipment, and capabilities, should be completed before a motor fails. The specification should include details on testing, repair methods, and motor history, such as lubrication frequency, vibration readings, and insulation resistance values.
Nyberg outlines what a motor repair specification should include, such as definitions of different types of repairs (recondition, rewind, repair) and applicable test standards. The specification should be clear but allow for variations in procedures and materials. For example, it should specify the desired end result for a repair but leave room for the service center to determine the best repair procedures to achieve that goal.
The paper also discusses what should not be included in a specification, such as unnecessary tests or procedures that do not apply to every motor. Service centers should educate end users about impractical requests and provide alternative solutions. For instance, specifying a precise balance level for every motor may not be feasible, and service centers can offer two quotes—one for the existing level of balance and another for the requested precision level.
Nyberg highlights the importance of challenging erroneous specifications and communicating with the end user to ensure that repairs are done correctly. Creating a specification involves using industry standards like ANSI/EASA AR100-2001 as a basis and adding specific requirements as needed. Repair forms, which include detailed information about the motor and the repairs performed, are essential for both the service center and the end user.
In conclusion, a well-defined motor repair specification benefits both end users and service centers by ensuring consistent, high-quality repairs and preventing misunderstandings. It helps reduce downtime, lower repair costs, and improve safety.
Key Points Covered:
- Importance of motor repair specifications for service centers and end users
- Need for clear communication and documentation of modifications
- Record keeping for a minimum of three years
- Pre-qualification activities for selecting a service center
- Definitions of different types of repairs
- Applicable test standards and allowing for variations in procedures
- Educating end users about impractical requests
- Challenging erroneous specifications
- Creating a specification using industry standards
- Importance of repair forms
Key Takeaways:
- Motor repair specifications ensure consistent, high-quality repairs.
- Clear communication and documentation prevent misunderstandings.
- Record keeping and pre-qualification activities are essential.
- Specifications should define repair types and include applicable test standards.
- Service centers should educate end users about impractical requests.
- Challenging erroneous specifications ensures correct repairs.
- Repair forms provide detailed information and proof of quality repairs.
ANSI/EASA AR100
More information on this topic can be found in ANSI/EASA AR100
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