Motor Electricity
Motor Electricity
Motor Electricity
ELECTRIC MOTORS
TRAINING MANUAL
Course EXP-MN-SE140
Revision 0
Field Operations Training
Electricity
Electric Motors
ELECTRICITY
ELECTRIC MOTORS
CONTENTS
1. OBJECTIVES ..................................................................................................................6
2. BASIC MOTOR THEORY - REVISION............................................................................7
2.1. BASIC AC MOTOR OPERATION .............................................................................7
2.2. SINGLE PHASE MOTORS .......................................................................................9
2.2.1. One or two winding motor..................................................................................9
2.2.2. Three Phase motor supplied in mono................................................................9
2.2.2.1. First method - with a capacitor .....................................................................9
2.2.2.2. Second method – “phases equilibrium” or “pilot motor”..............................10
3. THREE PHASE MOTOR ...............................................................................................11
3.1. GENERALITIES – 3 PHASE MOTOR.....................................................................12
3.2. TYPICAL CONSTRUCTION ...................................................................................13
3.3. STATOR CONSTRUCTION ....................................................................................14
3.4. ROTOR CONSTRUCTION .....................................................................................15
3.5. ROTOR DESIGN.....................................................................................................15
4. SQUIRREL CAGE INDUCTION MOTOR (AC)..............................................................17
4.1. IDENTIFICATION....................................................................................................18
4.1.1. Nameplate .......................................................................................................18
4.1.2. Name and type ................................................................................................18
4.1.3. Frame designation and Motor mounting ..........................................................19
4.1.4. Protection Index “IP”........................................................................................22
4.1.5. Horsepower rating ...........................................................................................23
4.1.6. Ambient Temperature - Altitude.......................................................................23
4.1.7. Duty Cycle – Time Rating (Facteur de marche) ..............................................24
4.1.8. Service factor or Service Type ........................................................................25
4.1.9. Non-balanced Voltage .....................................................................................30
4.1.10. Speed rating – Slip ........................................................................................31
4.1.10.1. The synchronous speed ...........................................................................31
4.1.10.2. The asynchronous speed .........................................................................32
4.1.11. Example – Minimum Indications – on a nameplate .......................................33
4.1.12. Example – Complete Indications on a nameplate .........................................34
4.2. MAGNETIC AND POWER COMPONENTS............................................................35
4.2.1. Induction Motor................................................................................................35
4.2.2. The Stator........................................................................................................35
4.2.3. Stator Windings ...............................................................................................35
4.2.4. Cage Rotor ......................................................................................................36
4.2.5. Rotor Shaft ......................................................................................................36
4.2.6. Bearings ..........................................................................................................36
Training manual EXP-MN-SE140-EN
Last revised: 27/11/2008 Page 2 / 160
Field Operations Training
Electricity
Electric Motors
4.2.7. Endbells...........................................................................................................36
4.2.8. Insulated Bearings on shaft .............................................................................37
4.3. INSULATION SYSTEM ...........................................................................................37
4.3.1. Insulation Rating..............................................................................................37
4.3.2. Insulation Class ...............................................................................................38
4.4. COOLING SYSTEM ................................................................................................39
4.4.1. Identification of cooling ....................................................................................40
4.4.2. Nature of Coolant ............................................................................................41
4.4.3. Simplified Coding – Applications .....................................................................42
4.4.4. Complete Coding - Applications ......................................................................43
4.4.5. Exercises.........................................................................................................45
4.5. TERMINAL LAYOUT...............................................................................................47
4.5.1. Three Terminal ................................................................................................47
4.5.2. Four Terminal dual Voltage Motor ...................................................................48
4.5.3. Six Terminal Motor ..........................................................................................48
4.5.4. Other Connections ..........................................................................................49
5. THE MOTOR STARTER / PROTECTION .....................................................................50
5.1. STARTING CHARACTERISTICS ...........................................................................50
5.2. THREE PHASE MOTOR REVERSAL.....................................................................52
5.2.1. Reversing the rotation direction.......................................................................52
5.2.2. Reversed Windings .........................................................................................52
5.3. PROTECTIONS ......................................................................................................54
5.3.1. The Motor Starter ............................................................................................54
5.3.2. Motor Starter Components ..............................................................................54
5.3.2.1. Isolation device ..........................................................................................55
5.3.2.2. Short-circuit protection device ....................................................................55
5.3.2.3. Power switching device ..............................................................................56
5.3.2.4. Overload protection device.........................................................................56
5.3.2.5. Coordination between devices ...................................................................57
5.3.2.6. Utilisation categories for AC switching .......................................................59
5.3.3. Other typical motor protections........................................................................60
5.3.3.1. Centrifugal switch.......................................................................................60
5.3.3.2. Windings temperature ................................................................................60
5.3.3.3. Casing Heater ............................................................................................61
5.3.3.4. Heating with DC supply ..............................................................................61
5.3.3.5. Mechanical Protections ..............................................................................62
5.4. THE BASIC ELECTRICAL MOTOR PROTECTION................................................62
5.4.1. Typical curves .................................................................................................62
5.4.2. Protections for High Voltage and Low Voltage motors (above 75 kW) ............64
5.4.2.1. General protection relay .............................................................................65
5.4.2.2. Balanced and unbalanced thermal overload (code 49) ..............................68
5.4.2.3. Unbalanced (46).........................................................................................68
5.4.2.4. Overcurrent (50).........................................................................................69
5.4.2.5. Short-circuits (51).......................................................................................71
5.4.2.6. Earth faults (50N or 50G, 51N or 51G).......................................................72
5.4.2.7. Start-up protections....................................................................................73
5.4.2.8. Undercurrent Protection – (Pump un-priming) - (37) ..................................75
5.4.2.9. Undervoltage (27) ......................................................................................75
1. OBJECTIVES
The maintenance electrician (or future maintenance electrician) has already learned a
certain amount from operator's course EXP-EQ-EQ150. That course must obviously be
studied before this one.
Their technologies
The faults and incidents which can arise on electric motors (and how to correct
them)
At the end of this present course which is complementary to the first course, the electrician
(the same electrician) must be able to carry out the following for electric motors used on
the site:
Remember the useful paragraphs in this course and those in the operator's course
on the same subject which you can use in your daily work.
We shall insist mainly on the 3 phase AC Motor (HV and LV) as the one being mainly used
and maintained on our sites
An AC motor has two basic electrical parts: a "stator" and a "rotor" as shown in Figure.
The rotor is the rotating electrical component. It also consists of a group of electro-
magnets arranged around a cylinder, with the poles facing toward the stator poles. The
rotor, obviously, is located inside the stator and is mounted on the motor's shaft. The term
"rotor" is derived from the word rotating. The rotor then is the rotating part of the motor.
Already in the course for operator, but let’s see some complementary information.
Connection in Star or Delta on the motor terminals box is to be as per the manufacturer
name-plate.
Capacitance calculation:
It is not so obvious to calculate / determine the value (in microfarad) of the capacitor.
There is no true formula, only experience and tests are required to “adapt” the correct
capacitance e with the concerned motor.
Start with a value of 8.2 microfarad per kW representing the rated power of the motor, this
for a voltage supply of 220AC. This value is to be divided by 3 when the voltage is 380 /
400 VAC. When testing the motor, if the torque is not sufficient, proceed with other tests,
increasing the value of the capacitor.
Caution: do not mix this 3 windings motor (like for a 3 phase) with a one phase motor with
2 windings running and starting as well with a capacitor.
See course for operator EXP-PR-EQ150, paragraph 11.1 where you can find description
of all types of systems for running motors with one phase supply (including this here 3
windings type).
Training manual EXP-MN-SE140-EN
Last revised: 27/11/2008 Page 9 / 160
Field Operations Training
Electricity
Electric Motors
This method is convenient for one or several motors in duty, running in “parallel” with the
pilot motor.
Connect the pilot motor and its slave motor (one or several) as per the diagram in this
chapter
First:
Start the pilot motor, as per
the method here above
described.
Then:
Once the pilot motor well on
line (non-loaded), open the
circuit of the capacitance (or
inductance).
This system gives on the terminals of the pilot motor the potential of a third (artificial)
phase. The “3 phases” then available can be used to supply one or several 3 phases
motors supplied directly like from a 3 Ph network.
Finally:
In running conditions, we need at least one motor on line (not necessarily the pilot) to keep
the system operating. Power of the pilot motor must equal at least the one of the more
powerful duty motor; this pilot motor having to take the full starting load of the (first) duty
motor.
Among the 3 phase motors, also called “asynchronous motor” used on site, different types,
of course exist. The 3 main types being:
Squirrel cage
Wounded rotor
Synchronous motor
The one used on site at nearly 100% is the “squirrel cage induction motor”, subject of the
following chapter(s). In the past wounded rotor motors (with high starting torque) were
used to “ease” the starting time (reducing peak current), but now all starting methods are
on the stator windings of a “classic” squirrel cage motor, even for HV motors (up to 11 kV).
Note: the synchronous motor, also called the “synchronous machine” is either a motor or a
generator having exactly the same construction technology. On the maintenance point of
view, there is no difference between those two “identical” machines; consequently, see the
course EXP-MN-SE060 “Electrical Power Generation” for information on this subject.
The AC induction motor is by far the most common of all the different types of motors used
in industry.
In its single and three phase forms it provides mechanical power to cope with a wide range
of industrial tasks.
The AC induction motor has a number of advantages over the DC machine; its negative
aspect is the consumption of reactive power used to magnetise the electromagnetic iron
based body and the gap between stator and rotor
Advantages:
Inconvenient:
The stator is the outer body of the motor which houses the driven windings on an
iron core.
The outer casing is often finned to increase the surface area assisting cooling.
In a single speed three phase motor design, the standard stator has three windings,
while a single phase motor typically has two windings
The laminations are basically round with a round hole inside through which the rotor
is positioned.
The inner surface of the stator is made up of a number of deep slots or grooves
right around the stator.
The arrangement of the windings or coils within the stator determines the number of
poles that the motor has.
A standard bar magnet has two poles, generally known as North and South.
Likewise, an electromagnet also has a North and a South pole.
The winding configuration, slot configuration and lamination steel all have an effect
on the performance of the motor.
The voltage rating of the motor is determined by the number of turns on the stator
and the power rating of the motor is determined by the losses which comprise
copper loss and
The cage is completely filled with soft steel laminations. The majority of small to medium
size machines have aluminium rotors cast from high purity aluminium poured round a
stack of soft steel laminations which from the ferrous core of the motor. The bars are
skewed so that they do not lie exactly parallel to the stator windings.
Unlike other types of motors, the rotor of an induction motor has no electrical
connections made to it.
Torque is developed by the interaction of the magnetic fields of the rotor and stator.
The magnetic field of the stator induces the magnetic field in the rotor.
The Rotor comprises a cylinder made up of round laminations pressed onto the
motor shaft, and a number of short-circuited windings.
The rotor windings are made up of rotor bars passed through the rotor, from one
end to the other, around the surface of the rotor.
The bars protrude beyond the rotor and are connected together by a shorting ring at
each end.
The bars are usually made of aluminium or copper, but sometimes made of brass.
The position relative to the surface of the rotor, shape, cross sectional area and
material of the bars determine the rotor characteristics.
Essentially, the rotor windings exhibit inductance and resistance, and these
characteristics can effectively be dependent on the frequency of the current flowing
in the rotor.
A bar with a large cross sectional area will exhibit a low resistance, while a bar of a
small cross sectional area will exhibit a high resistance.
Likewise a copper bar will have a low resistance compared to a brass bar of equal
proportions.
Positioning the bar deeper into the rotor, increases the amount of iron around the
bar, and consequently increases the inductance exhibited by the rotor.
A thin bar which is inserted radialy into the rotor, with one edge near the surface of
the rotor and the other edge towards the shaft, will effectively change in resistance
as the frequency of the current changes.
This is because the A.C. impedance of the outer portion of the bar is lower than the
inner impedance at high frequencies lifting the effective impedance of the bar
relative to the impedance of the bar at low frequencies where the impedance of
both edges of the bar will be lower and almost equal. The rotor design determines
the starting characteristics.
We shall see technological details of rotor on the next chapter with the squirrel cage motor,
which is in fact the definition of its rotor design.
In chapter 3, we have exactly the same picture, the only difference is the legend replaced
here by numbers.
Please, do not look above and name each part identified by a number (take it as an
exercise)
The squirrel cage motor is the most widely used for the following reasons:
Simple construction
Rugged construction
4.1. IDENTIFICATION
4.1.1. Nameplate
5. Application
The nameplate would include such information (taking this as general information for all
types of motors) as AC induction motor, DC motor, and AC synchronous motor
Voltage, FLC, RPM, # phase, kVA code, HP, Frequency, Service Factor, Frame, Insulation
class, Duty classification
Distance from the base to centre of shaft and base mounting hole dimensions
NEMA standards are given by the code designation for the environmental
conditions the motor would operate under
Motor has to be fitted and aligned with the machine to power. It is therefore necessary to
specify
position of fan,
…/…
Ventilation filter
Mechanical brake
Speed switch
…/…
Hereafter are the (main) typical fixation modes with their identification letter
IM International Mounting
1 Fixation Mode
00 Position in duty
1 End of shaft type
Meaning of designations
Horizontal shaft
IM 1001 (IM B3)
Feet on horizontal surface
Horizontal shaft
IM 1051 (IM B6)
Feet on wall on left viewed
from drive end shaft
Horizontal shaft
IM 1061 (IM B7)
Feet on wall on right viewed
Motor with fixation from drive end shaft
feet
Horizontal shaft
For any height of
IM 1071 (IM B9)
shaft
Feet on top
Flanged (FF)
motor with non IM 3001 (IM B5) Horizontal shaft
threaded holes
fixation
Horizontal shaft
IM 2001 (IM B35)
Legs on bottom
Flanged (FT)
motor with
IM 3601 (IM B14) Horizontal shaft
threaded holes
fixation
Horizontal shaft
IM 2101 (IM B34)
Legs on bottom
Horizontal shaft
Motor without IM 9101 (IM B9)
drive end bearing Fixation with threaded rods
IP protection to
perform when Horizontal shaft
assembling motor
with machine IM 1201 (IM B15)
Fixation with threaded rods
and with legs on bottom
See course EXP-MN-SE190 “Materials for hazardous Areas) developing this subject
The value indicated is for maximum load the motor can withstand.
Only Fan Motors are (by design) used at 100% of Load. Of course a Ventilator can be
equipped with a speed variation or with a mechanical system adjusting the blades angle;
power being in those cases, modulated.
On (nearly) all other applications, the machine coupled on the shaft needs to have a rated
Power inferior of the motor rating (usually 80%), this to allow a hypothetic machine
overload during a certain time.
Electrical connecting wires are sized according to the Motor Power rating
Electrical protections (thermal and magnetic amperes setting) can be sized to protect
the coupled equipment, therefore having a trip setting less than the motor rating!
In some design, several levels of trip are set, for the equipment and for the motor.
Example: a 10 kW (13.6 HP) motor is coupled to a pump developing 8 kW, the pump
manufacturer recommends not to go above 8 kW, it can damage the pump. Thermal
protection is to be calculated for 8 kW. And with U = 400V, cos phi = 0.85
This is the temperature surrounding the cooling medium that comes in contact with the
parts of the motor.
A correcting factor (of the rated Power) has to be applied when the ambient conditions are
different than the “base ones”, generally 40°C and average altitude of 1000m. Running
conditions (speed) are (nearly) always indicated on the nameplate at a given Temperature.
Concerning correction for Altitude (generally not indicated), you can follow the graph
hereafter or request complementary information from the manufacturer
Figure 13: Correction factor for power with different Temperature and Altitude conditions
Temperature correction is also linked with type of insulation and cooling method. See on
following paragraphs
Continuous means the motor can go on delivering its rated output continuously without
over heating or damage
Supply the rated horsepower only for the time marked or listed
Facteur de marche / Running Factor: ratio between the time under power (with current
passing and the time of cycle (running time + stop time)
For example, an electric hoist has its running factor indicated at 30%. Do not run it more
than 3 min during an operating cycle of 10 min.
The control system of the concerned motor is (usually) equipped with necessary interlocks.
It is (more or less) associated with the duty cycle (Facteur de marche) as it is considering
the parameters here above listed.
However this “service Type” (facteur de Service ou type de Service) is not based only on
running time (of the motor), but it is considering numbers of other parameters and
classified S1 to S10;
When the full load current rating is multiplied by this service factor/ running factor / duty
factor / …., the product is the amount of horsepower the motor can deliver without
generating excessive heat to damage the motor winding
See the table hereafter, then the use of the “magic” formula (and its legend) giving the
‘correction factor” for the rated power…. (We consider Fdm – Facteur de marche = Fod –
Factor of Duty)
Service Description
Service type S1
Continuous Service
Service Description
Service type S2
Temporary Service
Service type S3
Fod = N / N + R and n = 0
Service type S3
Service Description
Service type S5
Service type S6
Fod = N / N + V and n = 0
Service type S7
No rest period
Service Description
Service type S8
Service type S9
Service Description
Fod = 1 and n = 0
2
⎡I ⎤
n.t d .⎢ d .Pn ⎥ + (3600 − n.t d )Pu .Fdm
2
Pa = ⎣ In ⎦
3600
Where
td : temps de démarrage avec un moteur de puissance Pn (s) / Starting Time with a motor
having a rated Power Pn
n : nombre de démarrages équivalent par heure n = nD + 3.nF + 0.5.ni / Equivalent
number of start per hour
nD : nombre de démarrages dans l’heure / Number of starts during the hour
nF : nombre de freinages électriques dans l’heure / Number of electrical braking during the
hour
ni : nombre d’impulsion (démarrage incomplet jusqu’à 1/3 de la vitesse finale) dans l’heure
/ Number of starting impulses (incomplete start up to 1/3 of the rated speed) during the
hour
Fdm : Facteur de marche (%) = durée de fonctionnement à Pu / durée totale du cycle /
Fod : Factor of duty (%) = time of duty at Pu / total cycle time
Id/In : appel de courant avec un moteur de puissance Pn / ratio between start and nominal
current giving the call current coefficient for a power Pn
Pu : puissance utile du moteur pendant le cycle d’utilisation hors démarrage / Used power
during the normal duty cycle, starting period excluded
Pn : puissance nominale du moteur pressenti / Nominal power of the concerned motor
2 2 2
P1 .t1 + P2 .t 2 + ...... + Pn .t n
Pu =
t1 + t 2 + ....... + t n
With:
The Pi (for each independent power) les than Pn / 2 has to be replaced (in the
formula) by the Pn / 2
No one Pi should be above 2 x Pn
The “real” starting do not exceed 5 s
The torque in starting acceleration period is always sufficient
The variation in voltage would affect the operation of the motor and the nameplate values
Calculation of this “unbalancing” (in %) is done considering the difference between the
highest and lowest Voltage values
V max− V min
Unbalancing (%) = 100 x
V1 + V2 + V3
3
Value of unbalancing in %
0 2 3.5 5
Already seen in operator course EXP-PR-EQ150 and seen as well in maintenance course
EXP-MN-SE060 “generators”. We just remind here, the link between number of poles,
speed and frequency.
There are 60 seconds in a minute therefore the rotating field would do 50 x 60 = 3000rpm
(the multiplication of N by 60 brings the answer to rpm rather than rps).
For motors with more than one pair of poles synchronous speed (N) is calculated by
N = f x 60 / P
In a synchronous machine (motor here), the magnetic field of the stator is running at the
same speed that the one of the rotor.
On the nameplate of a squirrel cage motor, you can read, for example (taking only the data
interesting us in this: paragraph)
It means that at rated load (HP or kW), the motor (rotor) run “only” at 1470 rpm when its
rated synchronous sped (the stator magnetic field) is running at 1500 rpm. There is a
difference between the stator and rotor speed which is called the slip (of 30 rpm here).
This machine is called also an asynchronous motor, and under normal operating
conditions the rotor of an induction motor (other name) will:
The slip is usually referred to be the “fractional slip”, which is normally expressed as a
percentage of the stator speed.
At the moment of switch on the slip could be said to be 100%, slip valves vary from
machine to machine and also according to the load being applied to the motor.
At no load slip is very slight; usually less than 0.1% of the stator synchronous speed, while
under normal load conditions the slip would rarely exceed 0.5% for large machines.
Small motors (less than 10kW) may experience slip values approaching 3%.
Solution
P = 2 (2 pole pairs), f = 50 Hz, N = 1440rpm
And in %: S = 4%
Training manual EXP-MN-SE140-EN
Last revised: 27/11/2008 Page 32 / 160
Field Operations Training
Electricity
Electric Motors
1 3 PH 50 Hz 2 IEC 34 – 6
IC 35
3 15 kW 4 2910 rpm
7 400 V 29 A 7 230 V 50 A
8 IP 54
4. The normal motor speed at rated output. From this can calculate the percentage
slip. The motor is a 2-pole machine rated at 300rpm. The slip is therefore 3000 –
2910 = 90rpm. 90 ÷ 3000 = 0.03 = 3%.
5. IM (International Mounting) and four figures indicate the type of mounting. IM 1001
is a foot-mounted motor with two bearings and shaft with one gudgeon.
6. The power factor that the motor will run at when fully loaded.
7. The stator can be either star or delta connected. If the supply is 400V the motor
should be star connected and the current will be 29A per phase, if the supply is
230V the motor should be delta connected and the current will be 50A per phase.
8. IP stands for Ingress Protection and the figures state the protection given against
penetration by either solids or liquids. IP 54 allows limited ingress of dust and
protection against water splashed in all directions.
As we have seen (nearly) all possibilities of marking, we can interpret the following (right
one) nameplate. For Insulation, Class of insulation and Cooling, see on next paragraph.
General Characteristics :
Δ : Connections in Delta
380 V : Voltage supply
50 Hz : Frequency of supply
1475 min-1 : Revolution per minute
55 kW : Power
0 ,87 Cos ∏ : Power Factor
102 A : Nominal (rated) current
Other characteristics
We have already seen numerous things and details, but here, we just (re)define the
different principal parts and functions of a squirrel cage (induction) motor to “stabilise” our
mind
An induction motor is an alternating current motor in which the primary winding on one
member (usually the stator) is connected to the power source and a secondary winding or
a squirrel-cage secondary winding on the other member (usually the rotor) carries the
induced current. There is no physical electrical connection to the secondary winding, its
current is induced.
That part of an AC induction motor's magnetic structure which does not rotate. It usually
contains the primary winding. The stator is made up of laminations with a large hole in the
centre in which the rotor can turn; there are slots in the stator in which the windings for the
coils are inserted.
The Insulation system allows for the accommodation of the maximum volume of copper
conductor – the effective element of a winding. (See next paragraph)
This type of insulation covering is tough, flexible, resists ageing and abrasion.
This comprises high purity aluminium, pressure die cast into the core packs to form
conductors and endrings into a composite cage, and often, integral fan blades for heat
dissipation.
Shafts are made of high grade steel, fully automatically machined to fine limits on all
diameters and keywayed to receive the rotor cage. The shaft is also keywayed to accept a
cooling fan and drive coupling with the shaft extension being drilled and tapped for the
removal of the driving coupling, pulley or pinion, etc.
4.2.6. Bearings
Bearings are fitted to the shaft, once the correct size and fit are chosen.
4.2.7. Endbells
Bearings of a large machine are often insulated to prevent stray currents from circulating
through them. Such currents can arise from emf's being generated in the rotor shaft due to
stray magnetic fields. Under fault conditions these stray fields can be very large. Figure, in
this paragraph, shows how such currents may flow through the bearings.
These currents, if allowed to flow, would arc across the bearing surface and cause small
craters (Galvanic corrosion). Figure shows pedestal sleeve bearings.
The insulation of the pedestal is carried out by a shim of insulating material between the
base of the pedestal and its stool.
INSULATION OF BEARINGS
Rotor Rotor
Current
Flow
Brush
Earth
Strap
Insulation Bedplate
Motor (and Generator) windings are insulated against the highest voltages to which they
may be subjected, and the insulation must withstand a certain specified maximum
temperature without deteriorating.
The following factors affect Insulation: Duty cycle, environmental conditions, frame
type & enclosure, service factor and ambient temperature
See hereafter, the table recapitulating the Classes ranking, a class being identified by a
letter.
It should be noted that the classification letters do not follow an alphabetical sequence.
This is because there were originally only three classes - ‘A ‘, ‘B ‘and ‘C ‘.
It does not depend on temperature rise alone; if, for instance, the ambient temperature is
40°C, a Class ‘B’ material may be used if the designed temperature rise will not exceed
90°C, so making the ultimate maximum temperature 130°C.
See Operator course EQ150 and last chapter of this course (maintenance), for information
on this subject. (Typical value of insulation, method of control, Polarisation Index,….)
All rotating machines used on platforms and in shore installations are air-cooled and
some, water-cooled (generators).
For Te air –cooled, air is circulated past the stator and rotor windings by a fan on the
generator shaft.
The warmed air itself may be discharged to atmosphere and not used again (“Circulating
Air” or “CA”); or it may be water cooled in a separate cooler with a forced water circulation
( “Circulating Air, Forced Water” or “CAFW” ); or in a radiator-type cooler (“Circulating Air,
Natural Water” or ‘CANW’).
The international coding system for cooling methods has been introduced for all rotating
machines with Standard BS 4999, Part 21 and Standard IEC 34-6 and for codification of
cooling type / method.
For identification of those methods, two systems of coding are used, one simplified for the
common machines, the second one, more complete, for the elaborated systems of cooling.
The type of cooling is first identified by the letters IC (International Cooling), followed in
the simplified coding by two or three numbers, and with the complete coding by the
letters IC followed by a group 2 or 3 letter/number (combined), renewed for each cooling
circuit
Where it is desired to specify the nature of a coolant, the following letter code is used in
conjunction with the cooling code
- The second shows the method used to provide the necessary energy for air circulation.
Open machine
IC 01 Self cooling
Open machine
IC 06
Fan cooler independent (autonomous)
Enclosed motor
Enclosed motor
IC 51 Tubes cooling
- The second number shows the type of primary cooling circuit in the machine
- The third number shows the type of secondary cooling circuit, external, being at the
lowest temperature in the thermal exchanger.
They are codified respectively by the letters A and W/ Letter A is cancelled when air is the
only (one) cooling fluid used.
Enclosed machine
IC 4 A 1 A 0
Frame surface cooled.
or
Air is circulated inside the machine within a closed circuit.
IC 410
Heat exchange only through frame surface
Enclosed machine
IC 5 A 1 A 1
Enclosed machine with integrated (inside) heat exchanger (tubes type).
or
Two fans forcing air: the internal one circulating/extracting hot internal air,
the external fan forcing ambient cooling air through the exchanger
IC 511
The typical (basic) squirrel cage motor used on site is (generally) of type IC 41 or IC 411
4.4.5. Exercises
Hereafter are 4 examples/4 pictures which were in the Operator Course EXP-PR-EQ150,
paragraph 12.2.2.: give the “proper” coding for each type of motor……
We have already seen the different possibilities of windings connections in operator course
EXP-PR-EQ150 in chapter 12. We just review it here
The following terminal configurations are only a guide to the more common variations .If in
any doubt, ask someone “who is supposed to know” or consult the manufacturer (and/or
its maintenance booklet) for advice.
This is the simplest three phase connection type and is found on machines, which are
internally connected in star or delta (as shown). Reversal is achieved by changing any two
phases around.
The nameplate must show on which voltage this concerned motor is to be used, there is
only one possibility, one voltage designed for; you have no access to modify the internal
connection either Star or Delta (not necessarily indicated on the nameplate).
This four terminal connection block is often found on smaller machines to provide a dual
voltage facility, the terminal arrangement allowing connection in either star or delta. Note
in delta the forth terminal is not used. To reverse change any two supply phases around.
This type of terminal connection is not often encountered in our sites applications, but you
can find it, and do not be surprised in that case.
The 3 phase windings are connected together on the forth terminal (Star for Higher
Voltage). If you need the Delta connection, you have to disconnect those 3 wires et
reconnect on the “appropriate” other terminals.
This is the conventional way of connecting the windings in a six terminal machine. The
windings are staggered in order to simplify linking when delta connected.
A six terminal machine can be connected in either star or delta by linking the terminals as
shown above; the staggered winding connections allow easy linking for star or delta
connection. The rule is never having like winding connections opposite each other. To
reverse change any two supply leads around.
The Standard identification letters are U, V, W (either capital or minuscule) and numbers 1
and 2 for each ends of each winding. Order 1, 2 has to be well respected (and known) for
not having one phase in opposition.
If you have to reconnect the six wires on the terminal box and you are not sure of the ends
numbers (1 or 2), inject DC current in one winding (from your multimeter, position
ohmmeter should be sufficient) and check direction of magnetic field inside the motor
(generally you do that when servicing / maintaining with stator / rotor separated) with a
magnetic needle / pointer. Does it for the 3 phases for having rotation of pointer in the
same direction, you then have the 3 windings polarities determined…
See Operator Courses EXP-PR-EQ150, paragraph 12.1.3 about the still six terminal box,
but with “specific” internal winding connections giving the possibilities of having Low and
High speed according the connections and supplies on the terminal box (Dahlander
connections – system with separates windings).
For nine and twelve terminal connection, please check with the manufacturer notice or
the project / commissioning documents; Depending the “arrangement” of the different
windings, it give possibilities of several speeds, several voltages supplies, several torques,
…etc…
In order to perform useful work, the induction motor must be started from rest and both the
motor and load accelerated up to full speed.
Typically, this is done by relying on the high slip characteristics of the motor and enabling it
to provide the acceleration torque.
Induction motors at rest, appear just like a short circuited transformer, and if connected to
the full supply voltage, draw a very high current known as the "Locked Rotor Current".
They also produce torque which is known as the "Locked Rotor Torque".
The Locked Rotor Torque (LRT) and the Locked Rotor Current (LRC) are a function of the
terminal voltage to the motor, and the motor design.
As the motor accelerates, both the torque and the current will tend to alter with rotor speed
if the voltage is maintained constant.
The starting current of a motor, with a fixed voltage, will drop very slowly as the
motor accelerates and will only begin to fall significantly when the motor has
reached at least 80% full speed.
The actual curves for induction motors can vary considerably between designs, but the
general trend is for a high current until the motor has almost reached full speed.
The LRC of a motor can range from 500% Full Load Current (FLC) to as high as 1400%
FLC. Full Load Current = Nominal Current = In
The starting torque of an induction motor starting with a fixed voltage, will drop a little to
the minimum torque known as the pull up torque as the motor accelerates, and then rise to
a maximum torque known as the breakdown or pull out torque at almost full speed and
then drop to zero at synchronous speed.
The curve of start torque against rotor speed is dependant on the terminal voltage and the
motor/rotor design.
The LRT of an induction motor can vary from as low as 60% Full Load Torque (FLT) to as
high as 350% FLT.
The pull-up torque can be as low as 40% FLT and the breakdown torque can be as high
as 350% FLT. Typical LRT’s for medium to large motors are in the order of 120% FLT to
280% FLT.
The power factor of the motor at start is typically 0.1 - 0.25, rising to a maximum as the
motor accelerates, and then falling again as the motor approaches full speed.
A motor which exhibits a high starting current, i.e. 850% will generally produce a low
starting torque, whereas a motor which exhibits a low starting current will usually produce
a high starting torque.
The induction motor operates due to the torque developed by the interaction of the stator
field and the rotor field.
Both of these fields are due to currents which have resistive or in phase components and
reactive or out of phase components.
To reverse the direction of three phase induction motor the direction of the rotating
magnetic field of the stator must be reversed. This is done by reversing or crossing over
any two of the supply leads to the motor. (Like anyone already knows….)
Reversal of the supply can be carried out using contactors on a reversing circuit where it is
required for the motor to be reversed as part of the normal operation, or manually when
the motor is not going in the desired direction.
2. ABC in this case gives anti – clockwise rotation – B & C have been changed over
This is (more) a happening which can occur when doing a miss operation or a wrong
connection.
With a six wire terminal block one problem which may be encountered is a reversed
winding, this is where the supply to one of the windings is the wrong way round, it is
opposing the other two. The effect of this is that the motor will normally be noisier, the
torque will be greatly reduced and the overload will probably trip.
If on start up the motor does not appear to be as it should be and the motor leads are not
marked then:
2. Reverse the leads to one of the windings i.e. change over U1 & U2.
5. Try the motor again, if it is still the same, stop the motor.
The motor must be right after this third attempt, this example is showing the worst case
and that is when the second winding is wrong.
If the first winding were wrong it would be corrected on the first change. If the third
winding were wrong it would be corrected after changing one and two over.
Hopefully this procedure will never be needed as motors should be labeled correctly but in
the event of the motor being unmarked the procedure can prove to be very useful.
5.3. PROTECTIONS
A motor starter includes all the components necessary to start/stop and to protect the
motor. These components must be carefully selected and matched to ensure reliable
operation, precise motor protection and safe maintenance.
An electrical problem:
Over voltage
Under voltage
Phase imbalance
Short circuit
A mechanical problem:
Stalled rotor
Any of these conditions can cause an increase in the current consumption of the motor,
potentially causing the windings to overheat and damage the insulation, leading to motor
failure through burn out.
If the motor is to operate reliability, without damage, and we are to allow safe
maintenance, starters must always incorporate the following:
1. An isolation device
3. A power-switching device
This is the minimum requirement for motor protection, other protections can, of course, be
added. Let us start with those “basic” protections seeing them in details hereafter.
However, we just enumerate them, with their functions. For technological details see
course EXP-MN-SE110 “Electrical Protections”
This will have contacts, which open to cut off the main power
supply to the control system and the motor, thereby ensuring
safety for maintenance etc. It should be capable of being
locked in the off position.
An Isolator is not a switch, it has no breaking capacity. It has to be operated off load.
This should be capable of detecting and safely interrupting abnormal currents in excess of
approximately ten times the motor full load current. This device will normally be High
Rupturing Capacity (HRC) fuses (type a.m.) or a “magnetic device” integrated in a circuit
breaker or a specific relay system. (See course EXP-MN-SE110 for detail in fuses and
relays))
A magnetic protection can have a fixed set value - 5 to n times - the full load current
(nominal current) or an adjustable setting.
This allows the supply to be switched on and off to stop and start the motor. It will
normally be a contactor but on low cost applications it may be a snap – action mechanical
switch. In other applications it could be a solid state contactor or a remote actuated
breaker.
This should be capable of detecting abnormal currents up to “n” times (adjustable) the
motor full load current and, in conjunction with a contactor, safely interrupting this current.
The objective is to prevent overheating in the motor windings, which could damage the
insulation and lead to premature motor burn out. (The service life of a motor is reduced by
50% if it runs at 10°C above the rated temperature of its insulation classification).
The thermal overload is the most common type. Other installations may have electronic
protection relays, or thermistors (considered as well as a thermal protection) embedded in
the motor windings to detect overheating. In addition to the above, extra devices may be
provided to give enhanced protection or safety. These detect insulation breakdown, phase
reversal, overheating of the motor windings, abnormal magnetic fields etc.
Thermal overload is (generally) set at 1,05 to 1,25 times the FLC (or In); but this value has
to be adapted to the operating conditions. Check data sheets or vendor notice or any
engineering document on that subject
Thermal overload is often associated with the “magnetic overload” on the same “magneto-
thermal” relay (block relay or relay system) or breaker. See course SE110
However, this type of motor starter produces (or produced…) a lot of problems resulting in
motor burning…. When one fuse (and only one) blows off, and the control system do not
detect it (limit switch associated with the fuse as not worked due to mechanical / aging
problem), the motor continue to run, with two phases only ; and the windings does not like
that….
A motor starter, nowadays (even if on Total site, it is not yet fully considered….), uses a
breaker as thermal (and magnetic) protection, thus a problem one phase (overload) gives
an immediate trip, the three phases being (mechanically) associated on a breaker).
I related already this “experience” in an other course: I used to work (as consultant) in a
factory having this “classic” method of start (Isolator + Fuses + Contractor + Thermal -
magnetic relay). They used to have, yearly, 60 cases of burned motors (all sizes). The
year they replaced these protections by breakers, they had only 2 problems with motors.
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Field Operations Training
Electricity
Electric Motors
Hereafter, example of (simple bur more efficient) protection called “motor – breaker”
Figure 35: The motor-breaker protection system (overload thermal and magnetic)
In this (basic) schematic, the breaker is manually operated but of course automatically
operated in case of thermal or magnetic overcurrent.
Question: interpret the use of each indicating lamp E1, E2, E3, E4
Answer:
E4: Trip by short-circuit or too high current at start, action by magnetic device
Contactors and switches may have different ratings according to the load they are subject
to.
The standard utilisation categories define the current values which the contactor must be
able to make or break
The type of load being switched: squirrel cage or slip ring motor, resistors,
The conditions under which making or breaking takes place: motor stalled, starting
or running, reversing, plugging.
The power factor of the switched (equal or greater than indicated)
The table below gives the different categories. (Once again); complementary information
is on course MN-SE110.
Note
In is the rated value of the effective current in normal operation.
Inching is energising a motor repeatedly for short periods in order to achieve small
movements.
Plugging is rapid reversal of a motor by interchanging the phase winding while it is
running.
And now, if you install an AC1 type contactor to switch on a squirrel cage motor having a
start current, 6 times the nominal current, you can be sure to have problems…
The motor has reached a (sufficient) low speed to switch-on in reverse rotation
(plugging)
Done either by thermal switch or a thermal sensing bulb (generally RTD type) transmitting
an On/Off signal (the switch) and an analogue signal (the bulb) towards the control system
This, to protect against overheating of the machine. Several such sensors / detectors can
be installed inside the windings, at construction, depending the size of the motor
When the motor is equipped with a simple switch a contact), it is up to the user to relay it
as an alarm or a trip; With one or several analogue sensing element(s), up to the user to
relay it in indication, alarm and trip at (more advisable) the recommended vendors values
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Electricity
Electric Motors
Take care when working on the motor; do not forget to make two lock-off (consignation)
procedures.
Generally, the heating is done in 220VAC, for LV and HV motors. 220V is considered as a
lethal value for voltage. I had seen some “incidents” on sites, with technicians forgetting
this casing heating… Nothing fatal, but it could have been…
This a manufacturing specific design protection, see Course for operators EXP-PR-EQ150
paragraph 12.2.3 on that subject
Vibrations:
Motors can be equipped with axial or radial sensors detecting displacement and vibration.
We have already seen the “material” to use in the previous chapter (thermal and magnetic
devices), we see as well the technologies of protections in course MN-SE110, let us
(re)consider the reasons of having such protections and how to set / determine them.
Motor
current Time response
Magnetic Protection for starting current too high
and short-circuit at start or when running. Setting
Im = Magnetic (“x” times In), function of type of motor and above
protection setting starting current
I peak =
Starting current peak
“x” .In
Starting current
curve for a Kith = thermal coefficient around 1.20
squirrel cage see manufacturer recommendation
motor (typical)
Ith = thermal set = In x Kth
Ith
In
In = FLC (considered here)
Time
Figure 39: The basic starting curve and the protections
This is a typical behaviour of an induction motor at start. The peak current is as said
above, function of the type of utilisation and the type of motor designed for.
Thermal overload protection generally set 10 to 20% above the rated current. This
one can be the Full Load Current corresponding to the rated (maximum) power of
the electrical motor or the operating current corresponding to maximum load which
can be admitted by the driven equipment
Starting overcurrent, detected by a magnetic system set above the maximum drawn
current at start This protection reacts as well in case of short-circuit, at start or
during normal running
Magnetic protection needs only a “short time” to react (average of 20 ms), it is (nearly) only
function of the mechanical links action delay.
Thermal protection needs a “heating time” which can be as long as 10 min (generally far
less) to reach the “horizontal line” corresponding to the set
10
Starting current
curve
Figure 40: The basic protection curve for motor start protection
② Image of the magnetic device reaction, limited by T2 , set at 10 times for protection
first at start for overcurrent and in running conditions in case of short-circuit or “sudden”
overcurrent
t2: delay of mechanical reaction of the tripping system, during that short period the
switching device must be able to hold a short-circuit current (breaking capacity)
t1: if starting current is still at 3 times the nominal current, the thermal device reacts
(equivalent to a too long start relay hereafter – next paragraph)
Note that both axis, horizontal for current and vertical for time are in logarithm scale.
This tripping curve can be seen on front of circuit breakers as represented on the figure for
a standard 250 Amperes range breaker, we can see the adjusting knobs for thermal
current (1) and magnetic current (2) as well as the “symbolic” tripping curve
5.4.2. Protections for High Voltage and Low Voltage motors (above 75 kW)
Values of running parameters, for these equipment’s are transmitted to specific relay
hereafter enumerated, through CT’s (Current transformers – in HV and LV) and PT’s
(Potential Transformers in HV)
Coding and functions of these protective relays are seen as well in course MN-SE110
among all the other type of protections. Here we just restrain us to the “Motor Protection”
Each Motor, with its own application has its set in all types of protections. Please refer to
Motor and Load characteristics or (best way) refer to design / commissioning data sheets.
Manufacturers of protective equipment’s have all a “general relay”. On Total site, we have
the Sepam 2000 (Schneider), the REM 54 (ABB), etc…..
For the protection of all types of motor, the use of digital multi-functions relays should
include the following features
A unit that provides rapid elimination of all heavy duty multi-phase faults (short-
circuit, positive sequence,…)
A zero sequence overcurrent unit supplied either from toroidal (ring type or core-
balance) CT or from the residual connection of line CT’s (earth faults)
This multi functions relay, for a motor, is taking into consideration the following faults:
Hereafter is a graph / scheme representing all typical protection for a motor HV or LV (high
power).
Detailed explanations about (main / principal) motor protections are listed and commented
in the following
Note:
For Thermal image, it can never be a well determined curve; it is between within a range
limited by what are called on the scheme; the “cold curve” and the “hot curve”.
Short-circuit (1) and fuses (2) protections are redundant protections. Normally only one
of those two is operating. See short-circuit protection explanation code 51
The thermal overload protection is used to protect the machines (motor, generator,
transformer...) against overloads.
To detect the existence of an overload, the thermal overload protection estimates the
heating of the machine to be protected from the measurement of the current.
The thermal overload protection cannot be used against too long starting of the motors.
Indeed, the inrush current of a motor is very high (6 to 8 times the rated current). Its
heating is roughly proportional to the square of the current; it is thus very fast at the
starting.
During starting, the calorific contribution is not completely diffused in the motor. Thus, the
local heating on the level of windings and insulator can be excessive.
However, the thermal overload protection considers a total heat-storage capacity of the
motor and an instantaneous calorific diffusion; it thus does not hold account of the local
heating.
It results that thermal overload protection determines the heating caused by starting, but
cannot protect the motor against a too long starting or a blocking of the rotor. There are
besides specific protections for that (see 51LR). It is thus especially effective to protect
from the slow overloads.
The protection at component inverse is used to protect the rotating machines (motors or
generator) against unbalance of high current value, which may deteriorate them.
When the currents of the three phases are not balanced, it appears a component inverse
of current.
The spinning field corresponding to the component inverse induced a double frequency
current (rotor) which causes important Joule losses. The overheating of a rotating machine
by a permanent component inverse of low value (few percent) can be taken into account
by an image thermal protection.
But, in the event of power supply on two phases only following by the fusion of a fuse or
with the breakdown of a phase, the component inverse has a high value and can
deteriorate the machine very fast; the thermal image protection is not quick enough
A component inverse protection protects the rotating machines against this type of
anomaly.
Throughout starting, the motor absorbs a component inverse of current between 20 and 30
% of the rated current (and 15% for the generator, few seconds delayed). To avoid
inopportune release during starting, and to obtain satisfactory adjustments, it is necessary
to use a protection at independent time with double threshold or a protection at dependent
time.
This protection has the function to detect the single-phase, two-phase or three-phase
overcurrents (and short circuit)
The protection is activated if one, two or three of the concerned currents exceed the
setting corresponding to the threshold of adjustment.
This protection can be time lag; in this case it will be activated only if the controlled current
exceeds the threshold adjustment during a time at least equal to the selected
temporisation.
Legend:
Is: threshold of operation in current (threshold of current)
T: delay of the protection operation (temporisation)
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Field Operations Training
Electricity
Electric Motors
Legend:
Is: threshold of operation in
current corresponding at the
vertical asymptote of the curve.
T: temporisation for 10 Is
This detection can be done with the “overcurrent relay system” seen above, but it can be
completed as well with the following devices, mainly for low power motors.
Protection against the low voltage motors short-circuits is done in general by aM fuses
type. We will always take the precaution to check that the setting of the fuses is well
adapted to the setting of the thermal relay (and / or thermal protection system), this to
avoid the fusion of the thermal relay in the event of short-circuit.
If the thermal relay is connected with current transformers, the saturation of the current
transformers protects the thermal relay.
Protection against short-circuits can also be done by magnetic relays. The principle of
these relays is as follows:
Legend:
1 - Fixed magnetic circuit
2 - Large section of copper coil traversed by the overcurrent
3 - Fixed contact operating the contactor or the breaker
4 - Mobile contact
5 - Mobile magnetic circuit
6 - Adjustable screw of the air-gap to regulate the intensity of the release
7 - Return spring
This type of relay is to protect the circuits against the strong overcurrents, which need a
fast opening of the contactor (or breaker).
An earth fault is the most frequent fault occurring on rotating machines. Theses result from
machine insulation damage, which allows a fault current to flow from the windings to earth
via the stator laminations. The magnitude of this earth fault current depends on the
network earthing arrangement (see course MN-SE007 “Neutral and Ground Systems”).
As in the case of phase-phase fault, a fast fault cleaning time is required in order to reduce
damage and repair cost.
Whatever neutral earthing arrangement is used, the zero sequence unit built into the
concerned relays, will provide adequate earth-fault protection. This unit may be connected
either to a core-balanced CT (residual current from a torus) or used in the residual
connection of the three line CT’s. The core-balanced CT solution is the one we (always,
nearly) choose whatever type of network earthing is used.
This protection is used to detect the ground fault. The protection is activated if the residual
current Irsd = I1 + I2 + I3 exceed the threshold of the adjustment for a time equal to the
selected temporisation.
In the absence of ground fault, the sum of the three currents of the three phases is always
zero. The residual current gives the measurement of the current passing through the
ground during the fault.
The protection can be independent or dependent time identically to the overcurrent phase
protection (see figures and comments of the previous paragraph).
Ф rsd = Ф1 + Ф2 + Ф3
Ф1, Ф2 and Ф3 are proportional to the phase currents I1, I2 et I3, Фrsd is then proportional
to the residual current.
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Field Operations Training
Electricity
Electric Motors
The earthing braid of the screen cables as indicated on figure must pass inside the torus
(but not the earthing conductor), so that an internal fault of the cable (phase screen) is
detected. If not, the short-circuit current circulates in the core of the cable and comes back
by the screen, it is thus not detected by the torus.
In order to avoid this risk, the threshold of the protection adjustment must be higher to:
Protection against excessive starting time, locked rotor and monitoring number of starts
(code ANSI 48 / 51LR / 66)
During a start-up, the protection is activated if the current of one of the three phases is
higher than the threshold of current Is during a time T (see figure).
This time T must be higher than the maximum value of the normal duration of Starting Tstart
(Td)
The figure shows the case of a rotor locking during a time higher than the temporisation.
The current with a rotor locking Ib is equal to the inrush current of the motor without the
starting system. Indeed, the starting system is short-circuited after starting.
An overheating,
A protection monitors the number of start-ups during a given time to protect the motor
against too many start-ups, which may cause damage to the motor.
This undercurrent protection is used to detect the air binding of the pump or the
breakdown of the coupling with the load. The suction pump air binding can be due to the
absence of liquid in the pump.
Sometimes the current criteria may be not sufficient to detect pump un-priming. In these
cases the use of an under – power (active) relay is suggested.
At the start-up, the starting torque and the maximum torque are proportional to
the square of the voltage. A voltage drop involves a longer start-up time,
therefore a overheating, and if the resistive torque is more important than the
maximum torque, a rotor locking.
In normal operation, the active power of the motor is: Pa = 3.U .I . cos ϕ
If the voltage drops, the load being constant, the current increases in order to
maintain the motor output (the value of the cos φ almost do not change). Thus,
for voltage variations which are not too important, we have: Pa = 3.U .I . cos ϕ =
constant; the Joule losses are equal to 3 RI² and thus the heating increases.
The under voltage protection allows protecting the motors against a voltage drop, which
may deteriorate them by overheating.
Other protections such as overvoltage (59), mini and maxi frequency (81), ….etc, are
complementary protections which can be used specifically in motor protection.
Nevertheless, they are generally “network protection” and therefore are detailed in course
SE 110 for “electrical protections”.
Synchronous motor protection schemes tend to use most of the above relays,
nevertheless some additional protection must be considered
…/…
Starting Current
When the stator winding of the induction motor is energised, with the rotor at a standstill,
the slip is 100% and therefore maximum emf is induced in the rotor. Since the resistance
of the squirrel cage rotor is very low a heavy current will flow through it, this current
produces a magnetic flux, which opposes and therefore weakens the stator flux. The
current in the stator windings is limited by self induced emf which opposes the supply; the
weakening action of the rotor flux reduces this self induced emf causing heavy current to
be taken by the stator winding.
The direct – on line starter (DOL) is one of the most common starters to be found, it gets
its name due to the fact that the motor is connected direct to the supply via a contactor. It
can be seen that when it is connected to the supply there will be an initial current surge
typically this is in the region of six to eight times motor full load current.
An industrial machine will however develop somewhere in the region of 170% torque on
start – up making it suitable for drives where loads are directly connected from the instant
of start. The supply equipment (transformers, cables etc.) must be of adequate capacity to
withstand the heavy starting current otherwise this initial surge of current can cause
voltage drops, which can effect the correct functioning of other equipment.
This is the minimum, “old fashion” starting system, with fuse, contactor, and thermal relay,
already seen previously. Concerning more “sophisticated” power and control schematics,
let us see hereafter.
Legend:
Q1: motor-breaker
Q11: contactor
C (C1, C2): tripping coil Mx
S1: Stop push button
S2: On push button
S3: Emergency stop push button (or any
contact from a tripping device
Legend
Q11: Line contactor
Q14: By-pass contactor
K1: Time delay relay
S11: Push-button box with “0”= stop and “I” = on
Operation
We still use here the motor-breaker as unique protection, but we need (of course) two
contactors for the two conditions of rotations
Legend:
Q1: general protection breaker
Q11 & Q12: one rotation direction contactor
S11: push button box with 3 buttons: ‘0’ = stop - ‘I’ = one direction - ‘II’ = second direction
F0: optional contact (non on power circuit), which could be auxiliary contact of an isolator
(with fuses), or an auxiliary contact from a fuse blown, or any contact from an interlock
sequence
The control circuit represent two possibilities of wiring, with the simplest way using
electrical interlock between the two contactors. Mechanical interlock could as well equip
the two contactors.
Note that with the motor-breaker, there is no (obligatory) need to use a trip auxiliary
contact in the control circuit, but you can always add a “breaker trip” contact being
actuated by the mechanical link of thermal-magnetic protection of the breaker; In the
present configuration, once the breaker has been (mechanically) tripped, the auxiliary
contact Q (1.13 – 1.14) opens the control circuit.
What are the difference between the left and the right control circuit schematics?
At left, you need to push the stop button prior to go on the other direction.
At right, you can go directly one way or other by using only the “I” et “II” buttons
In both cases, the timing between the possibilities of going from one direction to the other
one is only function of the relays/contactors opening/closing delay. It means that the motor
is requested to reverse when still running one way; motor and protections have to be
adapted for.
Let see back the Dahlander connections seen in course EXP-PR-EQ150, chapter 12
It is possible to obtain a motor with two or more speeds by creating combinations of coils
corresponding to different numbers of poles in the stator.
This type of motor only allows for speed ratios of 1 to 2 (4 and 8 poles, 6 and 12 poles,
etc.). It includes six terminals.
The network is connected to the three corresponding terminals for one of the speeds. The
terminals are interconnected for a second speed and the network is connected to the three
other terminals.
Figure 60: Direct start – two speed – two rotation directions – Dahlander coupling – power
circuit
Legend
Q17: Low speed forward Q21: High speed forward Q23: star connection contactor
Q22: High speed reverse K1: auxiliary relay
Push-button box: 0: stop I: Low speed forward (Q17)
II: High speed forward (Q21 + Q23) III: High speed reverse (Q22 + Q23)
Operation:
To go in reverse (high speed), the motor has to be stopped from going in forward. The
contact NC
Q17 (31 – 32) for forward low speed and contact NC Q21 (31 – 32) providing the electrical
interlock.
Initiation of reverse high speed is done by action on push-button “III”. Auxiliary relay K1 is
called, and energises in turn the star contactor Q23 trough NO contact K1 (13 – 14). The
High speed (reverse) contactor Q22 is in turn energised via NO contacts K1 (43 – 44) and
Q23 (44 – 43). Self-maintain via Q22 (14 – 13). Only the stop push-button “0” can stop this
sequence, no other actions on the push-buttons are operational.
Already seen in the operator course EXP-MN-EQ150, if you are electrician, you have seen
it at school or at work, bur nevertheless, I am sure, that if I request you to write, right away
the control drawing of this system, you will need to think a (little bit…) about it. So, let’s see
it again…, this is the standard, “unavoidable” principle in motor starter.
The star-delta starter is used when it is necessary to reduce the starting current taken
when starting direct–on–line. This method of starting firstly connects the motor in star then
once up to speed changes it over to delta. By doing this the starting current is reduced to
one third of that taken when starting DOL, i.e. it takes approximately twice full load current
instead of six times FLC.
As there is such a reduction in starting current it follows that there must be a reduction in
starting torque, this is about 50% full load torque on start – up, it is therefore unsuitable for
drives which require more than this. It is used for fans, pumps, machine tools compressors
etc, with fans and pumps they do not offer a great deal of load to the motor until they are
going at some speed, machine tools are not used to cut until up to speed, compressors
can be started off load.
When connected in star, the phase voltage is the line voltage ÷ √ 3 which works out at
58% of line voltage, i.e.
VP = VL / √3
Example:
A 400V squirrel cage motor takes 200amps when started in delta (i.e. DOL).
How much current would it take when started in star?
See also course EXP-MN-SE020 “main formulas in electricity”, in chapter 4 showing the
“equivalency” between resistance in star and in delta
Vp VL 400
Z =. .=. .=. . = .2.x. 3.Ω. phase impedance of this motor
Ip ( I L / 3) (200 / 3 )
Note
The information used for this is that provided for delta i.e. line volts = phase volts
VL VL
Vp 3 3 V 1 V 400
Ip. = .I L = .=. .= . = . L .x. .=. L .= = 66,6. Amp
Z Z 2.x. 3 3 2.x. 3 3.x.2 6
As can be seen the current taken in star is one third that which was being taken when
connected in delta.
Only one thermal relay is sufficient to protect the motor but there are 3 possibilities of
connecting it with a good reason for each possibility to be used! Let us see these 3 starting
protection methods function of motor starting time
Protection for a Star-Delta starter, one rotation direction, as per position of thermal relay
and starting time in position Star (wye).
Time for
commutation A: < 15 s B: > 15 < 40 s C: > 40 s
Y to Δ
Position of
thermal relay
General one
line drawing
Position of
thermal relay
Power circuit
detail
Adjustment
of thermal 0.58 x In 1 x In 0.58 x In
relay
Complete motor
General Limited protection in Star No protection in Star
protection in Delta and
comment position position, only in Delta
Star
With thermal relay in the
With thermal relay in the With thermal relay in the
“delta contactor line”
“line contactor” circuit, “supply line” circuit, set of
circuit, the motor has to be
protection is efficient in relay has to be as per the
“long start time” type (as
Y and Δ as in both nominal motor current.
per centrifuge machine for
cases, the thermal relay This setpoint is then 1.73
Comments example). No protection in
in series with the times the phase current,
Star, but as the start period
windings is crossed by and the current in Star
is long (and difficult), a
the phase current which position. But this
relay in the star branch
is 0.58 times the protection is efficient in
could find this time too long
nominal motor current case of immediate restart
also….
Position A (Star) as F2 is
under Q11 (Time < 15 s)
Set F2 = 0.58 In
(multiplied by 1,05 to
1,15 if overload is
authorised)
Legend:
Operation:
Push-button “I” energises K1, its NO instant contact K1 (17 – 18) energises the star
contactor Q13. Q13, being energised, in turn supplies Q11 through NO contact Q13 (14 –
13). Q11 and Q13 are self maintained by NO contacts Q11 (14 – 13) and Q11 (44 – 43). In
same time, time delay contact K1 (17 – 28), slightly timed, has closed but contact NC Q13
(22 – 21) being already opened lock the energising of Q15. (Contact K1 (17 – 18) should
represented closed for NC to avoid confusion – as in delta / star / reverse scheme in the
following )
At end of coil timing of K1, contact K1 (17 – 18) opens circuit of Q13. Q13 being de-
energised (re)close its contact Q13 (22 – 21) allowing Q15 to be called on.
Motor is coupled in Delta configuration.
Simultaneously, contact NC, Q15 (22 – 21) opens, interrupting the possibility of going back
in star. This is an electrical interlock; however star-delta contactors are generally equipped
with a complementary mechanical interlock
A new start sequence is only feasible after stop via push-button “0” or F2 (95 – 96) and
also the fuse blown contact F0 (in case of fuse protection) and/or the breaker contact Q1
(13 – 14) (in case of protection by breaker).
With K1, being a “normal” relay equipped with a time delay contact
Operation:
Push-button “I” energises the star contactor Q13 (through NC contact K1 (15 – 16). Q13,
being energised, in turn supplies Q11 through NO contact Q13 (14 – 13). Q11 is self
maintained by NO contacts Q11 (14 – 13) and Q11 (44 – 43). Simultaneously, time delay
relay K1 has closed, starting the delay timing and contact NC Q13 (22 – 21) having
opened lock the energising of Q15
Motor is under power in star configuration.
At end of (contact) time delay, contact K1 (15 – 16) open, de-energising Q13 and (in the
same “movement”, K1 closes its contact K1 (15 – 16) energising Q15, the contact Q13 (22
– 21) being gone to its NC position. Contactor delta being called, Q11 being kept on line,
the motor is running in Delta configuration. Simultaneously, contact NC, Q15 (22 – 21)
opens, interrupting the possibility of going back in star.
Stop as per the previous sequence.
2 possibilities of operation:
Going directly from left to right (or right to left) without action on “0”
Operation:
Simultaneously Time delay relay K1 is called starting (coil) timing count for contact NC K1
(17 – 18), Contact NO K1 (17 – 28) is slightly times (1 s) to allow the interlock Q13 (22 –
21) to be “operational.
At end of timing , contact K1 (17 – 18) opens, and stays opened as K1 is still activated,
cutting power to Q13 which de-energises. Its contact Q13 (22 – 21) goes back to its NC
condition; K1 (17 – 28) being closed, Q15 is energised. Contact Q15 22 – 21) locks the re-
activation of Q13
Motor is running in delta configuration
To inverse direction, according to type of scheme either depress the “0” pushbutton
passing by the stop conditions, or, depress directly the opposite direction push-button.
Thermal / fuse / breaker interlocks as per previous schematics.
Other types of starting systems could be seen, but this course is on “motors” not on
schematics……
For motors starters equipped with frequency / speed “variators”, see course EXP-MN-
SE120, “Distribution panels”, a speed / frequency regulator is always part of a panel…
7. MOTOR TESTING
The testing of electrical machines can be highly specialized task requiring specialist
knowledge and equipment. The maintenance engineer in the field however needs to be
able to carry out preliminary fault finding procedures if costly down time and necessary
work are to be avoided.
We will look at some of the fundamental electrical faults, which can arise in motors and the
tests, which should be carried out as a matter of course on any machine before installation
is carried out, or applying power to a new or replacement motor, it is crucial that its
electrical integrity is verified.
Note
Before any tests are carried out on a machine that is connected to the supply it is
imperative that the safe isolation procedures are carried out. (Course EXP-MN-SE180
for “Electrical Safety”
See also operator course EXP-PR-EQ150 for “generators and motors”, paragraph 12.7 on
this subject
When testing a motor the tests should ensure that all four possible fault types are
eliminated. The tests carried out fall into two categories:
1. Insulation resistance; in order to test the insulation resistance a high voltage must be
placed across the insulated parts, for this test an insulation tester set on MΩ is used.
2. Continuity test; in order to verify that the circuit is continuous; a multimeter set on Ω is
used. By taking a precise reading and comparing the result with other windings the
problem of shortened turns can also be diagnosed. An insulation tester can be used on its
Ω scale.
We will concentrate on the testing of three phase machines but the same principle can be
applied to the testing of other machines (e.g. DC, single phase etc). The following chart
shows the type of test to be carried out and the correct instrument to be used. You will
note that the method for testing six terminal motors is different from internally connected
machines (i.e. Star or Delta).
The reason for this is that in six terminal machines the windings are electrically separated
where in the three terminal machines the three windings are connected together inside the
machine, hence there would be no point in subjecting the windings to a high voltage test.
The only way we would be able to initially detect a short circuit between windings on a
three terminal motor would by looking for a change of resistance in the continuity through
the windings.
Insulation and
continuity tester
Short between Digital Multimeter set Digital Multimeter set
windings to Ω to Ω
Test voltage
500v @ 1mA
For HV Motors (6 and 11 kV) use a 5000 V megohmmeter (instead of 500 V). And for
continuity test, use an ohmmeter, the same one.
Training manual EXP-MN-SE140-EN
Last revised: 27/11/2008 Page 96 / 160
Field Operations Training
Electricity
Electric Motors
The wide range of types and sizes available of electrical machines means that it is difficult
to suggest definite hard and fast rules regarding what a normal reading should be. The
following however should be used as guidance.
The insulation resistance of a machine, both between windings and between windings and
earth or (frame) should be no less than that given by the following formula:
Supply − voltage
Minimum insulation resistance in MΩ = Supply voltage / (1000 + HP) =
1000 + HP
It can be seen from the formula that on voltage up to 500V, for smaller machines the
insulation resistance should be a minimum of about 0.5 MΩ. It also follows that on higher
voltages a higher minimum insulation resistance is required, where on very large machines
the minimum acceptable value would be reduced.
Example: a 3.3 kV, 500 HP motor is to be insulation tested, what is the minimum
resistance acceptable for this test?
Supply − voltage
Resistance in MΩ = = 3300 / (1000 + 500) = 3300 / 1500 = 2,2 MΩ
1000 + HP
7.3. CONTINUITY
While a simple indication that there is electrical continuity through a winding eliminates the
possibility of an open circuit fault, it is important to obtain an actual, accurate reading in
ohms in order to rule out the possibility of shorted turns.
On three terminal motors, this test would also be used to access the status of insulation
between windings.
The readings obtained will vary greatly from machine to machine, anything from less than
one ohm to over 1kΩ, generally the larger the motor the continuity resistance of the
windings.
This comparison of windings is one of the most useful indications as to a motors condition,
the readings should all be equal to within a very small margin, this aspect of “balanced
windings” applies only to three phase machines, DC and single phase motors are more
problematic in this respect.
Training manual EXP-MN-SE140-EN
Last revised: 27/11/2008 Page 97 / 160
Field Operations Training
Electricity
Electric Motors
AC Plugging
DC Injection
I have not seen so many braking systems in our (oil & gas) industry. Only on hoists and
overhead cranes, but there also, they were more frequently equipped with mechanical
braking systems. However, I remember having worked in troubleshooting and
maintenance, on electrical braking system (but I do not remember where…), so…, let’s
see it
8.1. AC PLUGGING
The system is entirely electrical with no mechanical or frictional devices, which is useful
where space is limited. All the components can be located away from the motor or
machine. When braking is required the power supply to the motor is reversed until the
moment the drive stops, therefore plugging is a timed reversal of the supply.
There are two main factors that must be taken into account when designing a
plugging system these are:
In practice these factors can be taken into account by using the following power and
control circuits.
Protection is here represented as the (old) typical one : fuses + thermal relay
Figure 74: Motor Plugging system – Control circuit diagram with speed switch
Operation:
Pressing the start button closes the running contractor C1 which is retained by contacts C1
/ 1, the three phase supply is now switched to the motor via the overload unit, and the
motor is now running.
Contacts C1 / 2 are now closed preparing the circuit to relay R1, as the motor gathers
speed the contacts of the plugging speed switch closes to complete the circuit to relay
R1 which now closes together with contacts R1 / 1 which retain relay R1.
Contacts R1 / 2 prepare the circuit to contactor C2 although at this stage C2 cannot close
due to electrical interlock contactor which is at present held open.
Pressing the stop button de – energises running contactor C1 which disconnects the
supply to the motor. Auxiliary contact C1 / 3 (back to its NC position) energises contactor
C2, which restores the power to the motor windings but in the reverse direction.
Reversing the power to the motor causes a rapid reduction in forward speed, at the point
when the motor reaches standstill the plugging switch contacts open to de – energise relay
R1 which in turn opens the plugging contactor C2.
The running and braking cycle is now complete.
Any extra movement of the shaft may cause the plugging switch contacts to remake
momentarily but as the contacts of safety relay R1 are now open the plugging contactor
cannot be re – energized.
Figure 75: Motor Plugging system – Control circuit diagram with time delay relay
Variation:
The plugging speed switch is ideal in situations where the load on braking varies. As the
stopping time will vary each time, the switch detects when the motor is at rest. If the
system were breaking approximately the same load each time, then the braking time will
not vary. Therefore a timed circuit would be appropriate.
Training manual EXP-MN-SE140-EN
Last revised: 27/11/2008 Page 100 / 160
Field Operations Training
Electricity
Electric Motors
It is a case of selecting the most suitable system for the drive: the timed braking.
A plugging will be a timed reversal of the supply. An alternative control circuit can be used
or when / where a plugging speed switch is not available, being achieved by the use of a
timer relay.
8.1.3.1. Contactors
The power drawn from the supply during braking is greater than the power during normal
starting; therefore the contactors used are generally rated against braking current as
opposed to starting current.
Contactors are normally designed to handle 8 x FLC on closure and 1 x FLC on opening,
the plugging contactor opens when the motor reaches zero speed, at which point currents
up to 8 x full load will be present.
For this reason the system must be designed with plugging contactors capable of carrying
higher current, i.e. dissipating more heat, capable of breaking higher currents and
dispersing greater arc energy.
If the plugging circuit is to be used for frequent operation, then consideration needs to be
taken regarding the braking current.
In the plugging power circuit it can be seen that the breaking current does not flow through
the overload / thermal unit, this current is high and could cause nuisance tripping if it did
so.
The breaking current is only present for seconds, therefore the circuit is not put at risk of
damage because the absence of tripping unit. Anyway, there is still an upstream
protection, the fuses and/or the breaker.
8.1.3.3. Motors
The motors is subject to higher mechanical stress when plug breaking, the designer must
therefore take this into account when planning shaft sizes, keyways, belt, chain or geared
units in the drive system.
The extra power in the system used by the motor will appear as heat in the windings. If
starting and stopping is frequent the temperature in the motor may rise to dangerous levels
resulting in possible winding damage.
Manufacturer’s recommendations should be followed when selecting motors for this type
of duty.
Direct current injection braking is achieved by disconnecting the AC supply from the motor
and applying a DC supply to any two terminals of the stator winding. The advantages of
this system are:
2. The motor cannot run in reverse as with plugging if the plugging switch is badly
adjusted.
4. The time to brake the motor to a standstill can be varied by a simple direct current.
This device (DC injection braking) is primarily designed for the replacement of mechanical
methods of braking or reverse current braking.
A D.C. voltage is applied to the stator windings of the motor after it has been
disconnected from the supply; this produces a stationary magnetic field.
The stationary field retards the rotors movement resulting in a smooth braking action. The
amount of braking torque is dependant on the level of injected current, which can be varied
over a wide range.
The period of injection is also adjustable to enable the current to be fine turned against
braking time, which allows for different rates of braking for different applications.
Training manual EXP-MN-SE140-EN
Last revised: 27/11/2008 Page 102 / 160
Field Operations Training
Electricity
Electric Motors
Let(s consider an existing DC supply “box” or “unit” (itself supplied in A.C.) with the
hereafter explained equipment
When the stop button for the machine is operated, the motor contactor de-energises
closing the normally closed auxiliary contacts C1 / 2.
.
Figure 76: Scheme of a D.C. injection system for A.C. motor braking
Training manual EXP-MN-SE140-EN
Last revised: 27/11/2008 Page 103 / 160
Field Operations Training
Electricity
Electric Motors
This activates the unit by connecting together terminals 10 & 11 which signal the unit, that
the motor contactor has been released, the control supply is then locked open circuit
through terminals 12 & 13.
The DC braking current is supplied to the motor after a period of about 0.4 seconds, this
delay allows any remaining induction voltage in the motor to reduce to a value which will
not damage the power semi – conductors
It must be ensured that the motor is disconnected from the three-phase supply before DC
is injected.
After the expiry of the braking time, the braking current is switched off and the locking relay
(which is locking the control supply open circuit) releases after approximately 0.4 seconds
which allows the motor to be re – started.
We do have limited number of DC motors on Oil & Gas sites; we consider here the specific
troubleshooting on DC motors
Mechanical faults
Electrical faults
an open circuit,
short circuit,
ground fault,
incorrect connection
or improper voltage.
For proper operation, keep a motor clean and dry. Conduct insulation tests regularly.
1. Check that the supply voltage is correct and ensure that the armature and field coils
are properly connected
2. Locate open circuits using continuity tests of the field and armature circuits
3. Determine whether there are ground faults and insulation break-down by using a
megohmmeter
Armature Faults:
Short circuits are most likely to occur in the armature itself. To perform tests on the
armature, it is necessary to remove it from the machine. Once removed, perform the
following tests:
Grounded coil:
Connect a 120V supply and a test lamp between any commutator bar and the shaft. If the
test lamp lights, the armature is grounded. Or using a multi meter and doing a resistance
test
Open coil:
For lap wound armatures, apply a low value of voltage to two bars on opposite sides of the
commutator. As the leads of the voltmeter are moved around the commutator measuring
the voltage between adjacent bars, you should observe equal voltages. In the event of an
open coil or bar, the full applied voltage will be observed between the bars connected to
the faulty coil
Shorted coil:
What is a growler?
When current flows, it sets up a magnetic field around the shorted coil which can be
detected with an iron feeler. (The increased load on the Growler sometimes changes the
tone of the hum; hence the name “Growler”.)
In many cases a meter can be used to measure a change in magnetic flux or to measure
the increased current requirements of the Growler (depending the type of growler unit).
Open coils can also be found..
Type U-2 Growler has adjustable jaws 4” long, and may be used on armatures over 1”,
and on stators over 5-3/4” inside diameter. It is connected on a separate meter unit
The feeler can also be used on the same side of the coil that is spanned by the Growler,
either a separate feeler or the convenient built-in feeler of
Open circuits can be detected by shorting adjacent commutator bars with a screw driver,
or any other piece of metal. Good coils will spark as the bars are shorted. No sparks
indicate the coil is open. Test field coils by shorting lead wires. Another way is to use a
continuity tester
On “our” sites, we do not have so many DC motors (already said above…). Probably, you
are not (and will never be provided with) equipped with Growler in your workshop, and,
consequently you will never have the opportunity to use it (I never used it on Total sites).
But…, this equipment (the portable one) can be used to test stators, so it can be useful to
test status of stator coils when you have some doubt….
When operated correctly, a DC motor should not over-heat or spark at the brushes.
Brush sparking may result from any of the conditions listed in Table
Condition Action
Wrong connection of the inter poles Connect inter poles properly
Poor brush contact Re-seat the brushes
Worn or incorrect brushes Replace the brushes
Improper brush tension Adjust to manufacturer’s specifications
Mica sticking out on the commutator Undercut the mica
Dirty commutator Remove the surface contaminants
Electrical faults in the armature Remove and test
worn bearings
armature imbalance
A French manufacturer's installation and maintenance instructions are given below. These
instructions more or less summarise all the operations and operating guidelines for
installing and maintaining an electric motor
10.1. RECEPTION
When you receive your motor, check that it has not been damaged during transport.
If there are obvious signs of damage, contact the carrier (you may be able to claim on their
insurance) and, after a visual check, turn the motor by hand to detect any malfunctions.
10.1.1. Identification
As soon as you receive the motor, check that the nameplate on the machine conforms to
your order.
Legal mark indicating that the equipment is compliant with the requirements of the
European Directives.
MOT 3 ~: Three-phase ac motor kg: Weight Windings
PLS: Series IP23: Protection index DE: Drive End
IK08: Shock resistance index Drive end bearing
180: Shaft height I cl. F: Insulation class F NDE: Non Drive End
M: Housing symbol 40°C: Contractual ambient Non drive end bearing
T: Impregnation index operating temperature g: Amount of grease used for
Motor no. as per IEC 60034-1 each regreasing operation (in g)
734570: Motor batch number S: Duty h: Greasing interval
G: Year of production %: Operating factor (in hours)
D: Month of production c/h: Number of cycles per hour UNIREX N3: Grease type
002: Serial number V: Supply voltage
70393200: Motor batch number Hz: Supply frequency
G: Year of production min-1: Rpm
F: Month of production kW: Rated power
01: Serial number cos φ: Power factor
A: Rated current
∆: Delta connection
Y: Star connection
10.1.2. Storage
in a dry place: if the relative humidity level exceeds 90% the machine's insulation
can fall very rapidly to almost zero at around 100% humidity; monitor the
condition of the rustproofing of unpainted parts.
For very long-term storage periods the motor can be placed in a sealed bag (e.g.
heat-sealable plastic) containing desiccant bags:
if the area is subject to vibrations, try to reduce the effect of these vibrations by
placing the motor on a support which will damp them out (rubber mat or similar)
and turn the rotor a fraction of a turn every two weeks to prevent the bearing
rings from becoming marked.
do not remove the rotor locking device (where roller bearings are fitted).
Even if the motor has been stored in the correct conditions, certain checks must be carried
out before it is started:
Lubrication
Regreasable bearings
Greases used by LEROY-SOMER
Table 15: Use of greases and bearings according to the storage period
The motor manufacturer's nameplate indicates the grease type and weight (in g) to be
used for each regreasing operation, and the greasing frequency (in hours).
Before starting the motor, you are recommended to check the insulation between
the phases and earth, and between the phases.
This check is essential if the motor has been stored for more than 6 months or if it has
been in a damp atmosphere.
If this value cannot be reached or if the motor has been splashed with water or salt spray,
or kept for a long period in a location with high humidity or if it is covered with
condensation, it is recommended that the stator should be dehydrated for 24 hours in an
oven at a temperature of between 110° and 120°C.
switch on the motor, with the rotor locked, at a low three-phase ac voltage reduced
to approximately 10% or the rated voltage for 12 hours (use an induction regulator
or a step-down transformer with adjustable tappings).
or supply the 3 phases in series with dc current and with the voltage at 1 to 2% of
the rated voltage (use a dc generator with separate excitation or batteries for
motors less than 22 kW).
NB: the ac current must be checked using a clamp-on ammeter, the dc current must
be checked using a shunt ammeter. This current must not exceed 60% of the rated
current.
During drying, all the motor orifices must be open (terminal box).
WARNING: The dielectric test was performed in the factory, if it has to be repeated,
it must be carried out at half the standard voltage rating, i.e.: 1/2 (2U+1000V).
Prior to commissioning for all motors: Run the motor without load, (without
mechanical load) for 2 to 5 minutes and check that there are no abnormal noises.
The cooling is by a fan at the non drive end (NDE) of the motor; the air is drawn in through
the drive end (DE) and blown through the housing to guarantee the thermal equilibrium of
the motor whatever the direction of rotation.
The motor must be installed in an adequately ventilated location, with sufficient clearance
for the air intake and outlet.
If the ventilation circuit becomes blocked (even accidentally) this will affect the motor's
operation.
It is also necessary the check that the hot air is not being recycled; if this is the case, a
fresh air supply duct and a hot air evacuation duct must be provided to prevent the motor
overheating.
In this case and if the air circulation is not provided by an auxiliary ventilation system, the
duct dimensions should be sufficient to guarantee that the pressure drops are negligible
compared to those of the motor.
Installation
When the motor feet have six attachment holes, it is preferable to use those corresponding
to the standard dimensions for the motor power rating (see the asynchronous motor
technical catalogue) or, where this is not possible, those corresponding to B2 (see figure).
Ensure there is easy access to the terminal box and, where applicable, to the grease
nipples.
Use lifting equipment compatible with the weight of the motor (indicated on the
nameplate).
When the motor is equipped with lifting rings, they are designed to lift the motor
only and must not be used to lift the complete machine when the motor is coupled
to it.
10.2.3. Coupling
10.2.3.1. Preparation
For custom-made motors with roller bearings, remove the rotor lock.
10.2.3.3. Balancing
Rotating machines are balanced in compliance with the ISO 8821 standard:
Thus all coupling components (pulley, sleeve, ring, etc.) must be balanced accordingly.
The key must be adapted if the coupling component does not totally cover the
length of the key.
If the second output shaft is not used, and to respect the balancing class, the key or 1/2
key must be solidly fixed in the keyway so that it is not thrown off during rotation (H or F
balancing) and it must be protected against direct contacts.
10.2.3.4. Precautions
All necessary measures must be taken to protect yourself against the risks run when there
are rotating parts (sleeve, pulley, belt, etc.).
If a motor is to be started when no coupling device is fitted, carefully secure the key
in its keyway.
WARNING: the motor may rotate when switched off. This rotation must be stopped:
etc.
The standard tolerances are applicable to the mechanical specification values published in
the catalogues. They are compliant with the requirements of the IEC 72-1 standard.
fully in contact with the shoulder of the shaft or, where this shoulder is not present,
against the metal stop ring which forms a labyrinth seal and locks the bearing in
place (do not crush the seal).
longer than the output shaft (by 2 to 3 mm) so that it can be tightened by a screw
and washer; if this is not the case a spacer ring must be inserted without cutting the
key (if this ring is large it must be balanced).
Inertia flywheels must not be fitted directly on the shaft but installed between the bearings
and coupled by a sleeve.
If the mobile component (pump or fan turbine) is mounted directly on the motor output
shaft, check that this device is perfectly balanced and that the radial force and the axial
thrust are within the limits indicated in the catalogue for the strength of the bearings.
The coupling sleeve must be chosen taking into account the rated torque to be transmitted
and the safety factor dependent on the electric motor starting conditions.
The machines must be carefully aligned so that any lack of concentricity and/or parallelism
of the two half-sleeves is compatible with the coupling sleeve manufacturer's
recommendations.
The two half-sleeves must be provisionally assembled to make it easier to alter their
relative positions.
Measure the distance between the two coupling surfaces at a point on the circumference;
rotate through 90°, 180°, and 270° with respect to this initial position and measure each
time.
The difference between the two extreme values of value "x" must not exceed 0.05 mm for
standard couplings.
The two shafts must be aligned to meet the coupling sleeve manufacturer's tolerances.
Respect the minimum distance between the shafts to allow for the expansion of the motor
shaft.
Cast iron pulleys are not recommended from diameter 315 mm for rotation speeds of
3000 rpm and above.
Flat belts cannot be used for rotation speeds of 3000 rpm and above.
Belt tension must be adjusted very carefully according to the belt supplier's
recommendations.
Reminder:
tension too high = unnecessary force on the bearings which can lead to early wear
of the shaft and ball bearings and eventually break the shaft.
tension too low = vibration (wear of the shaft and ball bearings).
Fixed distance between centres: a belt tensioner presses on the slack part of the belts:
Adjustable distance between centres: The motor is generally mounted on slide rails to
obtain the optimum pulley alignment and belt tension adjustment.
In the longitudinal direction, the position of the slide rails is determined by the length of the
belt, and in the transversal direction by the driven machine's pulley.
Secure the slide rails onto the base, adjust the belt
tension as specified above.
10.2.4.1. Maximum power of motors supplied directly from the mains (kW)
The extract from the NFC 15.100 standard indicates the permissible limits for direct
starting of a motor connected to the mains electricity supply.
Table 16: Power limit for connection to the mains electricity supply
This configuration is given as an indication only since the motors on our sites are almost
always supplied from a separate and/or independent electricity supply.
To protect the installation, all overheating of the electric cables must be prevented while
ensuring that the protection systems are not triggered during starting.
Operating problems created on other equipment connected to the same power supply are
due to the voltage drop caused by the current demand which, during starting, can be
several times greater than the current absorbed by the motor at full load: 5 to 7 approx. for
squirrel cage motors
Even if the electricity supply networks (even private networks) increasingly allow direct
starting, the inrush current must be reduced for certain installations.
Smooth operation and progressive starting guarantee the best operating comfort and
increase the lifetime of the driven machines.
The two basic parameters for starting squirrel cage asynchronous motors are:
starting torque,
starting current.
The starting time is determined by the starting torque, the resistive torque and the total
driven inertia.
Depending on the load being driven, it may be necessary to adapt the torque and the
current to the machine starting time and to the possibilities of the supply network.
electronic starting.
The "electronic" starting modes control the voltage at the motor terminals during the
starting phase and give very progressive smooth starting.
See course EXP-MN-SE120, "LT Distribution Boards" for the different types of starters.
10.2.4.3. Earthing
For the connections, comply with the standards and legislation in force.
One by a bare cable to the installation's earthing system and then by an external
connection on the motor frame
The second by an earth conductor incorporated in the power supply cable and
connected to the terminal designed for this purpose in the terminal box
The different types of electric protections, the different electrical supply protection
possibilities and the protections integrated in the motor were covered earlier on in this
course; see Protections: thermomagnetic, starting time, locked rotor, heating element,
temperature probes integrated in the windings, etc.
This box is normally located at the top of the motor near the drive end, has IP 55
protection (minimum for all the motors on the sites) and is equipped with a cable gland.
The cable gland is normally located on the right when viewed from the drive end, but the
box's symmetrical construction allows it to be placed in any of the four directions, except
where this is not possible due to construction and assembly conditions on certain types of
motors. The position of the terminal box can be modified on request (it can be fitted on the
right or left when viewed from the drive end).
Cable gland
Ensure that the bend radius of the cables prevents water penetrating into the cable gland.
Adapt the cable gland and its reducer (where fitted) to the diameter of the cable
used.
To ensure that the motor terminal box retains its original IP55 protection (or higher),
the cable gland sealing must be guaranteed by tightening it correctly (so that it can
only be unscrewed using a tool).
Training manual EXP-MN-SE140-EN
Last revised: 27/11/2008 Page 123 / 160
Field Operations Training
Electricity
Electric Motors
If there are several cable glands and if some are not used, ensure that they are
always blanked and retighten them so that they can also only be unscrewed using a
tool.
For Ex-type motors and in explosion risk zones, only Ex-type cable glands must be
used.
The higher the current, the greater the voltage drop in the cables (NFC 15.100 standard).
The voltage drop should therefore be calculated for the starting current to ensure that it
is suitable for the application.
Although the most important criterion is the starting torque (or the starting time) the voltage
drop should be limited to 3% max. (which corresponds to a drop in torque of the order of 6
to 8%).
Figure 95: Graph for choosing power supply cable cross-sectional area with a max.
voltage drop of 3%
This graph is used to choose the conductors according to length of the supply cable and
the starting current to limit the voltage drop to 3% max. with copper conductors.
This table does not relieve the installer of his responsibility to check the protection
systems.
Example: for a starting current of 50 A (10 A max. for In) and that a cable length of 200 m,
we must choose a cable (copper conductor) with minimum cross-sectional area of 16 mm².
The ends of the cables must be equipped with terminal lugs adapted to the cross-sectional
area of the conductor and to the diameter of
the terminals.
If the cable connections are made without terminal lugs, U-clamps must be used.
For brass terminal strips, if any terminal block nuts are lost they must not be replaced by
ordinary steel nuts, only brass nuts must be used.
When closing the terminal box, ensure that the seal is correctly fitted.
As a general rule, check that no nuts, washers or other foreign bodies have fallen
into or come into contact with the winding.
10.3.1. General
After approximately 50 hours of operation, check the tightness of the motor attachment
screws and the coupling component screws. If a chain or belt drive is used, check that the
tension is correctly adjusted.
Ventilation
To ensure that the motor operates correctly, remove any dust and foreign bodies which
could block the motor housing openings, the drive end shield ventilation louvers and the
housing fins.
Precaution: before all cleaning operations, check the sealing (terminal box, etc.).
Dry cleaning (vacuuming or compressed air) is recommended. Wet cleaning (hose or high-
pressure spray washer) is prohibited.
The cleaning must always be carried out at low pressure to avoid dust particles
getting under the seals.
10.3.2. Greasing
For motors with shaft heights SH< 200 mm, the bearings defined give long grease
lifetimes and thus the machines are lubricated for life.
For motors with shaft heights > 225 mm, the bearings are lubricated by grease nipples.
The following table gives the regreasing intervals to be used for an ambient temperature of
25°C for a machine installed with its shaft horizontal, for assemblies with standard
bearings and according to the shaft height.
Motors used in ambient temperatures of 40°C must be greased more frequently. The
relubrication intervals to be used are approximately 50 % of the values given in the table.
The table in this paragraph is valid for LS open cage motors lubricated with grease
(manufacturer's recommendation) ESSO UNIREX N3 use as standard.
The lubrication frequencies and the grease quantity and quality are indicated on the
manufacturer's nameplates fixed on the motor. This table can be generalised to all
manufacturers.
The time interval between two successive greasing operations may depend on
additional parameters:
The type of grease if different from ESSO UNIREX N3 (Important: check the
compatibilities).
The interval between two greasing operations must never exceed 2 years even after
an extended storage or shutdown period.
Note:
In all cases and in particular for special assemblies (motors with a front roller bearing or
other assemblies) the maintenance instructions are indicated on the machine
manufacturer's nameplate.
Training manual EXP-MN-SE140-EN
Last revised: 27/11/2008 Page 127 / 160
Field Operations Training
Electricity
Electric Motors
Grease type
When the rolling bearings are not life-lubricated, the grease type is indicated on the
nameplate.
The standard grease used is ESSO UNIREX N3 and it is recommended (by LS) for later
greasing operations.
Disassemble the motor, remove the old grease and clean the bearings and accessories
with degreasing product.
If the grease indicated on the nameplate is used, remove the covers and clean the grease
nipple heads.
Greasing is only fully effective if carried out when the motor is running, this ensures that
the new grease is correctly distributed in the bearing
If the greasing cannot be performed with the motor running (basically for safety reasons):
Note:
If a different grease is used to that on the nameplate but of equivalent quality, the motor
must be disassembled and the bearings and accessories cleaned (carefully clean the
grease inlet and outlet ducts) to remove the old grease before regreasing.
Warning:
Too much grease can cause the bearing to overheat (statistically more bearings are
damaged by too much grease than by too little grease).
Important note:
The new grease must be recently manufactured and must not contain impurities (dust,
water, or other).
When a bearing must be replaced, the other bearing must also be replaced.
The seals must always be replaced when the bearings are replaced.
The non drive end bearing must be installed so that it rotates freely to allow for rotor shaft
expansion.
The following table gives the ideal points at which to measure all the parameters which
can affect the machine's operation. They must be tested under a test programme to be
defined on your site with the maintenance coordinator.
Measurement Type of
Detector Position of measurement points
point measurement
Vibration
1 Accelerometer
measurements
Voltage
4 Voltage probe
measurements
Temperature
5 Infrared probe
measurements
Here is a table summarising the typical anomalies which may arise on an electric motor,
with the possible causes and proposed solutions.
10.6.1. General
Switch off and lock out the power supply before carrying out any interventions on
the motor.
Open the terminal box, mark the wires and their positions.
Before reassembly
Stator:
clean the spigots thoroughly and remove all traces of impacts on the mating faces if
necessary.
Rotor:
clean and check the bearing seats; if they are damaged, rework the bearing seats
or replace the rotor.
Shields, bearings:
The references of the bearings to be used are indicated on the motor nameplate.
This operation is extremely important as the slightest indentation of a ball on the bearing
tracks will cause noise and vibrations.
cold mounting: the bearings must be mounted without any impacts, using a screw
device (do not use a hammer); the insertion force must not be transferred to the
bearing track, the internal cage should thus be used for support (take care not to
press on the seal shield in the case of sealed bearings).
hot mounting: heat the bearing to between 80 and 100°C: in a dryer, oven or on a
heating plate. (Heating with a blowtorch is prohibited in all cases, or heating by oil
bath for life-lubricated bearings).
Be careful to replace the stator in its original position so that the stack of laminations
is centred correctly (generally with the terminal box facing forward) and so that the water
drain holes are correctly positioned if they are on the frame.
Reconnect all the power supply wires as shown in the following diagram or according to
the markings made before disassembly.
Mount the transmission device on the output shaft and reinstall the motor on the machine
to be driven.
The assembly and reassembly details for LS open motors according to the type (or
sizes/powers determined by the shaft heights) are given below. It is perhaps not necessary
to give all these operating instruction details but I have decided to include them anyway:
Assembly instructions are too often rarely available on site, and Internet access is
also too much like "Mission: Impossible" for anyone who really needs documents...
These instructions can be applied to other manufacturers since the motors are
similar
Disassembly
pull out the fan (7) using a hub puller or, where no hub
puller is available, use 2 diametrically opposed levers
and use the drive end (DE) shield (6) for support, then
remove the fan retaining pin.
remove the key (21) and withdraw the seals (39 and
54).
Reassembly
if necessary, insert the inner DE bearing retainer (33) in the rotor drive end and the
inner NDE bearing retainer in the non drive end, then fit new bearings on the shaft, see
"General" paragraph for the bearing assembly procedure.
insert the rotor (3) in the stator (1) taking care not to hit the winding.
if there is a bearing retainer (33), screw a threaded rod with the same thread diameter
as the screws (40) into one of the bearing retainer's threaded holes to maintain its
angular position when refitting the DE shield (5).
if there is a bearing retainer (53), screw a threaded rod with the same thread diameter
as the screws (62) into one of the bearing retainer's threaded holes to maintain its
angular position when refitting the NDE shield (6).
fit the preload washer (59), with a small amount of grease, in the back of the bearing
cage of the NDE shield (6), then refit the NDE shield (6) by positioning it on the stator.
refit shield (5) taking care to allow for the positioning of the bearing retainer if used.
insert the tie rods (14) and tighten the nuts in a diagonal sequence up to the
recommended torque loading (see § 6.1).
fit the NDE shield seals (54) with grease and fit the DE shield seals (39).
fit the fan (7) using a drift to ensure it is fully home. IMPORTANT: check that it is the
right way round!
check that the rotor rotates freely by hand (ensure that there is no axial play if there is a
locked bearing).
refit the cover (13) and secure it with the screws (27).
10.6.3. PLS 180 LG, PLS 200 M/L/LP and PLS 225 MR motors
Disassembly
pull out the fan (7) using a hub puller or, where no
hub puller is available, use 2 diametrically opposed
levers and use the DE shield (6) for support, then
remove the fan key or retaining pin.
Reassembly
insert the inner DE bearing retainer (33) in the rotor drive end and the inner NDE
bearing retainer (53) in the non drive end.
fit new bearings on the shaft, see "General" paragraph for the bearing assembly
procedure.
insert the rotor (3) in the stator (1) taking care not to hit the winding.
screw a threaded rod with the same screw diameter as the screws (40) and (62) into
one of the threaded holes in the bearing retainers (33) and (53) to maintain the position
of the bleed nipple hole when refitting the shields (5 and 6).
fit the preload washer (59), with a small amount of grease, in the back of the bearing
cage of the NDE shield (6), then refit the NDE shield (6) by positioning it on the stator.
refit shield (5) taking care to allow for the positioning of the bearing retainer (33).
insert the tie rods (14) and tighten the nuts in a diagonal sequence up to the
recommended torque loading (see § 6.1).
secure the bearing retainer (33) and (53) with its own screws (40) and (62).
fit the NDE shield seals (54) with grease and fit the DE shield seals (39).
fit the fan (7) using a drift to ensure it is fully home. IMPORTANT: check that it is the
right way round!
check that the rotor rotates freely by hand (ensure that there is no axial play if there is a
locked bearing).
refit the cover (13) and secure it with the screws (27).
use new grease: the quantity is given in the figure in this paragraph. Turn the shaft by
hand while applying the grease.
Note concerning the grease quantities given in the figure: weights valid for ESSO UNIREX
N3 grease with perfectly clean grease track + bearing housings + grease evacuation
holes).
Disassembly
remove the screws (27), the grease nipple (64) and its extension (64) and then remove
the cover (13).
pull out the fan (7) using a hub puller or, where no hub puller is available, use 2
diametrically opposed levers and use the DE shield (6) for support, then remove the fan
retaining pin.
unscrew the attachment screws (40) from the inner DE bearing retainers (33) and (32)
and unscrew the screws (62) from the inner NDE bearing retainers (52) and (53) and
remove them.
Reassembly
insert the inner DE bearing retainer (33) in the rotor drive end and the inner NDE
bearing retainer (53) in the non drive end.
fit new bearings on the shaft, see "General" paragraph for the bearing assembly
procedure.
insert the rotor (3) in the stator (1) taking care not to hit the winding.
screw a threaded rod with the same screw diameter as the screws (40) and (62) into
one of the threaded holes in the bearing retainers (33) and (53) to maintain the position
of the bleed nipple hole when refitting the shields (5 and 6).
fit the preload washer (59), with a small amount of grease, in the back of the bearing
cage of the NDE shield (6), then refit the NDE shield (6) by positioning it on the stator.
on the NDE side, fit the seal (54) and its seal support (388), fit the outer bearing retainer
(52) with the locking screws (62) of bearing retainers (52) and (53).
refit the DE shield (5) taking care to allow for the positioning of the bearing retainer (33).
fit the mobile valve (35) either by screwing it or locking it, after carefully installing the
seal support (386) and its seal (39).
fit the NDE shield seals (54) with grease and fit the DE shield seals (39).
fit the outer bearing retainer (32) with the bearing retainer locking screws (40), taking
care to ensure that the grease drain hole is at the bottom.
fit the tie rods (14) without forgetting the feet of the protective cover (380), tighten the
nuts in a diagonal sequence without fully tightening them so that the feet of the
protective cover can be positioned when it fitted.
fit the fan (7) using a drift to ensure it is fully home or by heating the hub (aluminium fan)
to approximately 100°C. IMPORTANT: check that it is the right way round!
check that the motor rotates freely by hand and that there is no axial play.
refit the cover (13) and secure it with the screws (27), refit the grease nipple (64) and its
extension (65).
tighten the rod nuts (14) (always tighten in a diagonal sequence), up to the torque
loading recommended in the "General" paragraph.
use new grease: the quantity is given in the figure in this paragraph. Turn the shaft by
hand while applying the grease.
Same remark as for series 180, 200, 225 motors concerning the quantity of grease and its
application.
Disassembly
pull out the fan (7) using a hub puller or, where
no hub puller is available, use 2 diametrically
opposed levers and use the DE shield (6) for
support; for an aluminium fan heat the hub to
approximately 100°C before removing it.
using a bronze drift, remove the shields (5 and 6) by gently tapping on the shield
bosses.
check that the diameter of the bearing retainer (53) is less than that of the stator,
otherwise remove the bearing (50) as specified in the following instructions.
remove the rotor (3) from the stator (1) on the DE side, taking care not to touch the
winding with the inner bearing retainer if there is no internal turbine. Remove the
bearings (30) and (50) using bearing puller while protecting the end of the output shaft
with a washer, avoid hitting the running surfaces of the shaft.
the bearings are removed either separately or with the bearing retainers (33 and 53); to
avoid damaging the bearing retainers, heat the bearing inner ring to make disassembly
easier (the bearing must be discarded). - recover the preload washer or springs (59)
from the bearing retainer (53).
Reassembly
insert the inner DE bearing retainer (33) in the rotor drive end and the inner NDE
bearing retainer in the non drive end without forgetting to insert the preload springs (59)
with a small amount of grease.
fit new bearings (30 and 50) on the shaft, see "General" paragraph.
insert the rotor (3) in the stator (1) taking care not to hit the winding.
screw a threaded rod with the same screw diameter as the screws (40) and (62) into
one of the threaded holes in the bearing retainers (33) and (53) to maintain the position
of the bleed nipple hole when refitting the shields (5 and 6).
fit the mobile valve (56) either by screwing it or locking it, after carefully installing the
seal support (388) and its seal (54).
fit the outer bearing retainer (52) with the bearing retainer locking screws (62), taking
care to ensure that the grease drain hole is at the bottom.
fit the mobile valve (35) either by screwing it or locking it, after carefully installing the
seal support (386) and its seal (39).
fit the NDE shield seals (54) with grease and fit the DE shield seals (39).
fit the outer bearing retainer (32) with the bearing retainer locking screws (40), taking
care to ensure that the grease drain hole is at the bottom.
fit the tie rods (14) without forgetting the feet of the protective cover (380), tighten the
nuts in a diagonal sequence without fully tightening them so that the feet of the
protective cover can be positioned when it fitted.
fit the fan (7) using a drift to ensure it is fully home or by heating the hub (aluminium fan)
to approximately 100°C. IMPORTANT: check that it is the right way round!
check that the motor rotates freely by hand and that there is no axial play.
refit the cover (13) and secure it with the screws (27), refit the grease nipple (64) and its
extension (65).
use new grease: the quantity is given in the figure in this paragraph. Turn the shaft by
hand while applying the grease.
tighten the rod nuts (14) (always tighten in a diagonal sequence), up to the torque
loading recommended in the "General" paragraph.
Figure 108: Quantity of grease (in g) according to the type of bearing: series 315 motor
Same remark as for series 180, 200, 225 motors concerning the quantity of grease and its
application.
Disassembly
remove the bearings using a bearing puller, either on their own or with their inner
bearing retainers (33) (53). To avoid distorting the bearing retainers heat the bearing
inner ring using a flame (the bearing must be discarded).
withdraw the rotor with its fan from the non drive end of the stator taking care not to
touch the winding.
to disassemble the fan (7) (if necessary): after bending back the tabs on the nut
tabwasher and unscrewing the nut, heat the fan hub with a flame and remove it either
manually or using threaded rods in the threaded holes on the hub.
Reassembly
heat the fan (7) and refit it on the shaft, then fit the nut with its tabwasher, tighten them
and lock with the locking tabs.
Rebalance the rotor and fan assembly (3) (7) if a new fan is being installed.
insert the rotor in the stator, take care not to touch the winding.
refit the new bearings (30) (50) (heated to 100-110° by: a bearing heater, oven or oil
bath).
fit the deflectors (35) (56) then the nuts with their tabwashers, tighten them and lock
with the locking tabs.
before refitting the shields (5) (6), screw a threaded rod into one of the threaded holes in
the inner bearing retainers (33) (53) to ensure that the lubrication hole is correctly
positioned.
if the motors are equipped with bearing sensors, use a needle-type tool to guide the
cables into the terminal box. Refit the shields with the preload washers or springs (59)
held with a little grease. Screw up the screws of the shields and inner bearing retainers
(33) (53).
refit the labyrinth seal (257), lock it and check that the rotor rotates freely.
The typical insulation values are given for measurements taken on new motors, factory
values or commissioning values.
Once on site, and after many years or at least after many hours of service, our motors are
still operational but the insulation values are far from the initial "ideal" values.
The following table summarises the insulation values, between phase and earth, according
to the operating voltages. These values are based on experience giving "reasonable"
measurement values when we know the operating and environment conditions of our
motors…
Table 22: Insulation acceptability experience values for the motors on site
10.7.2.1. Temperature
The temperature varies the insulation resistance value according to an almost exponential
law. In the context of a maintenance programme for a fleet of motors, it is therefore
important to take regular measurements in similar temperature conditions. Otherwise the
results will have to be corrected to convert them to a fixed reference temperature.
The humidity level affects the insulation according to the level of contamination of the
insulating surfaces. We must always ensure that measurements are never carried out if
the temperature is less than the dew point temperature.
The aim of the two methods described below is to simplify the interpretation of the
measurements and to detect insulation deterioration by observations over time.
10.7.3.1. Method based on the effect of the test voltage application time
(Polarisation index)
This method has the advantage of being little affected by the temperature (thanks to the
"comparative" principle) which makes it easily applicable without having to correct the
results. It is particularly well-adapted to predictive maintenance for rotating machines and
to monitoring the ageing of their insulations.
Absorption current curve (IA): dielectric absorption current decreases much more slowly.
In particular, it provides the energy necessary for the insulation molecules to line up
according to the electrical field applied.
Leakage current curve (IL): this is the leakage current characteristic of the insulating
resistance.
Total Curve (IT) = (IA) + (IL) (logarithmic scale, the y-axis on the graph)
There are two possible cases if the test voltage is applied for a long time:
In this case the leakage current is very low and the measurement is greatly influenced by
the capacitive load currents and the dielectric absorption current. The insulation resistance
measurement will therefore increase during the time the test voltage is applied since these
spurious currents are decreasing.
The length of time required for the measurement to stabilise depends on the type of
insulations. With the old types of insulation, a stable value is normally reached after 10 or
15 minutes. With some recent types of insulations (e.g. epoxy mica or polyester mica) the
measurement can stabilise after approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
The leakage current is very high (and constant) and outclasses the capacitive load current
and dielectric absorption current. In this case the insulation resistance measurement will
very quickly reach a constant and stable level.
From an examination of the curves for the insulation variation according to the test voltage
application time (figure "Typical insulation resistance variations according to measurement
For example, we calculate the quotient of the insulation resistance value read after the
test voltage has been applied for 10 minutes, over the value read after one minute of
application.
We obtain a quotient called the “Polarisation Index (PI)”. However, this index alone is
not sufficient. It only completes the absolute insulation values provided in the standards or
defined by the rotating machine manufacturers.
As described previously, the most recent insulations have a dielectric absorption current
which decreases more quickly than with the old insulations. Therefore, the measurement
sometimes stabilises after 2 to 3 minutes.
The “Dielectric Absorption Ratio (DAR)”, which is the coefficient of the values after 1
minute and 30 seconds, may thus be sufficient to qualify certain recent insulations as
"Good".
The change in the PI or DAR coefficients over time can therefore greatly simplify predictive
the maintenance of a fleet of machines, for example.
Important: IP also stands for Protection Index, which also applies to a motor.
The presence of contaminants (dust, dirt, etc.) or humidity on the surface of the insulations
is generally well-detected by the measurements based on test voltage application time
(DAR, PI, etc). However, insulation ageing or some types of mechanical damage can
sometimes escape detection by this type of test carried out at a low voltage with respect to
the dielectric voltage of the insulation tested.
However, a significant increase in the test voltage applied can cause these weak spots to
break, which will result in a sharp reduction in the insulation value measured.
For this method to be effective, we normally decide to apply a series of steps at a sufficient
voltage, with a ratio of 5 to 1, in one or more equivalent time steps (e.g. 1 minute), while
remaining well below the traditional dielectric test voltage (2 Un + 1000 V).
This method gives results which are totally independent of the type of insulation and the
temperature because we do not use the intrinsic value of the insulations measured but the
effective reduction in the value read after an identical time, at two different test voltages. A
reduction of 25% or more in the insulation resistance between the first and second levels
is a sign that the insulation has deteriorated.
11. GLOSSARY