Quick Troubleshooting Tips for an Electric Motor

If you have an electric motor to anything in your home, whether it's a motorized bicycle or power washer, you may run into problems at one point. Thankfully, you may be able to pinpoint some common problems you might experience with the motor yourself. In turn, this can make it easier to repair these problems yourself, or you can talk to a technician about the problem so he or she can more easily diagnose the cause. Note a few quick troubleshooting tips for an electric motor.

1. Windings

Windings are metal coils of an electric motor and they create their own magnetic field which, in turn, holds a current of electricity. If there is something blocking these windings or coils, that current can be interrupted. Often it's something as simple as debris being in the middle of those windings so that the electric current is interrupted. If they're damaged, they may also not be creating the magnetic field they need to keep the engine running. Check the windings and their condition when the power is interrupted to your motor, as this is often a good place to start with a diagnosis.

2. Dark paint or coloring

If you notice that there is dark paint or coloring in the inside of the motor, this often means that it's running too hot so that the parts get darkened by that heat or corrosion. Check if the fan to the motor is working and if there is any blockage to the vents or openings around the motor casing. If a wire to the fan needs replacing, then the fan won't work and, in turn, the motor gets very hot, or if the vents and openings are covered, heat cannot escape. The motor may then eventually shut down or start to slow down while running so that it can cool itself. 

3. Corrosion

Note if there is corrosion around any of the wires to the electric motor, and if so, you may have too much moisture inside the engine so that the water is corroding the wires. Note too that water and electricity are not a good mix, and moisture can damage any electric motor that is not meant to be submerged or used around water. Water can cause shorts to the wiring and corrosion that causes failure. Note if you're using your electric motor in wet conditions such as riding an electric bicycle on the beach or allowing too much spray to get back onto your power washer, and keep the motor protected from this excess moisture and resultant corrosion.

For more information and troubleshooting advice, contact an electric motor repair company or visit their websites like www.globalrewinds.com.au.