Electric Motor Windings Resistance

During the measurement and immediately afterwards some of the terminals carry dangerous voltages and must not be touched.

Electric motor windings resistance.

Each winding leg should have some small resistance reading. Often it is required to test the winding of the 3 phase windings with the aid of a multimeter or ohmmeter to determine whether the motor is still good or burnt or shorted. Insulation resistance failure of an electric motor is one of the first signs that the motor is about to fail. Studies conducted by ieee and the electric power research institute epri on electric rotating machinery failures show that 48 of motor failures are due to electrical failures.

Values greater than this indicate a potential problem and values significantly greater than this indicate the winding has failed opened. As with transformers a motor or generator is broken down into two main components. Set the voltage setting of the insulation resistance tester to 500v and check motor windings to earth. Insulation resistance is usually measured between motor windings and earth using an insulation tester or megometer.

All values obtained from winding dc resistance test should be below 1 megohm and similar in value. Winding dc resistance test follow usace procedure three sets of results total a to b phase b to c phase c to a phase correct values to 40 c using the formula in step 8. When an electric current flows though the wire a magnetic field is induced inside the coil of wire. A motor with high resistance will not run or not run with speed control as is the case when a 3 phase motor winding opens while running.

Regular checks of motor insulation resistance the key to prolonging the life of any electrical device is periodic checks maintenance the insulation resistance of stored and active motors should be checked regularly. Dc voltage of 500 or 1000 v is applied between the windings and the ground of the motor. Ground insulation test of a motor. The meter should not show an open or a short when a winding leg is measured.

The measurement of insulation resistance is carried out by means of a megohmmeter high resistance range ohmmeter this is how the test works. An electrical induction motor contains windings or wire wrapped around a cylindrical shaft. This magnetic field causes a metal bar inside the coil to rotate and power the motor. Insulation resistance failure of an electric motor is one of the first signs that the motor is about to fail.

Record initial and corrected values on motor testing record sheet. Set the voltage setting of the insulation. Consult the motor schematic or a diagram of the motor s windings and use the meter to measure the resistance of the windings.