Motor Failures

Version: 11 February 2014 Bilfinger

Water Technologies GmbH

1 Electrical faults

Fault Cause Measure

Motor connected in delta and not in star. Rectify connection
Mains voltage deviates by more than ± 5%
from the nominal voltage of the motor. A
Drive motor is running higher voltage is especially unfavorable for Provide for the correct mains
hot (> 80°C, can be highly polarized motors since their no-load voltage
detected by current rating is already near to the full
measurement only) load current rating when voltage is normal.
Provide for unobstructed
Amount of cooling air insufficient and/or
entrance and exit of cooling
cooling pipes clogged up
air

Cooling air is pre-heated Provide for fresh air

Overload at normal mains voltage, current Install a more powerful drive

too high, r.p.m. too low unit (measure power)

Nominal operational mode (S1 to S8 VDE

Drive motor is running 0530.1.66) exceeded. If the motor is
hot (> 80°C, can be running hot due to too frequent switching,
detected by the use of a more powerful motor is
measurement only) insufficient as the same failure would
appear.
Supply cable has defective contact
(temporary single-phasing!)
Set rating according to the
operating conditions. It would
be the best to consult a
specialist
Rectify defective contact

Fuse melted Replace fuse

Fuse melted Replace fuse

Motor does not start
running Check and adjust motor
Motor protection activated protection for correct
adjustment
Bilfinger Water Technologies GmbH, Global Business Unit Water Treatment
Motor failures
Version: 11 February 2014
Page 2 / 2

Fault Cause Measure

Motor does not run or
only starts slowly
Motor does not start Torque is insufficient for star connection
when connected in star,
but starts when
connected in delta
Motor contactor does not switch, control Check control of motor
fault contactor and rectify fault
Motor is designed for delta connection, but
Rectify connection
is connected in star
Voltage or frequency deviate strongly from Provide better mains
the target value at least when switched on conditions
If delta current not too high,
connect direct on line;
otherwise use more powerful
motor or special design after
consultation
Contact fault at star/delta switch Rectify fault

Motor humming and Windings defective

Motor must be repaired by a
has high power
specialist
consumption Rotor is fouling windings

Short circuit in the cable Rectify short circuit

Fuses are melting or
motor protection Fault to be rectified by skilled
Short circuit in the motor
releases immediately electrician

Cables wrongly clamped Rectify connection

Wrong rotational Interchange two mains supply

Motor connected wrongly
direction cables

2 Coil damages

Fault Cause Measure

One phase in the delta connection lacking, Motor must be rewound,
One phase out
insufficient motor protection repair motor protection
One phase in the star connection lacking, Motor must be rewound,
Two phases out
insufficient motor protection repair motor protection
Overload, blockage, excessive switching, Motor must be rewound,
Three phases out at
insufficient motor protection, incorrect repair motor protection, rectify
same time
connection connection, check drive unit
Internal short circuit
Mechanical damage in windings or other
(several windings Motor must be rewound
fault in insulation
melted in one groove