Standard and measurements for motor’s vibration

1. Vibration Standard

The mechanical vibration grade and measurement of the motor generally follow the
following standards: IEC/EN 60034-14

IEC/EN 60034-14 specifies factory vibration acceptance test methods and vibration limits for
rotating motors separated from any load and prime mover under specified conditions.Its
application scope: DC and three-phase AC motors with shaft center height of 56mm and
above, rated power of 50MW and rated speed of 120-15000r/min.This standard does not
apply to motors installed at the operation site, three-phase commutator motors, single-phase
motors, single-phase supplied three-phase motors, vertical hydro-generators, turbogenerators
with a capacity greater than 20MW, and motors with maglev bearings and series excited
motors.

The values listed in the table apply for tests under no-load conditions.

Vibration level A applies for motors that have no special requirements regarding vibration - i.e.
standard motors.
Vibration level B is applicable for motors with special requirements placed on vibration levels -
the customer's specifications for reduced vibration severity must be provided in the order for the
motor.

Comment 1 – The measurement results can deviate by ±10% from the specified values.

Comment 2 – The shaft height of the motor without mounting feet, the motor with higher
mounting feet or every vertical motor is considered to be the shaft height of the motor with the
same basic frame (basic enclosure) - however with horizontal shaft in the foot-mounted version.

Comment 3 – Even if the motor itself is well balanced and its vibration level corresponds to the
values listed in the table, after it has been installed and coupled to the load significant vibration
levels can occur. These significant vibration levels can have various causes. For instance, the
foundation may be unsuitable, reaction from the driven load, ripple in the supply current, etc.
Vibration can also be caused by drive elements whose natural frequency are very close to the
excitation frequency as a result of the remaining imbalance of the rotating machine masses. In
situations such as these, the measurements should not be made at the motor, but should be made at
each of the installed elements of the drive system.

2. Measurement of vibration position

Three points (1-6) are selected on the bearing sides at both ends of the motor (axial, horizontal and
vertical of the equipment running horizontally; The radial and axial directions of the two vertically
running devices are 90 degrees each other), as shown in Figure:

How to test motor’s vibration in the correct way:

1. In order to test motor itself vibration, this must be under no load condition.
2. Motor cannot mount on the iron stand, since this will generate huge resonance, motor should be
place a very stick, smooth and steady board
3. Before test the motor’s vibration, this must be ensured nothing on the shaft and the key should
be half key which could completely fill key way.