Selecting the right motor can be a challenging task for your projects. Finding a suitable motor that matches your speed, torque, and power requirements is not enough. There are actually many factors that need to be taken into consideration when choosing a suitable motor that matches your application requirements. This list provides you a few checks you can do to prevent your motor from overheating issues, saving you time and money on replacement motors. If you are currently having issues with your motor overheating issue, we hope this checklist can help you determine the cause..
There are many factors that cause motor issues, but here are six major reasons that yourmotor may be overheating:
1. MOTOR IS TOO SMALL FOR THE APPLICATION
It is important to make sure the motor you are using has been properly sized for the application, environment and duty cycle it will be performing in. A motor that is too small will not be able to dissipate heat quickly enough, and the motor will overheat.
2. HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES
If a motor is running in a warmer environment than it was designed for, it can overheat because the ambient temperatures will make it more difficult for the motor to cool down properly.
3. RUNNING INTERMITTENT DUTY MOTOR CONTINUOUSLY
It is important to run motors that are rated for intermittent duty applications at or below their duty cycle. In order for the motor to run at its rated performance specs, it needs to have time to cool down completely between cycles. If the motor is run more frequently than it is supposed to, the motor will still be warm and will become increasingly hotter with each cycle, eventually overheating the motor.
4. HIGH OR LOW VOLTAGE SUPPLY
The power supply may be insufficient due to amp draw. In order to overcome load or inertia at a stand-still, the motor’s running current will be much too high under load. Incorrect voltage supply will make the motor work harder and could cause it to overheat.
5. HIGH ALTITUDE
Motors cool less efficiently at higher elevations due to the thinner air. If you are at a higher elevation—1000 meters (3300 ft.) above sea level, make sure your motor is rated accordingly.
