Electric Motor Overload Switch
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The Causes of Electric Motor Overload: Understanding Internal Motor Overload Protection, Contributing causes that will cause a motor to reach an over heated condition. |
Electric Motor Protection
[ad#block]Electrical Question: My standing fan works whenever I turn on the switch, but soon after it will stop automatically.
- Is it due to some parts that are loose?
This electrical repair question came from: Ken, a Homeowner from Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical repair question Ken.
Internal Motor Overload Protection
Application: Repair a Fan Motor.
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate – Best performed by a Licensed Electrician.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with hand tools and electrical troubleshooting skills.
Precaution: Identify the circuit, turn it OFF and then Tag it with a Note before performing any wiring or inspections. Electrical troubleshooting is best performed by a qualified electrical contractor.
Understanding the Internal Motor Overload
- Most electric motors have a device known as internal thermal overload protection.
- This is basically an internal heat sensor or electric current sensor that will prevent the motor from over heating which can cause damage to the electric motor.
The Causes of Electric Motor Overload
- Typically, there are a few contributing causes that will cause a motor to reach an over heated condition as listed here:
- Lack of lubrication.
- Most motors do not require lubrication, however there are some that do, and they will have specific areas where lubrication may be applied.
- Material that my build up and cause moving components or the the motor shaft from spinning freely.
- This is a typical problem with fans and household devices such as vacuum cleaners, where hair or other things may get wound up around the motor shaft or other moving components of the equipment.
- Cleaning these items from the moving parts will help greatly so that the motor will spin more freely.
- NOTE:
Consult your motor owners manual for further specific information about maintenance that may be required for your electric motor.
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Im tring to make a shop fan out of an old blower motor i pulled out of my heat pump. Its a ph 1. 2 speed motor rated for 208/230 is there any way to easily make this happen without rewiring the back of my house? Im tring to save money doing it myself and so far its getting frustrateing. I really dont want to buy another motor being i have this one.
Hi Jeremy,
The motor will require a dedicated 220 volt circuit that is rated for the label specifications for LRA Amperage, and a control switch to turn it on and off. This would be the primary requirement that you will need to consider. It may be more economical to get a portable fan or 3 speed Box Fan which will run fine on a 120 volt circuit.
I hope this helps you!
Dave