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Why Does My Electric Motor Humm And Not Start?

How can I Diagnose an Electric Motor Problem? Common Problems with Electric Motors and Capacitor Start Motors, How to Check an Electric Motor, Diagnostic Checks You Can Make When an Electric Motor Will Not Start.


Home Electrical Wiring Video

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Guide to Electric Motor Problems and Motor Capacitors
Electric Question: How do I check the electric motor on an air compressor that hums when I turn on the switch.

Background: Charles, a Homeowner from Pittsburg, Missouri.

Additional Comments: This is the first time I have asked a question, but I have been getting your Electrical Newsletter for awhile and enjoy it.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Charles.

How to Diagnose an Electric Motor Problem

Preparation
Application: Testing an Electric Motor.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best performed by a Licensed or Certified Electrician.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and Voltage Tester or Continuity Tester
Estimated Time: Depends on experience with capacitor start motors and level of problem solving skills.
Precaution: Testing capacitors can be dangerous because capacitors store an electric charge. Capacitors may be discharged an tested for fault. Electric motors are best serviced by an experienced electrician or knowledgeable technician. Electric motors or equipment may also be taken into an electric motor repair shop for extensive diagnosis and servicing. Testing the motor and capacitor should only be made after the electric motor circuit has been identified and turned OFF and Tagged.

Common Problems with Electric Motors and Capacitor Start Motors

Diagnostic Checks You Can Make When an Electric Motor Will Not Start

Other Factors that will Cause an Air Compressor and Electric Motor to hum and Not Start

Pressure Switch Settings

Pulley and Belt Tension

Electrical Wiring of an Air Compressor

Avoid Using Extension Cords for Air Compressors

The Important Starting Phase of an Electric Motor

How to Check an Electric Motor

Electric Motor and Air Compressor Maintenance
Lastly, check the maintenance or service manual to make sure everything is correct including:

More about Troubleshooting Electrical Circuits and Wiring

Troubleshooting Electrical Wiring Problems

Troubleshooting
Licensed Electrician Reveals the Secrets of Successful Electrical Troubleshooting Methods used to solve the majority of the home electrical problems and wiring failures encountered.
Types of Electrical Testers
Using Electrical Testers


The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! «

Here's How to Do It:
Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book

Great for any Home Wiring Project.
  electrical wiring  

Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians
Includes:
Wiring GFCI Outlets
Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.


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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!

The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!

The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..

The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.


More articles about Air Compressor, Electric, Motors and Home Electrical Wiring:
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FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

16 Responses to “Why Does My Electric Motor Humm And Not Start?”
  1. Bob says:

    Hi,

    My pool motor hums, but I can get it running if I turn the shaft by hand? Is this a capacitor issue?

    Thanks

  2. admin says:

    Hi Bob,
    If you can turn the motor shaft by hand easily when the motor is not energized then it may in fact be the starting capacitor that is bad and needs replacing. If there is an electric motor shop in your area it would be great to take the motor or at least the capacitor in to be tested. Be careful because capacitors store electricity and can give quite a jolt. Also make sure that if the motor is 220 volt that half of the circuit breaker is not tripped OFF. Turn the circuit breaker all the way OFF and then back ON again just to make sure.
    Dave

  3. G. Barnhart says:

    I need a drawing of a power tool ( skill saw ) with a too small of a cord,

    showing the ” IR ” for some co-workers, let me know if you know of any web-site.

    Thanks in advance, G. Barnhart

  4. benz says:

    Nice reading! I found this post really very helpful and this can be a good project for my high school students. I will definitely discuss it, with my students. We are recently working on electric dryers and I am teaching them how to fix it.

  5. Brian Andrews says:

    I have a 220 volt H P Cleaner which refuses to start under load. I have checked the motor and windings do not look burnt.I have replaced both bearings and the run capacitor but to no avail. It will start and run perfectly until you load the pump then it just hums and trips.Anybody with any help would be greatly appreciated.

  6. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi Brian,
    Be sure the circuit voltage and amperage rating is correct for the unit or motor, and the motor is correct for the application or equipment.
    Dave

  7. TROY M. says:

    I have a 1 hp 3450rpm Hayward pool pump made by A.O. Smith. The motor will not start on its own, it will only hum. I can take the back off and hit the stationary switch and it works fine. I cant find a start capacitor on it.

  8. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi Troy,
    It may be that this motor has a centrifugal switch that engages a start winding of the motor. If the motor starts by manually operating the switch then the switch may be faulty and need to be replaced or repaired. I had the same problem with an older lathe where I could start it manually, but it would not start on by itself due to a faulty centrifugal switch.
    Also make sure that the pump is spinning freely and without restrictions as this will effect the operation of the motor as well.
    I hope this helps,
    Dave

  9. Doug says:

    I have an older 220v 7hp compressor with motor starting problems. Upon start the motor will buzz most of the time, occasionally engaging and running. I can turn the compressor pulley to help start and sometimes that will work. I replaced the start capacitor with identical item and still have issues with start. The motor seems to work better once it is warm, and will re-start most of the time. The air compressor does seem to have a small amount of friction in the pump. I checked the cylinder walls but they looked OK. Can I use a higher rated start capacitor? I would like to salvage the unit instead of buying new.
    Thanks, Doug

  10. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi Doug,
    Air Compressor with Motor Starting Problems

    Electric Motor Centrifugal Start Switch
    Some older electric motors have a internal centrifugal start switch which is part of the starting circuit. The centrifugal start switch contacts may not be closing which will cause the motor to hum and not start or be hard to start.

    Factors that Affect an Electric Motor Centrifugal Start Switch
    Worn contacts on the start switch may need to be cleaned or resurfaced with fine sandpaper.
    Excessive motor shaft end play which is caused by worn out motor shaft fiber washers will prevent the centrifugal switch contacts from closing all the way.

    Air Compressor Pump
    Make sure the lubricating oil is at the full level.
    Change the compressor pump oil as specified by the manufacturer and replace with the recommended oil.
    Make sure the intake air filter is clean, replace as needed.
    Check the pulley belt tension to make sure it is not too tight, adjust as needed.

    I hope this helps,
    Dave

  11. Bryan Budrovici says:

    Do not use an extension cord, the motor isn’t getting enough power!

  12. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi Bryan,
    Sometimes using an extension cord is necessary, like when an air compressor is needed out at a job site. Therefore, if an extension cord is needed then the wire size should provide enough amperage for the motor of the equipment.
    Thanks for your comment Bryan.
    Dave

  13. Chris says:

    I have 1.5 hp Baldor motor on my meat cutting saw. When I plug it in all I get is a hum. When I bought the saw I did see it run so I know the motor is good, but it was on 220. I have put it on 110 because that’s all I get in the home. The power cable is about 100 feet away, could it be I need a bigger wire?

  14. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi Chris,
    Check the nameplate on the motor to see if it can run on 110 and 220. If so, you will have to adjust the wire configuration of the motor leads for the appropriate voltage. The power cable will need to be sized according to the LRA Lock Rotor Amps or Starting Amps of the motor to prevent voltage drop.
    If the nameplate information states that it the motor will only run on 220 then you cannot run it on 110.
    I hope this helps you,
    Dave

  15. John says:

    I have a 2HP 2 speed Ultra Jet pump for my newly acquired but used hot tub that just hums. I have replaced the bearings, one of them was seized up. I replaced the clutch (I have also seen it called a rotating switch) as it was partially melted. I cleaned all the contacts. I tested the start capacitor and it tested fine but I replaced it anyway. Anything else you can think of for me to test/replace before I give up and buy a new motor/pump? I have looked but can not find a repair shop in my area. I tested the run capacitor, it seems to be ok. Would the run capacitor prevent it from starting?

  16. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi John,
    Both capacitors are needed for the motor to start and run, so make sure they test OK, and all the other electrical components that were defective have been replaced. Make sure the voltage and the wiring connections are correct. If the motor spins freely it should start right up.
    I hope this helps you get your motor started,
    Dave