Watts New: Discover news about manufacturing, electric motor repair, new equipment sales, electrical and mechanical fields services, and about L&S Electric
Quick quiz: name an electrical component that effectively controls several electric motors in such a way that within a year it pays for itself. What is it?
Of course, it’s an easy ans… Read More
The starting function of the motors is often misunderstood, impacting motor performance and compromising energy efficiency.
L&S Electric and AuCom are delivering a series of technical w… Read More
It almost sounds like something out of a science fiction novel; you’re walking through your facility and out of nowhere, within milliseconds, heat hotter than the sun occurs, everythi… Read More
This might be a shock to you: it costs a lot of money to run your manufacturing facility! I know, right? That idea came out of left field. As you’ll see, operating expenses are consis… Read More
Overview
To improve the efficiency and reliability of aging power plants, more and more utilities are replacing aging motor-generator sets with new high-efficiency motors controlled by vari… Read More
Consider all the possible options for maintaining the electrical systems at your facility. Choosing one essential option is difficult. They all come together to protect your equipment and e… Read More
One thing that is true in any operating manufacturing plant is that the place is noisy. Simply put, noise is not necessarily a bad thing, but it may be a nuisance. When listening to the so… Read More
Among the many pieces of equipment at your facility, electric motors likely make up the majority. They also use more energy than any other piece of equipment. Worldwide, electric motors use… Read More
Many different industrial applications use compressed air. Although a necessity at many facilities, compressed air is also one of the more expensive factors associated with your business. A… Read More
With the right application, proper installation, and good maintenance practices, ball bearings have a longer lifespan. On the other hand, premature bearing failure arises from poor handling… Read More
Some issues having a negative impact on the equipment start causing problems during installation. Other issues take place over time. There is a problem that happens for either reason:… Read More
Establishing a routine maintenance program is the best way to ensure that your electric motors and other equipment will operate when you need them. The maintenance program must go beyond a… Read More
When you read about damage to a motor due to voltage variations, you are probably reading about the impact of high voltage. However, both high and low voltages have a significant impact on… Read More
Variable frequency drives (VFDs) have changed the way many of us do business. Their design allows us to move away from larger, more expensive and cumbersome DC drives and instead use AC dri… Read More
A few weeks ago, we discussed a possible cause of a motor tripping and any actions to take following such an event.
VFD Tripping
Today, we’re going to focus on a VFD tripping. One of… Read More
Choosing the right motors is often the first step to ensure that your facility operates smoothly and efficiently.
As electric motors account for the vast majority of the power consumption o… Read More
Many problems occur with electric motors. Including those associated with lubrication and voltage spikes. Also, over time, excessive heat occurs. Increases in the temperature of an electric… Read More
How well do you know the history of Labor Day? Did you know it’s been a US Federal holiday for 123 years? The holiday bloomed out of a very difficult time in US history and has become… Read More
How well do you know the history of Labor Day? It had an auspicious beginning, but the holiday is 123 years old and also is the symbolic end of our summer.
From the History Channel:
Observe… Read More
For any industrial setting, a maintenance program works to minimize problems. In some cases, the maintenance program is proactive, and unfortunately, at times, they are reactive. In both in… Read More
Hurricane Harvey brings home one truth: most of us have come to rely on power to the point where we don’t know what to do when it goes out. That is true in our personal lives, but it… Read More
There are many moving parts to any piece of equipment. One moving part requiring particular attention are the bearings. When maintained and operating well, they allow the machinery to run w… Read More
In most modern technologies rare earth metals are now used for a broad range of applications.
Known for their magnetic and electrochemical properties, these components enhance the performan… Read More
Most people tend to respect electrical equipment, but they may not understand the dangers that associated with it. One of those dangers is arc flash. In fact, the likelihood of injury from… Read More
The air gap between rotor and stator is considered acceptable with a 5% to 10% variation from the average measured air gap. Some air gaps can be as small as 0.008”(0.2mm) requiring so… Read More
Regular maintenance extends the life of an electric motor. Despite a good program, all motors fail. Failure occurs when the motor experiences a catastrophic problem or if it has simply run… Read More
There are certain areas within industrial facilities that don’t get the attention that they deserve. An example of this is lighting. Nobody pays attention to lighting because while it… Read More
In the industrial sector, pumping systems account for a significant amount of energy usage. On average, the US Department of Energy estimates that figure to be at 16%, although it is much h… Read More
Different winding configurations, core length, and different sizes of motors or generators mean very different values of winding inductance. Take a DC Motor as an example. The series winding… Read More
Spotlighting Induction Motor Slip
A rotor and a stator are the two key components of an AC induction motor. Currents flow in the rotor bars while a stator contains a rotating magnetic field… Read More
Many businesses rely on the electric motors at their facility to keep operations up and running on a continual basis. When the motor experiences problems, it leads to costly downtime, repla… Read More
One of the many factors in establishing an effective maintenance program is the ability to diagnose problems. Having the ability to fix those problems early is key before they become a large… Read More
Vibration has several negative consequences when present in environmental cooling systems. The associated noise causes distraction and discomfort. However, it is possible to minimize proble… Read More
Power and voltage surges only last for a millisecond, but they very damaging to electronic equipment. The surge affects the electronic circuit by raising the voltage a few hundred or even a… Read More
Motor failures cause problems. Those issues may affect your business either financially or with unexpected downtime.
Although equipment is going to fail from time to time, taking the proper… Read More
Bearings are a simple tool, but most of us don’t give them the credit they deserve. A bearing is a simple device that allows for movement of two different pieces against each other. T… Read More
Having a solid preventative maintenance program at your facility is vital to your facility. A quality maintenance program improves equipment life and decreases the possibility of unexpecte… Read More
Establishing a quality preventative maintenance program at your facility is one of the best steps to take to improve productivity and decrease downtime.
There are many factors to consider as… Read More
“So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsy… Read More
A three-phase electric motor is often able to run for many years before any serious problems occur. Testing the motor on a regular basis as part of a preventative maintenance progra… Read More
Necessity is the mother of invention, but sometimes dogged determination can accomplish many things. The longstanding problem when attempting to create an ultra-strong steel has been brittl… Read More
Workplace injuries due to electrical hazards are more than a possibility; they are a reality in many areas. In fact, there are thousands of people injured or worse every year. Often… Read More
Once an experimental novelty, electricity is now an utterly indispensable part of modern life. Providing us with lighting, climate control, entertainment, and more, it’s hard to imagi… Read More
To ensure the optimum performance and condition of your machinery, it is important to conduct certain tests that can also prevent costly repairs and unexpected downtime. For instance, Polar… Read More
Any downtime costs you in many ways. One of the most obvious ways is financial. Unexpected downtime could result in a significant and measurable cost. A loss of productivity goes hand-in-ha… Read More
One of the best decisions you can make for any industrial facility is to implement a preventative maintenance program. Any ongoing maintenance saves both time and money. That doesn’t… Read More
There are many different things to follow as part of a preventative maintenance program. In the end, it is about spotting problems before they become too large of an issue. These issues res… Read More
Courtesy of the Manufacturing Innovation Blog, here’s a look at some facts illustrating the effects of manufacturing in the USA.
Every day manufacturing touches some aspect of our… Read More
Motor damage takes place as a result of mechanical wear and tear and huge inrush currents. Typically, VFDs help prevent wear and tear to mechanical components. VFDs slow starting and s… Read More
In any industry, many factors come together to make for a smooth running operation. Some of these factors include workplace safety, business costs, and routine equipment maintenance. M… Read More
A DC motor has several components, and each serves an important role in ensuring its proper function and efficient performance. One of these is the carbon brush. We will find out more about… Read More
Most commercial areas rely on AC to power a wide range of electrical appliances and pieces of equipment. AC results from the movement of the electrical charge through a medium. Th… Read More
Two main components make up a DC motor such as the stator and the rotor. An iron core in a ring shape comprises the rotor along with slots that support the windings and coils. Once the core… Read More
A Material Safety Data Sheet is a vital element for anyone that works with a potentially dangerous material. It keeps the area safe, and when included with the right training, helps provide… Read More
It is important to choose the right type of motor to use on a site where there are explosive vapors or gasses nearby. In such locations where there is ignitable dust, be careful to select&n&helli…Read More
Ensure the proper condition of your equipment by conducting tests and checks providing accurate results. Ultrasonic signature is one these practical tests. Ultrasonic signature de… Read More
Current imbalances are sometimes referred to as a burglar alarm; problematic and need further diagnosis. However, imbalance at the inverter input under lightly loaded conditions is a normal… Read More
Aside from ensuring a higher productivity rate in your business, one of your ultimate goals is to cut down your expenses without compromising the quality of your operations. This is why it… Read More
DC motors are still useful in industry. These motors remain among the finest options for a broad range of applications. DC motor designs, such as permanent magnets, compound wound, shu… Read More
Electric motors run a higher risk of failure and deterioration when exposed to excessive heat. Knowing heat is a motor killer is why it’s best to understand the highest temperature th… Read More
An established maintenance program helps save money, energy and time. That said, there are many different maintenance program options to choose. The most common of those programs are preven… Read More
More than likely, you use many different pieces of equipment. More than likely, electrical motors are among some of the most common. In fact, with sales of 1 million motors and repairs of o… Read More
When you need to buy an electric motor, you need to consider a few important factors in making the right selection. For the most part, look at the energy efficiency of the motor. Higher eff… Read More
If you have a need for variable speed drives (VSDs), you likely are already aware of their many benefits. They are a variety of applications, from centrifuge pumps to machines for paper man… Read More
One of the issues that may be experienced after installing a new motor is sometimes referred to as “nuisance trips.” Although they certainly can be a nuisance, could it be that… Read More
Deciding whether to repair or replace a failed AC motor requires much thought and evaluation. After all, some issues only call for a repair. While in other instances, purchasing a bran… Read More
Electric motors are a staple of the modern industrial structure. Like people, they come in various shapes and designs. And, like people, some are a better fit for specific applications. But… Read More
At the core of a successful company is a well-established and efficient Quality Management System (QMS) program. A QMS program helps improve productivity and boost customers’ experien… Read More
A Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) is a motor controller that varies the voltage and frequency received by the electric motor. It offers many benefits including:
Increasing the lifespan of th… Read More
This week’s PdMA tip: DC Drives
Did you know that DC Drive reliability is a major factor in the production of your automotive tires? A DC drive is designed to supply Direct Current (DC… Read More
Ensuring the excellent condition of your machines in the facility goes a long way in helping prevent unscheduled downtime and increasing productivity at the same time. By performing ce… Read More
An excitation system provides the required field current to a synchronous machine’s rotor winding. Thus, it passes current in the field winding for flux production. It is essential th… Read More
As the owner or operator in any industrial environment, you want everything to operate like a well-oiled machine. For that to take place; many factors need to fall in line. These factors in… Read More
As a business owner, it is only practical not to take any chances when it comes to your precious investment. With proper maintenance of your equipment, you spare yourself from an unexpected… Read More
This week’s PdMA tip: Smaller is Bigger
DC motors are relatively simple machines consisting of an armature winding (rotating) and shunt/series windings (stationary).
Energizing th… Read More
Arc flash incidents are among the common causes of electrical injuries in a facility. These events result from a combination of heat and light emitted during a dangerous electrical exp… Read More
To understand how an AC induction motor works, it helps to look into the basics of magnetism and electromagnetic induction. We will break these two ideas down and how they impact the f… Read More
There are many different types of motors that used across a wide range of industries. Some of them are specific to certain tasks, while others care for a wide variety of needs. In the agric… Read More
An AC drive controls the speed generated by an electrical motor by altering the power supply’s frequency. By using an AC drive with motors operating at a constant speed, it is possible… Read More
This week’s PdMA tip: #1 Motor Killer Is …
You guessed it. Heat.
Excessive temperature is the #1 killer of electric motor insulation. However, not always does the remainin… Read More
Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) serve an important purpose of ensuring the speed of your AC induction motor is at a desirable rate. Thus, the use of VFDs help improve the performance… Read More
There are many different pieces of equipment relied on more than others at your facility. In manufacturing, electric motors are the most critical equipment in the building. T… Read More
Do not underestimate the importance of keeping your facility running at any given time. There is a myriad of circumstances that result in unexpected downtime. Taking care of your equipment… Read More
Electric motors are vital to any manufacturing facility. They represent a significant amount of commitment in investment and maintenance. Protecting your investment requires paying attenti… Read More
This week’s PdMA tip: Why Wye?
Sometimes your six lead motors are configured to start in a Wye configuration and switch to a Delta configuration during the start-up known commonl… Read More
Electric motors and electric generators, regarding their function, are quite distinct from one another. But ultimately, they exemplify two sides of the same coin. Both rely on the same under… Read More
With newer technologies introduced year after year, there are many ways for industries to improve their operations. These advancements are a positive impact their bottom line. One of these… Read More
It is important to ensure the excellent performance of your electric motors. They have a massive impact on the productivity and profit of your business. Although operating these motors may s… Read More
Electric current is something that exists in the world around us, and many of us use it on a day-to-day basis. Not only does it exist naturally, but it also is channeled for industrial purp… Read More
This week’s PdMA tip: Starting Current vs. Running Current
When it comes to supply voltage variations, there is a difference in response between starting current and running… Read More
Welcome to 2017! I hope you had a safe and fun Holiday Season! To start the year off right, I think it is a good idea to highlight a very serious danger: Arc Flash.
Most people recogni… Read More
We’re grateful for you stopping by on this first day of 2017. Here’s to a successful and splendid new year!
The Year
by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
What can be said in New Year rhymes… Read More
2016 has been another great year for WATTS New! I can’t begin to express my gratitude for your considerable support.
18 months ago, I decided to cut back the number of articles each… Read More
This week’s PdMA tip: Good PF Failed Motor
The installation of power factor (PF) correction capacitors is commonplace throughout industrial facilities. Their job is to prevent la… Read More
2016 has been another great year for WATTS New! I can’t begin to express my gratitude for your considerable support.
18 months ago, I decided to cut back the number of articles each w… Read More
From our family to yours, we wish you a very Merry and Blessed Christmas!
The Three Kings
by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Three Kings came riding from far away,
Melchior and Gaspar and Baltas… Read More
Cutting operating costs while increasing the bottom line is a sensible move for any facility. This is why an effective maintenance program is essential to achieve these goals. In particular… Read More
This week’s PdMA tip: Don’t Forget the Grease!
Occasionally due to misapplication, voltage irregularity, faulty component, or just plain operator error, we find that we have ove… Read More
Electric motor systems drive your industry in more ways than one. On a global basis, there is an estimated 300 million electric motors in operation. Plus, 30 million new electric motors are… Read More