motor overhauls

[funma]

Hi, I,m thinking of taking on work that entails lots of 3 phase motor overhauls plus other maintenance and installation work.
Have never overhauled motors before and just wandering if it,s reasonably straightforward after doing a few ?

 

[Knobhead]

Despite some peoples image of me I'm not a two headed monster that goes around biting childrens heads off.

If anyone quotes that! Watch out!
I've a reputation to maintain.

 

[funma]

Thanks for advice lads, I think I feel confident enough to go for it. Appreciated.

 

[Marvo]

If you're thinking of overhauling lots of motors you should put together a test bench. I built one for our workshop many years ago and we use it just about every week for testing standard induction motors. It gives RPM, voltage, current and leakage readings and simulates a load so slip can be monitored across the load range. It also has temperature monitoring and all the sensors are run into a very old Windows95 pc which performs basic data acquisition and plots graphs into an excel spreadsheet. It always had a star delta starter and a few years ago we added a couple of VFD's for different test scenarios. The whole setup is also now supplied by a smart meter which is set up as a power monitor to log active power, apparent power and PF figures to help establish efficiency.

We had high hopes of setting up a complete reconditioning workshop where we could offer a turnkey solution for the local mining industry for Ex motors but it was never financially viable and we still outsource rewinding and final Ex certification but everything else we do in-house.

 

[moosey86]

Sorry pretty new to forum, what is a PM ?
When you replied earlier, and advised "Start thinking of something else to do" my first thought was "what an arrogant reply" to a reasonable post. Maybe just me,although others seemed to think squirrel cage motors are not so taboo. !

You don't ever better yourself without challenges. If anyone took that approach they'd be 2nd fixing double sockets for the rest of their life. It is an arrogant reply and that sort of **** does my head in on forums. Rant over

 

[ipf]

You don't ever better yourself without challenges. If anyone took that approach they'd be 2nd fixing double sockets for the rest of their life. It is an arrogant reply and that sort of **** does my head in on forums. Rant over

Going into a field with no previous experience would be more likely to do someone's head in. Get real!!!!

 

[clematis432]

Going into a field with no previous experience would be more likely to do someone's head in. Get real!!!!

IPF Don,t really get your drift. The OP is willing to take on a new challenge. What,s wrong with that ?
How do you get experience ? Should an electrician stick to domestic work because that,s what he knows. Sorry your not helping anyone.

 

[Knobhead]

IPF Don,t really get your drift. The OP is willing to take on a new challenge. What,s wrong with that ?
How do you get experience ? Should an electrician stick to domestic work because that,s what he knows. Sorry your not helping anyone.

What’s wrong with that is he’s going to be offering a service in a field he knows nothing about. I presume he’ll want paying for his none existent “professional” service.

 

[ipf]

IPF Don,t really get your drift. The OP is willing to take on a new challenge. What,s wrong with that ?
How do you get experience ? Should an electrician stick to domestic work because that,s what he knows. Sorry your not helping anyone.

Lets have some details of experience working with 3 phase equipment for starters. If the experience is there, why ask such basic questions ? Basically he should stick to what he knows unless working in an environment helpful to learning.
Can't see qualification to 17th being much help in such circumstances.

 

[GLENNSPARK]

What’s wrong with that is he’s going to be offering a service in a field he knows nothing about. I presume he’ll want paying for his none existent “professional” service.

this is it Tony.....
I wouldn`t start offering services for stuff i didn`t have enough/prior knowledge of.......
could backfire spectacularly could this little stunt....
to the O/P.....go get some on motors first......

 

[snowhead]

How do you get experience ? Should an electrician stick to domestic work because that,s what he knows. Sorry your not helping anyone.

Work for or with people who have experience in the subject, watch and learn.

 

[funma]

Hi, maybe just to clarify a bit, I have a pretty good knowledge of 3 phase circuits and a bit of motor experience but have never overhauled one.
I would be working with another electrician who has knowledge of motor overhauls, I was just wondering if it would take me long to get up to speed at this type of work ? Disappointed with some of the anti-help comments i,ve had though, although maybe i,ve not given enough info. I honestly feel and without trying to be smart, that it is worthwhile trying this, as others have explained squirrel cage motors are not so difficult to work on.

 

[Knobhead]

Keep us informed of your progress.

 

[clematis432]

Can,t help feeling the OP is not getting much help/advice on the forum although initial information he gave was limited. It really is not such a big deal overhauling squirrel cage motors and anyone who thinks it is has never overhauled one. Just noticed you will be working with another electrician who has motor experience, go for it, learn, and you will be better for the experience. Some electricians seem to think that motor theory and practice is only for the special ones.

 

[Darkwood]

The first post was lacking in alot of info which would ahave made it clear from the start as many comments were made before he filled us in, im not debating the simplicity of overhauling squirrel cage motors but its not until post 26 that hes given us the background we needed, numpty's can qualify to be sparkies nowadays with the dumbed down system but although what maybe simples to you me and the gatepost could be a big leap re' 3ph theory and motors, now the OP has brought us up to date we would suggest he goes for it as hes got some background and got a experienced collegue, i would be cautious telling anyone to jump in the sea before i ask if they could swim first.

 

[PEG]

Hi Funma,don't be disheartened by any advice which is given with honesty.Its just a youth/age thing which is a result of experience in the risks associated with certain tasks.Motors are taken for granted in most work environments with people around them when in use with no thought to the forces held in check by two bearings and four bolts. Everyone wants them ticking but no-one wants one to go off! If you do move into that field,and the memory of the odd cautionary comment keeps you mindful,then you have only benefitted. Good luck fella.