Motor starter inspection

[Lc1]

We have a motor starter for a 1.5kw motor that have both been out of service for around 5 years. We plan on bringing this motor and starter back into service. My question is, is there an official checklist with certification to a standard such as bs7671? For this fitness for service inspection or is it case of check the condition of what is there for example:

Check all terminations are tight
Check the condition of contactor
Check the condition of fuses
Check the condition of over load
Check the condition of cabling
Check both starter and motor for insect and/or rodent infestation.
Check for water damage (condensation).
Clean dust or other contaminant buildup.
Check insulation integrity (megger)of starter, conductors and motor.


Thanks very much

 

[telectrix]

sounds reasonable.

 

[Lc1]

Thanks for the reply. Do you know if there is any official certificate that would be provided after these checks are carried out or would the check sheet be signed off at the bottom?

thanks

 

[Pete999]

Make sure the Rotor isn't locked

 

[telectrix]

the motor and starter are not within the scope of BS7671. whether or not there is another form of certification for it, i don't know. darkwood would be able to advise you better, when he comes on.

 

[Darkwood]

I take it this motor is off load at the moment (Not coupled up to it job)?

Just general visual inspection to start with
Check your terminations
Disconnect your motor from the starter and confirm starter operation and output voltages
Insulation test the motor and then check all winding resistances are more or less the same (3ph induction motor)
Check motor rotates freely and smooth, as you turn the shaft any coursness, gravelly feel could be a sign of bearings need changing assuming the impellor is not catching.
Check the condition and tightness of the impellor, remove the cover and look for signs of abrasion where it may be catching.
Check overload setting matches the plate value (DOL motor assumed)
If all the above is good then lash it up and give it a try and a 1.5kw should run pretty smooth and silent.

 

[Lc1]

Thanks for the replies. There is also a panel containing relays that are used for isolation. There are instruments in the field 3 temp switches and 1 pressure switch. If these are OK a permissive is energised allowing the starter to operate.

I believe the instruments are being replaced but the relays in the panel are staying,would require similar inspections before being re energised.

Are there a set of standards tests for relays?

thanks

 

[Darkwood]

Its sounds like you are expanding here on your basic starter that you implied in your opening post, if you are going to start looking into such equipment then its essential you understand how it is wired, what does what and the sequence of control, you are now exiting what is covered by the BS7671 and entering the BS60204, do you understand how it all operates?

 

[Lc1]

Thanks Darkwood. I understand how the system operates but as we are planning to reuse some equipment but not all, I am not sure of the tests that would have to be carried out on the relay panel to ensure that its ok to be brought back into service other than ensuring the relays still operate?

thanks again

 

[Darkwood]

Thanks Darkwood. I understand how the system operates but as we are planning to reuse some equipment but not all, I am not sure of the tests that would have to be carried out on the relay panel to ensure that its ok to be brought back into service other than ensuring the relays still operate?

thanks again

Just leave the motor disconnected and check the controls work and respond to limit switch operation etc etc, unless you have good reason to suspect that it won't work it really comes down to try it and see, you could disconnect the relays and individual check them, power them and check the switching operation but if you start doing all that then it can be a lengthy process that can be proven by powering and trying it.

 

[Lc1]

Thanks very much.