Electric motor storage: Protecting your investment

Electric motors represent a significant investment to companies in the petrochemical industry. Due to the large scope of many capital projects, it is not unusual for motors to sit in storage for up to two years before being placed into service. Further, it is common practice for a facility to have spare motors for critical processes that often sit unused for significant periods of time. Appropriate care of motors not in operation is crucial to their successful commissioning and longevity. The proper care and maintenance of stored motors is a topic that is little understood by many in the industry. This paper addresses the best practices for long term electric motor storage.