Benchmarking electric motors before they fail

Benchmarking of electric motors can reveal deterioration of the motor´s performance characteristics, allowing the opportunity to schedule corrective action, thus minimizing unscheduled downtime and repair costs. In the event of a failure, benchmarking records can offer clues as to the root cause of the failure. The benchmarking process should be on-going throughout the life of the motor. It should ideally start with the manufacturer´s tests under controlled conditions and then be part of the installation, operation, maintenance and repair of the motor. The degree and extent of benchmarking should be based on cost to bench mark, cost to repair, cost of lost production, and consequences of a premature failure.