Failed motors - rewind or replace?

For many process users, the issue of whether to replace a failed motor with a new energy efficient model or to repair the existing failed unit has not been easily resolved. Many companies have never developed firm guidelines or policies regarding the replace/repair issue; therefore, many failed motors are simply repaired, sometimes repeatedly, almost by default. Generally, the apparent cost to repair a failed motor (above approximately 15 hp) is less than that of a new motor. The Energy Act of 1992 does not address this issue-there are no efficiency guidelines which must be met with a repaired unit. This paper suggests that a more formal approach should be taken when making the repair/replace decision. The author argues that consideration should be given to many other factors in addition to the initial cost comparison.