While it’s never a good time for an electric motor to fail, there are several steps you can take to minimize the downtime and potential loss of revenue. The first is following the manufacturer’s regular maintenance and inspection recommendations to maximize the motor’s lifespan. The second is to keep a supply of bearings and lubricants on hand to perform these minor electric motor repairs in-house.
The third option is to maintain an inventory of replacement electric motors. When a motor fails, the stored motor is installed to keep the production lines moving while the existing motor is repaired and stored.
While electric motor storage sounds straightforward, proper storage requires more than finding space in the warehouse. Learning how to store motors properly helps minimize downtime while maximizing the value of your company’s stored assets.
Short-Term Electric Motor Storage
Short-term motor storage usually lasts a few days to weeks. During this time, the motor should be stored in a climate-controlled environment to protect it from the weather and any ambient vibration damage from nearby activities (e.g., construction, roadways, train tracks).
Long-Term Electric Motor Storage
The storage location must be weathertight to protect the machined surfaces, bearings, shafts, and motor windings for extended periods. A climate-controlled environment is ideal for minimizing condensation buildup. Most electric motors require an ambient storage temperature between 50 F and 120° F, with a relative humidity level of 60% or less. Your electric motor storage area must also be vibration-free, as vibrations can lead to false-brinelling in the bearing assemblies over time.
Labeling Electric Motors for Storage
One of the most important steps is to label each motor with tags that communicate relevant information.
- Model/manufacturer, including company name, phone, and website
- Purchase date
- Storage date
- Last maintenance inspection
- Any needed maintenance procedures
These tags can be replaced with a UPC or QR code to store this information digitally. When the code is scanned, the stored information will appear on the mobile device or smartphone screen.
Electric Motor Storage Checklist
With the motors tagged, it’s time to develop your checklist, which should include the following essential items:
- Pre-storage inspection (including visual and diagnostic inspections)
- Protection from the elements
- Insect and animal protection
- Shaft rotation to distribute oil and grease internally
- Proper lubrication levels
- Bearing inspections
- Brush positions
- Windings and springs storage requirements
With the motors tested and crated for storage, it’s time to lay out and organize the storage space. Easy access is paramount, so ensure that any shelving or racking system used creates aisleways that accommodate the storage room forklift’s size and turning radius and crane access.
Electric Motor Storage Tips
These practices can vary based on the motor’s size and manufacturer requirements, but the following tips apply to most stored electric motors.
Do not store crated motors directly on the concrete floor. Instead, store them on shelving or supports that keep them at least 8” above the finish floor in case of flooding.
As the motors are stored, arrange them so that the electrical connections box is easily accessible for future testing needs.
All breather drains should remain completely operational during storage. The motors should be stored with the oil drain at its lowest point.
Coat external surfaces with a rust-preventative material such as Exxon Rust Ban #392 or equal.
The carbon brushes should be lifted and held off the commutator with the brush holder fingers.
The commutator should also be wrapped in suitable material to protect against damage.
Depending on the motor size, the motor shafts should be rotated every 30-90 days to redistribute lubricants and protect against false-brinelling and rotor sag.
Vertically oriented motors must always be stored in an upright position.
Many motors include a shipping brace to protect the shaft from damage during transport. This brace must be kept and reinstalled before the motor can be moved safely.
A dielectric withstand test is performed periodically, and at a minimum on incoming to measure the insulation resistance. Record the results of each test for future troubleshooting and diagnostic procedures.
Always perform an IR (Insulation Resistance) test and check lubricant levels before placing a stored motor into service.
Electric Motor Storage Options
Safely storing your electric motor inventory is a complex process. As part of our pledge to keep you up and running, we now offer our customers short—and long-term electric motor storage services.
Additional Electric Motor Services
In addition to assisting with your electric motor storage needs, we also offer the following services:
- Vibration analysis
- Motor pulling/installation
- Motor alignment
- Tracking systems and testing
- Inspection and maintenance plans
To learn more about our storage and service options, contact the Hi-Speed motor storage experts today or call us at 800-713-0103.