Diagnose & Repair Motor Starters With Tips From Electrical Power and Control

Mar 22, 2024

Has your faulty motor starter left you scratching your head? Need some support troubleshooting the issue? Electrical Power and Control (205 812-5402) is here to help you identify and repair the root of the problem.

If you’ve been having problems with your motor not starting, you may be struggling to identify the root cause. When troubleshooting a system this complex, it can be difficult to pinpoint the problem. Is there a mechanical issue going on? Or is it an electrical fault that needs addressing? Electrical Power and Control is here to help you understand the potential causes of motor starter failure so that you can resolve yours as quickly as possible. 

Find out how to troubleshoot your faulty motor starter at https://electricalpowerandcontrol.com/best-practices-troubleshooting-industrial-motor-starters/

The guide provides a comprehensive overview of motor starter failure, exploring potential causes and the necessary steps to resolve each cause. By following the troubleshooting tips outlined in the guide, you can effectively identify and repair your faulty motor starter.

Common Causes of Motor Starter Failure: Overload Trips

Overload is a common cause of motor starter failure, often referred to as an overload trip. Overload protection is a safety mechanism that causes the circuit breaker to trip when the total current exceeds the breaker’s capacity. As explained in the new guide, there are several reasons why trips happen, from worn bearings to loose electrical connections.

The guide provides tips for identifying and resetting your overload trip once the root cause has been found. Electrical Power and Control (EPC) stresses the importance of de-energizing circuits before carrying out repairs to ensure your safety.

When investigating the overload relay, you may spot visible signs of damage, such as burned or melted coil. This points to an overload failure and will require replacement over repair.

Common Causes of Motor Starter Failure: Power Supply Issues

Alongside overload issues, motor starter failure can also be caused by power supply issues. “Some motor starters require a three-phase power supply to operate,” says Electrical Power and Control, “so if one or more phases are missing, the motor starter won’t function.” It is best to contact a qualified electrician, who can accurately diagnose the source of your missing phase before corrective action is taken.

Another common power supply issue affecting motor starter functionality is a blown fuse, causing complete or intermittent failure of the motor. The guide suggests using a multimeter tester, in addition to visual inspection, to identify a blown fuse.

“If the fuse is blown, replace it only with an identical fuse with the same amperage rating,” warns EPC. “Never attempt to “fix” a blown fuse by bypassing it or using makeshift alternatives. This can be extremely dangerous and lead to serious electrical hazards.”

Diagnosing and repairing your motor starter can be a daunting task, particularly for beginners. When in doubt, put your safety first and enlist in help from the professionals. Call EPC today at (205) 812-5402 for expert advice and assistance: you'll be back up and running in no time!

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