Most heavy machinery in major production facilities and certain home appliances need an electric motor as a component. Thus, when they malfunction and cease work, it is essential to repair or replace the motor immediately. Although expensive, electric motor repair is far better for the environment than throwing it away. However, several things must be considered when repairing or replacing your electric motor. Cost, delivery times, the current condition of the electric motor, and previous performance are some of them. Read this guide to learn whether to repair or replace your electric motor when it stops working.
Factors to Consider While Deciding Between Replace and Repair of Electric Motor
If you consider some factors when your electric motor stops working, you can easily decide whether you need a repair or a replacement. Here are some of these factors.
The Reason for the Breakdown of the Motor
The first thing you should do when your motor stops working is to find out why. It will help you identify easily what your next step should be. Look out for the following situations.
Check whether the breakdown was due to some connection issues. Sometimes, the motor may get some debris stuck in it which may cause it to stop functioning. If this is the reason, you can easily tweak it to get it right. Besides, seeking an industrial repair service for your equipment can give you long-lasting outcomes.
Think about the last time you took the motor for maintenance. If a considerable amount of time has passed, you can conclude that it is the root cause of the breakdown. Depending on your situation, you may have to replace the motor.
Did you buy the motor recently? Then, it could be a manufacturing defect that made it stop working. You can contact the manufacturer or the vendor to find out the issue and ask for a replacement or repair.
Energy Efficiency and Performance
Will the repair improve the energy efficiency of your electric motor? Motors usually take up a lot of energy, and a poorly performing motor can add to it. As the motor starts to near its end of life, it slows down its performance, and the quality of energy efficiency will also lower. Consider the advice of a professional to know whether your motor’s performance will improve after the electric motor repair.
Safety
Workers could get injured by a malfunctioning older electric motor. As they deteriorate with age, they will still wear down even if you keep up with maintenance. Before making a choice, thoroughly evaluate the motor to see whether it will be safe to work around it. The obvious solution is a replacement if it won’t. It is worthwhile to weigh the price of replacement vs. repair if it is still up to code for safety.
Situations When Repair is a Better Option
Under certain situations, it is better to repair your motor when it stops working.
When the Repair is Less Time-Consuming
If the time to finish the repair is significantly lower than getting a new one, consider the repair option. Sometimes, the motor may have minor issues that can be resolved with minimal tweaking. However, it would take much less time when done by a professional.
When the Motor is Large and of High Capacity
The size and capacity of the motor are important considerations in deciding whether you need a repair. Since large-sized, high-capacity motors are expensive to replace; it is typically a practical idea to get them repaired by an expert.
When the Motor Has Minor Issues
Your motor may have some minor issues, so it ceased functioning. It can be corrected easily with a repair from a professional. You can get it done for a reasonable price compared to a complete replacement. Usually, the electrical repair service cost for such issues is typically lower than for significant breakdowns.
Situations When Replacement is a Better Option
Certain situations call for a complete replacement of the electric motor when there is nothing much to do to repair it or it is more cost-effective.
When the Motor Repairing Cost is Too High
If the cost of repairs is considerably higher than for a brand-new motor, getting a replacement would be an efficient option. It’s simple to decide to replace a motor if one is easily accessible and its price is reasonable in comparison to the expense of repair. It will make the motor last longer without requiring any repairs.
When the Lead Time is High
Getting your motor on time is crucial to keep your business running. You may have to halt your work if the repair takes more lead time. It could cause you an unnecessary loss of time and money. You can easily avoid the situation if a replacement is readily available.
When the Motor is Aged
The degree of any issues that come about in a motor is usually influenced by its age. A motor will last only so long. If yours has been running for several years now, it’s the motor telling you to get a replacement as its time has come to an end.
Conclusion
Electric motors are a crucial component of many devices, and keeping them in superior condition is necessary for the device’s proper functioning. If the motor stops working, you may need an electric motor repair or replacement, depending on its condition