Motor Testers
Motor testers measure the performance of motors to ensure they are efficient and safe. The equipment is automatic, performing a sequence of steps to determine whether the demonstrated capabilities of the motor are acceptable. The majority of motor testers are used with electric motors.
Quick links to Motor Testers Information
Applications of Motor Testers
Motor testers are used to determine if repairs are necessary and to perform maintenance and troubleshooting to minimize downtime and avoid repair costs. A routine test can help maintain a motor's efficiency so the lifespan of the equipment will be extended. Motor testers have a variety of operating procedures to perform electric motor impulse testing, motor rotation testing, wound rotor motor testing, and electric motor insulation resistance testing. This equipment can operate offline without a power supply or online with applied power and a running motor. Depending on the application, motor testers may be portable, standalone, or installed in the equipment being tested. Because of the widespread usage of both gas and electric motors, motor testers are important to many industries. Production and manufacturing companies rely on functioning and efficient motors for every process that requires power or motion. These machines may also be used for vehicles.
Motor Tester Design and Function
Motor testers are available in a range of styles, sizes, methods, and abilities. Top quality testers perform more complicated analyses, storing and exporting data as well as graphing it on digital displays. Generally, motor testers work by using voltage probes and current probes attached to input wires of the motor to connect internal voltmeters, ammeters, and ohmmeters to the system (only for electrical motors). Some use a non-contact speed sensor to measure the motor shaft speed and determine the number of rotations per minute. Other options and parameters include a load point test, in which the motor is tested while under a full load, no load, or a locked rotor. Direction, torque, current, voltage, power, efficiency, and cut-out speed may be determined by motor tester equipment because of the range of available options that meet the variety of needs. To take torque measurements, motor testers may use a trunnion mounting of the loading device, where the brake is mounted so that its enclosure is able to rotate freely around the shaft. An electronic scale takes the measurements. Transducers coupled with the shaft between the motor and the brake are fast and accurate, with less than 0.1% inaccuracy. For motor power, testers are able to handle speeds from less than one horsepower to several hundred.