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Troubleshooting of electric motors

Insulation resistance testing is performed when troubleshooting electric motors and related equipment. IEEE Standard 43-2000, Recommended Practice for Testing Insulation Resistance of Rotating Machines, recommends the insulation test voltage to apply, based on winding rating, and minimum acceptable values for electric motor windings.

Troubleshooting electrical devices with insulation resistance test instrument
Troubleshooting electrical devices with insulation resistance test instrument (photo credit: Fluke)

The IEEE also provides typical guidelines for DC voltage to be applied during an insulation resistance test.

Electric motor - insulation spot test
Electric motor – insulation spot test

In order to obtain meaningful insulation resistance measurements, the technician should carefully examine the system under test.

The best results are achievedĀ when the following conditions are met:

  1. The system or equipment is taken outĀ of service and disconnected from allĀ other circuits, switches, capacitors,Ā overcurrent protection devices, andĀ circuit breakers.
    Ensure that the measurementsĀ are not affected by leakageĀ current through switches and overcurrentĀ protective devices!
  2. The temperature of the conductor isĀ above the dew point of the ambient air.Ā When this is not the case, a moistureĀ coating will form on the insulationĀ surface, and, in some cases will beĀ absorbed by the material.
  3. The surface of the conductor is free of hydrocarbons and other foreign matter that can become conductive in humid conditions.
  4. Applied voltage is not higher than the system capacity. When testing low voltage systems, too much voltage can overstress or damage insulation.
  5. The system under test has been completely discharged to the ground. The grounding discharge time should be about five times the testing charge time.
  6. The effect of temperature is considered. Since insulation resistance is inversely proportional to insulation temperature (resistance goes down as temperature goes up), the recorded readings are altered by changes in the temperature of the insulating material.

It is recommended that tests be performed at a standard conductor temperature of 68Ā°F (20Ā°C).

When comparing readings to 68Ā°F base temperature, double the resistance for every 18Ā°F (10Ā°C) above 68Ā°F or halve the resistance for every 18Ā°F below 68Ā°F in temperature. For example, a 1 MĪ© resistance at 104Ā°F (40Ā°C) will translate to 4 MĪ© resistance at 68Ā°F (20Ā°C).

Title:Troubleshooting electrical devices with insulation resistance test instrument
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Troubleshooting electrical devices with insulation resistance test instrument
Troubleshooting electrical devices with insulation resistance test instrument

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4 Comments


  1. gamal hamada
    Aug 07, 2020

    very good


  2. rachid
    Feb 06, 2018

    Thank you.


  3. Syed Farhan Usman
    Aug 15, 2016

    We are seeking the guidelines for Lightning protection Assessment in the moderate atmosphere of Lahore, Pakistan. If possible/available share with me the lightning strike statistics of this area.

    Thanks & Best regards,

    Syed Farhan Usman
    CEO


  4. Colin Walters
    Aug 10, 2016

    This along with other articles received on a weekly/monthly basis are very usefull especially when you have yound and upcomming field technicians and Engineers to train/expose. They also serve as a good refresher and information resource center to improve/increase your knowledge base

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