OI Roundtable

Got Questions Get Answers => Troubleshooting 101 => Topic started by: worker1000 on September 22, 2015, 04:20:AM

Title: How to test an obsolete DC motor
Post by: worker1000 on September 22, 2015, 04:20:AM
Hello,
Since you guys are offering free advice, how do you test an obsolete DC motor?

I've got an old motor with brushes and no name tag. I know the motor runs off of 240 volts DC. It's not making any attempt to move. Looking for a methodical troubleshooting procedure for a motor with unknown specs. I know this sounds like a strange question, but I'm looking for advice on the best method of testing since I'm fairly certain this is a vintage obsolete DC motor and I may be looking at upgrading the motor and control if I can't get this going.
Title: Re: How to test an obsolete DC motor
Post by: 3rdshiftguy on September 27, 2015, 04:42:AM
Quote from: worker1000 on September 22, 2015, 04:20:AM
Hello,
Since you guys are offering free advice, how do you test an obsolete DC motor?

How is this motor being started and controlled? SCR Control, contactors, or solid state drive?
Title: Re: How to test an obsolete DC motor
Post by: worker1000 on November 28, 2015, 04:37:AM
The motor start for this old system is a contactor panel. It is a series of contactors that close in sequence using stepping resistors to ramp up the current to the motor.

These old motor starter contactor controls are barbaric by today's standards, but they actually do the job quite well overall. As a matter of fact, this contactor control has got to be over 50 years old as is the DC motor.