Many people only notice problems with motors when the motor may physically shake, vibrate, overheat, or make an audible sound, before taking the proper action to fix the issue. Vibration monitoring sensors have become more commonly used but sometimes do not find the true issue within the motor in time before further damage occurs.

Electrical Signature Analysis (ESA), a technology that assesses the circuitry of the components within the entire motor system (Motor Control Center (MCC) or Variable Frequency Drive (VFD)), cables and motors, is used in other types of motor vibration analysis equipment, such as the hand-held ALL-TEST PRO On-Line II™ (ATPOL II). ESA pinpoints early-stage motor faults often before they are more easily detectable.

This case study discusses the strengths and weaknesses of two different types of motor vibration analysis equipment in assessing and diagnosing a motor’s rotor damage.

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