Quick Diagnostics That Save Time and Money: The Value of 3 Minutes of Motor Failure Testing
This All-Test Pro article highlights a hospital motor failure where initial basic testing pointed to the drive as the issue.
After replacing the drive without resolving the problem, a motor circuit analysis test quickly identified an internal motor fault, demonstrating how proper, fast diagnostics can prevent unnecessary costs, downtime, and repairs.
Article Highlights:
- A 17 kW hospital roof fan motor in the Netherlands failed less than a year after installation.
- Basic tests (insulation & resistance) showed no faults, so the VFD was replaced — but the issue remained.
- The motor was later tested using the ALL-TEST PRO7™ (AT7™ PRO) Motor Circuit Analysis tool.
- In just 3 minutes, testing revealed an internal phase fault that standard tests missed.
- The hospital incurred unnecessary costs (VFD replacement, crane rental, downtime).
- Proper motor circuit testing can quickly identify real faults and prevent costly misdiagnosis.
- Key message: A few minutes of advanced testing can save significant time, money, and downtime.
Key Takeaway:
Spending just about 3 minutes using a proper motor diagnostic tool like Motor Circuit Analysis (MCA) can identify the real cause of a motor failure—saving significant time, money, and unnecessary equipment replacements. In the case study, basic tests misled technicians and led to a faulty VFD replacement and costly motor removal, whereas a quick MCA test pinpointed the actual motor fault right away.