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Karl Metcalfe, technical support at the AEMT, offers some advice on how to ensure stored electric motors are properly maintained to make sure they are ready for operation when required.


ost commercial and industrial operations will rely on electric motors and for many


organisations it is standard practice to store working spares so that, in the event of a motor failure, downtimes can be minimised by swapping out the failed motor with a working spare.


For this reason, it is essential that stored motors remain operation- ready, and this does require correct management and regular servicing. Firstly, it is important to keep stored motors protected from vibration and extremes of temperature and weather, so outdoor storage is not advisable. Ideally, electric motors should be stored indoors in a clean and dry environment. While a climate-controlled environment is the best option for storing electric motors, in some instances, this may not be possible. In such cases, the motor may need to be palletised outdoors. If this is the only option, the motor should be covered loosely with a waterproof covering, ensuring that air can circulate to help minimise condensation. It is also important to try and protect lower IP motors from pest intrusion.


Ensure that all openings – cable entries, air vents, grease pipes etc. – are suitably covered or sealed during storage.


Exposed surface areas could also be coated with a corrosion inhibitor which will need to be removed before the motor goes back into service.


ELECTRICAL SERVICES Don’t ignore your stored motors Protecting bearings


To protect from vibration indoors, it is also a good idea to store motors in locations that are not near any ambient vibration areas. Bearings in stored motors have been known to fail due to fretting or false brinelling as a result of


environmental vibrations, which induces small scale motion of the bearings. Even minimal ambient vibration will cause motor bearings to wear over time. Storing motors on materials that can help absorb vibration is, therefore, good practice. Regular shaft rotation also helps to reduce bearing wear on any one point of the bearings, helping to prolong their life. The AEMT advises that shafts are rotated at least once a month, with the shafts of larger motors turned more often. While it is generally acknowledged that shaft turning is necessary on stored equipment, AEMT members have reported that, in practice, the task is rarely actioned often enough. So regular shaft rotation should be made someone’s responsibility, as part of a store’s maintenance schedule.


Ensuring adequate lubrication


For grease lubricated motors, the shelf life of the grease in the bearings should be a consideration. If the motor employs sealed bearings, it is very likely that if not in operation for an extended period – say two years – the grease inside the bearing will separate and will not work optimally when required to start turning again.


Industry bodies unite to upskill workforce


existing workforce and help achieve the Government’s and respective devolved nations' Net Zero targets. The initiative by the ECS, which accredits the qualifications


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electrotechnical industry workers, is being undertaken both through the Joint Industry Board (JIB) and Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) for the Electrotechnical Industry, Joint Industry Board for Plumbing, Mechanical and Engineering Services (JIB-PMES), Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) and the Scottish Northern Ireland Joint Industry Board (SNIJIB.


Over the next few years there is an expected surge in demand for low carbon transport, energy efficiency, storage and for more sustainable methods of heating. For example, 600,000 heat pumps will be required every year by 2028 as per the Government’s Green Plan, announced November 2020.


The five CSCS Partner Schemes, representing more than 300,000 operatives across the UK heating and ventilation, mechanical and electrotechnical sectors, are working together to recognise and endorse the qualifications, skills and experience of their workforce in this crucial area.


28 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER NOVEMBER 2021


n industry-wide initiative involving the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) is underway in order to upskill the UK’s


Discussions have taken place between the five schemes to agree a future roadmap for these skills which may cross occupations to allow recognition and provide a pragmatic solution to this sector within the established industry structures.


Although there are some occupations which clearly fit within one scheme, heat pump installation and maintenance are examples of occupations which cross boundaries between electrical, mechanical, and heating and ventilation.


Andy Reakes, JIB & ECS, explained: “Maintaining industry standards in this vital area is key and the five partner schemes are unified in recognising the need to be appropriately qualified, and that personnel have undertaken the necessary additional upskilling and training to the requirements of the Microgeneration Certification Scheme.”


Read the latest at: www.bsee.co.uk


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