ABB expert wound up by motor repairs

London – UK industry is largely mismanaging its motor inventory, according to Steve Ruddell of ABB Ltd, citing the high level of low voltage motors showing up for rewind work in repair company workshops.

Many repairers have motors less than five years old on their benches for rewind alongside older motors having had multiple rewinds, according to the ABB manager.

The trend is reflected in the increasing gap between the market for motor repairs that for new industrial low voltage motors. ABB reckons that the repairs business is worth at least twice the estimated £70 million generated by new product sales, and growing.

“No one should be making inferior motors today,” said Ruddell. “The technology and materials used by today’s motors gives them an expected life span in excess of 20 years. They should be durable and highly reliable.”

The reason for so many rewinds and premature failures is the lack of a motor management plan among end-users, believes Ruddell. These plans, such as those developed by ABB, can minimise if not eliminate many unplanned outages, he said.

However, concluded Ruddell: “It appears much easier when a motor fails to have someone collect it, rewind it and reinstall it. But what if this is a critical, continuous process application? Taking it off line could cost hundreds of pounds per hour.”