11. Scenario Based Questions Flashcards
You arrive at a facility where an electric motor has suddenly stopped working. The customer reports it was making unusual noises before it failed.
What steps would you take to diagnose the issue? What potential causes would you consider, and how would you explain your findings to the customer?
Diagnosis Steps
Gather Information - Maintenance records, Error Codes etc.
Visual Inspections - Wear, Discolouration, Overheating, Physical Damage.
Power Supply - Test for voltage to the device and inspect circuit breaker and determine if it has tripped.
Listen and Observe - If safe, Energise and listen for unusal sounds. Inspect bearings and shaft.
Insulation Resistance Test - Using a Megohmeter, test for insulation breakdown and continuity in the windings.
Thermal and Mechanical Checks - Measure temperature and if there are any blockages in the system.
Causes to Consider
- Overvoltage, Undervoltage, Short Circuits, Open Circuits, Insulation failure.
- Bearings/Shaft, Shaft alignment, overload due to bloackage.
- Dust, Moisture, inadequate ventilation.
- Incorrect Motor Specs, Lack of maintenance.
