Motor Core Loss testersElectric motors will all suffer from core loss at some point, but what is core loss? Coss loss is where the motor is not running at full potential and energy is being wasted. Preventing wastage of energy and resources is something that we all think about in our daily lives, but is much more essential when caring for components in manufacturing machinery, such as armatures, stators and rotors.

Caring for components and ensuring energy is not being wasted means carrying out regular core loss testing? But what is core loss testing exactly, and who needs to carry it out?

Core loss testing enables a diagnosis of the core can measure details such as exciting current, DC insulation resistance, capacitance and sweep frequency response analysis. Core loss testing is both quick and efficient, giving an accurate reading of how a motor’s core is behaving, and whether it needs to be repaired or replaced. Just as in other key aspects of condition-based monitoring, core loss testing is part of the overall prevention process.

A core loss test is the only method of determining how a motor’s core is behaving, what temperatures it is reaching and how it has been improved after repair procedures such as a rewind. Results are logged as part of the overall quality process, and instantly and automatically compared to the component’s history.

Core loss testing is not something that the machine’s operator needs to know about. The procedure is simple for the test operator to carry out. The tester is connected to the motor to be tested and voltage is increased and recorded, with calculations carried out automatically.

Advances in testing development have increased so much in recent times that the risk of operator error has all but been eliminated. The information gathered from core loss testing is added to that from other condition monitoring procedures to build a thorough picture of a machine’s operating status at any given time and prevent faults in one component that could cause breakdown in other areas, leading to a loss in productivity.