Electric Motor Maintenance and Troubleshooting, Second Edition is the essential, up-to-date field guide for anyone working with electric motors—whether you’re a plant technician, maintenance engineer, facilities manager, service contractor, educator, or serious DIY enthusiast. This comprehensive volume delivers a practical, real-world approach to understanding, servicing, and repairing electric motors of all types and sizes.
Expertly written by Augie Hand, a respected industry veteran with more than 40 years of hands-on experience, this trusted resource combines theory, applications, diagnostics, and repair procedures into one indispensable reference. Now in its second edition, the book has been thoroughly revised and expanded to reflect the latest advancements in motor technology, industry standards, and maintenance practices.
This updated edition features in-depth coverage of both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) machines, including detailed sections on single-phase, three-phase, and special-purpose motors. You’ll find expanded discussions on three-phase induction motors, the backbone of industrial applications, along with comprehensive guidance on modern testing instruments, digital diagnostic tools, and condition monitoring techniques.
From motor selection and installation to preventive maintenance and full-scale rebuilds, this book covers it all. It also helps readers make informed decisions on when to perform repairs in-house, when to outsource, and when replacement is the most economical option—minimizing downtime and maximizing equipment lifespan.
What you’ll learn:
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The fundamentals of electric motor operation and design, including magnetic principles, windings, torque, and load characteristics
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Step-by-step troubleshooting techniques for DC motors, including series, shunt, and compound types
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In-depth analysis and diagnostics for single-phase and three-phase AC motors, including capacitor-start, split-phase, and induction types
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How to test motors for issues like insulation breakdown, winding shorts, bearing defects, and alignment problems using advanced instrumentation
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Procedures for safely disassembling, inspecting, and reassembling motors, with guidance on tools, tolerances, and mechanical integrity
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Special attention to uncommon motors, including synchronous motors, two-speed one-winding, multispeed, and custom-configured machines used in specialized applications
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How to interpret nameplate data, match motors to applications, and comply with codes and safety standards
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Practical examples and case studies drawn from decades of field experience, demonstrating troubleshooting under real-world conditions
Additional features:
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Clear, jargon-free explanations ideal for both newcomers and experienced professionals
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Fully illustrated with diagrams, schematics, and photos to enhance understanding
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End-of-chapter review questions for self-study, training, or classroom instruction
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Cross-referenced sections for easy lookup and fast field use
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A comprehensive glossary of terms and symbols used throughout the industry
Whether you’re responsible for a single machine or an entire facility full of motors, this definitive guide will help you keep your systems running safely, efficiently, and reliably.
Contents include:
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Introduction to Motor Theory and Operation
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Understanding Electrical Circuits and Motor Controls
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Troubleshooting DC Machines
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Maintenance and Testing of Single-Phase Motors
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Three-Phase Induction Motors: Operation, Fault Detection, and Repairs
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Troubleshooting Special Motor Types: Synchronous, Two-Speed, Multispeed, and More
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Using Test Equipment: Multimeters, Megohmmeters, Vibration Analyzers, Thermal Cameras, and More
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Preventive Maintenance Strategies and Best Practices
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Repair vs. Replace: Making the Right Call
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Real-World Case Studies and Problem-Solving Scenarios
If you work with electric motors in any capacity, Electric Motor Maintenance and Troubleshooting, Second Edition is your one-stop source for reliable information, expert guidance, and practical skills. More information…
