Tips & Tricks

When changing a bearing, coupling, etc. the motor normally needs to be moved out of the way to access the equipment. For heavier motors, remove the motor mounting bolts, disconnect the coupling and lift each foot with a small flat pry bar. Put a 1/8” x 4” nipple under each foot and roll the motor out of the way. Once out of the way place a washer in front of and behind two of the roller pipes to keep it place. After repairs, remove the washers and roll it back into place and remove the roller pipes.

Jack Jones

Electrical Engineer

Guardian Industries Corp., Pittsburgh

I find neon test lights to be handy when used as intended, but also as indicator lights. Cut off the tips, crimp on terminals, and install across AC components. Use several, as test lights are inexpensive, have a wide-voltage AC range, and don’t take up much space. Troubleshooting is easier when watching a sequence of events. I leave them in place, because there is not much reason to pull them out. Watching them helps explain operating details to someone else.

Craig Cox

Project Engineer

Corporate Engineering, Racine, WI

Hinge a small vane in the moving air so it rests on a contact point that triggers a solid state relay, Adjust the vane’s weight so the switch opens when the fan’s speed is higher than desired. When it slows down, the contact closes and the speed increases. The switch contact can be optical to avoid the exposed arc of a true mechanical point contact.

Craig Cox

Project Engineer

Corporate Engineering, Racine, WI

Use a non-contact voltage tester for the loss of ground to electrical equipment. Test first in an outlet, then hold the tester close to the metal case of a piece of equipment connected to the outlet with a three-prong plug. If properly grounded, the probe will not light or sound. Then connect the three-prong plug to a two-prong adapter. Plug into an outlet, and then hold the voltage probe close to the metal case. The probe will sound and light indicating voltage.

Bennie Kennedy

General Industries Outreach Electrical Safety Trainer

Square D/Schneider Electric