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David Manney, L&S Electric

Articles

Predictive and Preventive Maintenance November 7, 2017

Is your maintenance program doomed to failure?

No maintenance program can succeed without effective inter-department communication and cooperation. Program discipline and management is just as important as choosing the type of maintenance program your facility utilizes.

By David Manney, L&S Electric
Mechanical & Electrical November 3, 2017

Four reasons why electric motors overheat

Increases in the temperature of an electric motor reduce its lifespan. By knowing the reason why electric motors overheat, users can develop a preventive maintenance strategy to combat inefficiencies.

By David Manney, L&S Electric
Mechanical & Electrical October 30, 2017

The benefits of using high-efficiency motors

The use of high-efficiency, electric motors can lead to significant drops in energy use, as well as significant savings in cost. There are other factors, such as the difference in material quality and higher upfront costs, that need to be considered as well.

By David Manney, L&S Electric
Compressed Air October 26, 2017

Four ways to manage a compressed air system’s efficiency

There are many factors affecting the bottom line of your facility. A leak or inefficiency in a compressed air system may spell much higher costs. Follow these tips to ensure your compressed air system is running efficiently.

By David Manney, L&S Electric
Mechanical & Electrical October 24, 2017

Knowing the causes and solutions for bearing issues

Improving the performance and longevity of bearings begins with understanding the most common causes of bearing failure and malfunction.

By David Manney, L&S Electric
Mechanical & Electrical October 18, 2017

The six fault zones key to proper maintenance

A proper maintenance program goes beyond a visual inspection; instead it uses the proper tools and equipment necessary to check the six fault zones of a motor.

By David Manney, L&S Electric
Courtesy: TradeSafe
Safety & PPE September 20, 2017

What you need to know about the shocking effects of an arc flash explosion

Most people tend to respect electrical equipment, but they may not understand the dangers associated with it. One of those dangers is arc flash. In fact, the likelihood of injury from an arc fault is higher than injury from an electric shock.

By David Manney, L&S Electric
Energy Efficiency & Management September 13, 2017

Ten tips to save money on pumping systems

As pumping systems are responsible for significant energy usage in the industrial sector, it is beneficial to reduce energy usage, therefore costs, as much as possible.

By David Manney, L&S Electric
Motors & Drives August 29, 2017

DC motor repair rewinding tips

Whether to repair or replace a motor is a decision that must take the specific business's needs and budget into account.

By David Manney, L&S Electric
Mechanical & Electrical August 18, 2017

The basics of industrial motor power surge suppression

Power surges can be very damaging to electronic equipment in various ways, making it important to take precautionary measures in order to avoid them.

By David Manney, L&S Electric
Predictive and Preventive Maintenance July 27, 2017

Using condition monitoring to forecast and diagnose problems

Careful condition monitoring by keeping track of any subtle changes in machines overtime can help avoid failures and costly downtime.

By David Manney, L&S Electric
Safety & PPE July 10, 2017

Three methods of preventive maintenance that should not be overlooked

Sound level analysis, ultrasonics, and vibration analysis along with other preventive maintenance techniques help prevent unexpected equipment failure and downtime.

By David Manney, L&S Electric
Mechanical & Electrical July 10, 2017

Polarization index testing benefits

Polarization index (PI) testing is an extension of the insulation resistance test and is designed to check specific issues in a motor such as moisture and insulation deterioration.

By David Manney, L&S Electric
Mechanical & Electrical July 5, 2017

Differences between electric motors and generators

Electric motors and generators have significant differences in terms of function and what they are used for, but both are closely connected to Faraday's Law of Electromagnetic Induction.

By David Manney, L&S Electric
Safety & PPE June 29, 2017

Seven ways to avoid potential safety hazards

With all the safety hazards posed by electrical equipment, proper training is imperative to the well-being of employees.

By David Manney, L&S Electric
Safety & PPE June 13, 2017

The dangers of counterfeit bearings on a facility

Counterfeit bearings are becoming a major problem for companies and they pose dangers to machines as well as workers and there are steps and organizations out there looking to stem the tide.

By David Manney, L&S Electric
Mechanical & Electrical June 7, 2017

Five lubrication warning signs to look for

Lubrication testing is common for preventive maintenance programs and people performing the tests should watch out for water, acid, and viscosity during the tests.

By David Manney, L&S Electric
Safety & PPE June 6, 2017

Six tips for reducing maintenance costs

Companies that are engaged in ongoing maintenance at an industrial facility should implement safe working practices and practice predictive maintenance whenever possible.

By David Manney, L&S Electric
Mechanical & Electrical May 24, 2017

Benefits and limitations of ac generator motors

AC generator motors have advantages such as simple design and not requiring matching voltages, but they do have some drawbacks such as higher levels of insulation.

By David Manney, L&S Electric
Mechanical & Electrical May 19, 2017

Carbon brush benefits for a dc motor

In dc motors, the carbon brush makes sure the commutation process remains free from sparks and helps conduct electric current between the moving parts of the motor.

By David Manney, L&S Electric
Mechanical & Electrical May 16, 2017

Soft starter 101: How do they work?

Soft starters are designed to increase the voltage in steps and keep the motor from receiving the full voltage right away, which saves the motor from damage over time.

By David Manney, L&S Electric
Lean Maintenance April 18, 2017

Predictive, preventive, and breakdown maintenance tips

Predictive, preventive, and breakdown maintenance are common maintenance programs that provide their own unique benefits and plant managers should know when to employ them.

By David Manney, L&S Electric
Arc Flash & Electrical Safety March 21, 2017

Causes of arc flash and arc flash blast incidents

Arc flash incidents are common causes of injury in a facility and knowing how and why they occur is a good strategy to prevent them from occurring in the first place.

By David Manney, L&S Electric
Safety & PPE March 7, 2017

Implement annual IR scans in preventive maintenance program

Performing an annual infrared (IR) scan helps secure assets and also prevents downtime and disastrous equipment.

By David Manney, L&S Electric
Motors & Drives March 7, 2017

Understanding ac induction motor basics

Knowing how magnetism and electromagnetic induction work are crucial to understanding how an ac induction motor works and functions.

By David Manney, L&S Electric
Safety & PPE February 21, 2017

Five tips to prevent bearing problems

Healthy ball bearings are one of the most important details for preventing potential disaster in a manufacturing facility and knowing what to look for during routine maintenance is key.

By David Manney, L&S Electric
Lean Maintenance February 15, 2017

Use cable testing to assess a motor’s health

Regular cable testing on motors are designed to help determine if any scheduled maintenance may need to take place and using insulation resistance or polarization index testing can provide some answers.

By David Manney, L&S Electric
Safety & PPE February 9, 2017

Five tips for better electric motor maintenance

It is essential to perform preventive maintenance (PM) checks on electric motors as a part of managing facility assets because they have a massive impact on a business' productivity and profit. Consider the five tips highlighted below.

By David Manney, L&S Electric
Vision and Discrete Sensors January 16, 2017

Five ideas to start on the path to energy efficiency

If the goal is to save money on energy at an industrial facility, taking proper care of the equipment is crucial. Consider the five areas highlighted below as a place to start.

By David Manney, L&S Electric
Motors & Drives January 13, 2017

How does motor current analysis help motors?

Motor current analysis provides information on existing issues such as loose connections, burned windings, and grounded windings.

By David Manney, L&S Electric
Motors & Drives January 12, 2017

Importance of motor winding analysis in a facility

Motor faults and failure can cause disruptions to business operations and lead to loss of productivity and reduced profits.

By David Manney, L&S Electric
Mechanical & Electrical January 5, 2017

Tips for keeping DC motors healthy

An effective maintenance program prolongs the lifespan of DC motors and prevents expensive and unnecessary repairs.

By David Manney, L&S Electric
Environmental Health January 4, 2017

The two most common methods of motor testing

Regular testing of the electrical motors provides many benefits, including financial savings, energy conservation, improved safety and increased uptime.

By David Manney, L&S Electric
Mechanical & Electrical December 19, 2016

Why is short-circuit current rating important?

It is important to verify and improve short-circuit rating to remain in compliance.

By David Manney, L&S Electric
Motors & Drives December 13, 2016

Why online motor testing is a great PdM tool

Although offline or static testing is an important part of a routine maintenance program, dynamic testing of motors can be done more frequently and, in many cases, with greater benefit.

By David Manney, L&S Electric
Mechanical & Electrical December 7, 2016

Transformers are key for safety in any electrical system

Proper installation and maintenance of an electrical system’s components help keep the working environment safe while extending the life of the equipment.

By David Manney, L&S Electric
PLCs, PACs November 18, 2016

Choosing the right PLC panel

Programmable logic controller (PLC) panels come in almost every shape and size with some of them being freestanding and others being wall-mounted and choosing the right solution for a particular application can be difficult.

By David Manney, L&S Electric
Safety & PPE November 15, 2016

Five safety tips when working near electricity

There is real potential for injury or death associated with electrical accidents and it is important to take the necessary steps to avoid these dangers.

By David Manney, L&S Electric
Mechanical & Electrical November 8, 2016

Six ways to avoid electrical testing problems

It is important to safely start up electrical systems and restarting them securely after routine maintenance has taken place. Six tips to avoid these problems are highlighted below.

By David Manney, L&S Electric
Safety & PPE November 1, 2016

Stopping small air leaks saves energy long-term

Air leaks in facilities are common and regular maintenance can help stop them before they become a major drain on energy costs.

By David Manney, L&S Electric
Safety & PPE October 25, 2016

Avoid efficiency loss during motor repairs

Assessing the motor before repairs and a well thought-out preventive maintenance program can help reduce efficiency loss and keep operations running smoothly.

By David Manney, L&S Electric
System Integration October 19, 2016

VFDs offer cost-effective benefits for plants

Variable frequency drives (VFDs) are designed to reduce energy usage by controlling the speed of the motor and can offer cost-effective benefits for plants.

By David Manney, L&S Electric
Safety & PPE October 14, 2016

Four ways to take care of bearings

Companies need to take care of their bearings because they can cause lasting damage to an electric motor if they don't. Best practices include proper storage and maintenance and avoiding counterfeit bearings.

By David Manney, L&S Electric
System Integration October 7, 2016

Prevent shaft current from causing motor damage

Awareness and testing for potential shaft current on motors can help companies experience fewer problems with downtime and equipment failure.

By David Manney, L&S Electric
Safety & PPE October 5, 2016

Three tips for worker arc flash safety

Companies need to take necessary steps to prevent an arc flash incident such as identifying potential areas where an incident might occur and ensuring workers have access to proper safety equipment like personal protective equipment (PPE).

By David Manney, L&S Electric
Safety & PPE September 26, 2016

Eight common causes of gear failure

The cause of gear failure can stem from many issues, but the most common is due to wear, which occurs for different reasons.

By David Manney, L&S Electric
Safety & PPE September 21, 2016

Avoid surprises with preventive maintenance

Preventive maintenance can help companies keep their machinery running and prevent faults, but users should consider noninvasive techniques that don't end up causing inadvertent damage during the maintenance process.

By David Manney, L&S Electric