Electric Motor Maintenance and Troubleshooting

The information in the book is the same old thing in a new cover. I see no difference between this book, previous books by the author, and my early 1950's copy of "Preventive Maintenance of Electrical Equipment" by Charles L Hubert. Basically, the book would make a great history lesson on testing from the early 1900's, while lacking in new test options that have come out over the past 25 years.

There are quite a few technical issues with the book. For instance, surge testing is related as an 'inductance-based test' which is incorrect. It is actually an impedance-based test.

While new instruments have been available for the past 25 years, that are affordable, none of those technologies are mentioned. And in one area, the author offers his opinions on new technologies and what they detect, but does not provide information to allow the reader or student to make their own decisions. For instance: "Uneven air gap - a test claim - can't be detected from the three leads of a three phase motor. (Although it isn't desirable, an uneven air gap won't destroy a motor's winding.)" - Whereas, air gap problems are detected by inductance, and impedance, because of changes to the electrical circuit (this author cannot change the laws of physics), and, while it has a minimal effect on the windings, it has a pronounced effect on the mechanics of the motor, which is why air gap is important when assembling motors, and when troubleshooting with vibration (eccentric rotor).

I am, to put it mildly, disappointed.


Disappointed   April 5, 2002
Howard W. Penrose (Old Saybrook, CT United States)
20 out of 24 found this review helpful

I had this book on backorder for three months, eagerly anticipating new ideas, new methods of testing, and more. Having been in the electric motor industry, from being a motor repair journeyman in the US Navy to in-depth research into motor repair and testing at universities and for utilities, for about 20 years, I have seen major changes to the industry since the early 1980's.

The information in the book is the same old thing in a new cover. I see no difference between this book, previous books by the author, and my early 1950's copy of "Preventive Maintenance of Electrical Equipment" by Charles L Hubert. Basically, the book would make a great history lesson on testing from the early 1900's, while lacking in new test options that have come out over the past 25 years. The recommended 'smoke tests' and dangerous high voltage tests can be avoided these days, and are dangerous in their own right (safety issues).

There are quite a few technical issues with the book. For instance, surge testing is related as an 'inductance-based test' which is incorrect. It is actually an impedance-based test.

While new instruments have been available for the past 25 years, that are affordable, none of those technologies are mentioned. And in one area, the author offers his opinions on new technologies and what they detect, but does not provide information to allow the reader or student to make their own decisions. For instance: "Uneven air gap - a test claim - can't be detected from the three leads of a three phase motor. (Although it isn't desirable, an uneven air gap won't destroy a motor's winding.)" - Whereas, air gap problems are detected by inductance, and impedance, because of changes to the electrical circuit (this author cannot change the laws of physics), and, while it has a minimal effect on the windings, it has a pronounced effect on the mechanics of the motor, which is why air gap is important when assembling motors, and when troubleshooting with vibration (eccentric rotor vibration).

I am, to put it mildly, disappointed.