This IS NOT a guide for the do-it-yourselfer. These tips and suggestions are provided for persons with necessary test equipment and proper qualifications.
Before you start to work on the motor, MAKE SURE THE POWER IS OFF. Always turn the power off at the electrical service entrance breaker box or fuse, to prevent electrical shock. To prevent electrical shock when touching the motor, be sure windings are securely grounded to the ground terminal in accordance with local electrical codes. DO NOT work on electrical operations if water or moist operating conditions cannot be avoided.
Basic motor service requires just a few simple tools. To make the job go smoother, be sure to have these tools in your toolbox before you begin working:
1. Standard Screwdrive |
6. Wide Blade Screwdriver |
2. Rubber Mallet |
7. Needle-nose Pliers |
3. 5/16 inch Nut Driver |
8. Ohmmeter |
4. Voltmeter |
9. Ammeter |
5. Marking Pen |
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General Maintenance
Bluffton Motor Works motors are designed and built for years of maintenance free operation.
To keep your system operating smoothly, perform the following routine checks. In the event service is required, you will find your Franklin motor is easily repaired.
- Keep the area in and around the motor clean. Excessive dirt in the area can be pulled into the motor, resulting in shortened motor life.
- If the motor is used in a Pool Pump application, or other seasonal application, before storage, be sure that all surfaces are dry to prevent rust. If left outside, the motor should be covered to guard against blowing leaves, dirt, and snow. DO NOT SEAL THE MOTOR IN AIR TIGHT MATERIALS. Condensation may form, causing bearing and insulation damage.
- Most Bluffton Motor Works motors are equipped with permanently lubricated ball bearings. Thus, lubrication is not normally required.
- Keeping the motor cool is most important. Ambient temperatures should not exceed nameplate markings. Provide shade from direct sunlight. The area around the motor should be large enough to provide ample cross ventilation.
Failure to Start
(Motor makes no sound)
Electrical Checks
- Check for blown line fuse.
- Be sure switch and/or timer is in the "on" position.
- Check all electrical connections to the terminal board located inside the conduit box on the motor.
- Check continuity through thermal protector. (Allow motor to cool and try to restart)
- Check windings for continuity.
(Motor hums or attempts to start)
Electrical Checks
- Check for proper line voltage at the motor terminals. Voltage should be within +/- 10% of nameplate specification. If inadequate voltage is present, check for proper wire size or other causes of excessive voltage drop.
- If equipped with a mechanical switch, the contacts should be in the closed position when at rest.
- Check the capacitor.
- Check continuity through thermal protector.
- Check windings for continuity.
Motor is Noisy
Electrical Checks
Excessive electrical noise will occur in the event of high line voltage.
- Check supply voltage at motor terminals.
Mechanical Checks
Excessive vibration.
- Check for loose mounting.
- Check shaft alignment.
- Check for bent shaft.
Excessive noise.
- Check for damaged or birnelled bearings. Replace as necessary.
- Check for rotor rub by rotating the shaft slowly by hand.
Overheating
(Motor runs but overload trips)
Electrical Checks
- Check for adequate ventilation. Be sure motor vent holes (or fan blades) are free of obstruction and ambient temperature does not exceed nameplate marking.
- Check for proper supply voltage. Voltage should be with in +/- 10% of nameplate marking.
- Compare running amps with the Maximum or Service Factor amps marked on the nameplate. If running amps are higher than nameplate, check for mechanical problems.
- Check motor windings, capacitor and start switch for proper operation.
Solid State Switch
How to Check
- Remove switch.
- Visually inspect the switch for physical damage. All terminals should be straight up with good solder joints.
- Checking for an open circuit.
- Set ohmmeter on R x 1.
- Connect leads to terminals 1 and 3.
- Meter should read short circuit.
- If not, replace switch with an exact replacement.
- Checking for an short circuit.
- Set ohmmeter on R x 1.
- Connect leads to terminals 1 and 2.
- Meter should read open.
- If not, replace switch with an exact replacement
If switch passes the above checks and the motor still does not start, it is possible the switch could be faulty. To absolutely discount the switch as your source of problem, perform the following bypass test.
- Turn power off to motor.
- Remove motor lead from terminal 2 on switch.
- Connect a momentary contact switch between the removed lead from terminal 2 and terminal 1 on the switch.
- Turn the power on and engage the momentary switch.
- If the motor does not start, the motor is faulty. If the motor starts, replace the switch with an exact replacement.
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