How To Test A Small Dc Electric Motor

Dc or direct current motors are the most efficient electrical motors on the market today.

How to test a small dc electric motor. Placing the test probes on the capacitor terminals the resistance should start low and gradually increase as the small voltage supplied by the meter s battery gradually charges the capacitor. Consult the motor schematic or a diagram of the motor s windings and use the meter to measure the resistance of the windings. They generally operate on low voltage electricity 6 to 24 volts and are powered by batteries or a transformer that reduces 110 volts to the required low voltage. Check c to e s to e r to e.

Test for direct. This will check every coil in the motor armature. The second check is the bar to bar resistance test pictured on right. As with the first test the important thing to observe is that each measurement should be about the same.

The type of motor will determine the types of tests you will perform to troubleshoot it. Small fan motors last a long time due to few moving parts. The meter should not show an open or a short when a winding leg is measured. Most electric motors whether ac or dc fail after time for reasons that may not be electrical in nature.

Small electric motors operate a wide variety of electrical devices such as remote control models children s railroad sets and computers. To check an electric motor to see. Small universal motors as for portable electric drills may contain extensive circuitry including a switch and brushes. Set the voltage setting of the insulation resistance tester to 500v and check motor windings to earth.

This is why once you have managed to get to your dc electric motor you. Because of the concealed nature of these motors it can be highly difficult to complete any repairs or maintenance on them without having to pull whatever it is powering apart. Understanding the basic layout of a dc motor can go a long way in the troubleshooting and repair of the motor. These days direct current or dc electric motors are used in a wide range of applications such as the moving windows and seats in your car.

There are two major components of an electrical motor called the stator and the rotor. If it stays shorted or does not rise there is probably an issue with the capacitor and may need to be replaced. Identify the type of motor and examine its nameplate information. In the ohmmeter mode connect the meter to the plug and monitor the resistance as you wiggle the cord where it enters the enclosure.