Power Quality Analysis is the first part of “Energized Electric Motor Testing.”   Power Quality issues first appeared with the advent of the vacuum tube. However, in the 1980’s personal computers, PLCs, VFDs, UPSs and electronic lighting, began appearing in increasing numbers. The effects of these discontinuous loads can have deleterious effects on motors and electrical / electronic equipment in general. In this topic we learn how to use your motor tester as a power quality analyzer, to identify numerous power quality anomalies that can substantially reduce your motor longevity.

• Power Quality Analysis
• Total Harmonic Distortion
• Factors affecting balanced voltage and current
• High and Low Frequency Events
• Voltage Analysis
• Harmonics Total Harmonic Distortion
• Total Harmonic Distortion
• Current Analysis
• Impedance Analysis

In this topic we will bring together all the previous topics to display and comprehend the various testing types and methods utilized by the various motor tester manufacturers. We will incorporate the collected data from the motor testing videos and explain the analysis methods and data correlation. We will also provide some actual case studies from many “in-field” finds and successes. How to develop a motor testing program, determining criticality and the various uses for motor test instruments will also be addressed.

• Surge Testing
• High Potential Testing
• Resistance to Ground
• Timed Resistance Testing
• Step Voltage
• Rotor Influence Check Voltage Analysis
• Data Correlation
• Equipment Priorities

With theory review and motor construction now under our belts, we will explore how motors operate. Staring with a simple AC generator we will learn how a motor develops a magnetic field in the stator and how that causes the rotor to turn. We will also learn how we achieve different RPM ranges for motors. In this topic we will also explore efficiency, motor power factor, and torque. We will also learn why it is important to use a motor of proper design for correct applications.

• Left-Hand Rule for Generators
• Rotating Field Armature
• Three-Phase Alternators
• AC Motor Theory
• Left-Hand Rule for Coils
• 3-Phase Power and Rotating Magnetic Stator Field
• Understanding Torque and Motor Starting Curves
• NEMA Design Codes, Applications and Construction

In this section we will continue to build the foundation, necessary, for you to be highly successful at diagnosing motor and motor circuit problems. We will explore differing distribution and grounding systems and how they may impact data collection and analysis. We will also explore how motors are constructed. Without understanding the design and construction of motors, it is quite easy to misdiagnose any collected data. Motor Rewind is another topic we will explore. Knowing what is involved with a proper motor rewind can ensure that you do not receive substandard motors from any motor shop, allowing these motors to be installed or placed in inventory. All motors come with nameplates installed. Although somewhat intuitive much of the information contained on these nameplates is not fully understood or misunderstood. We will provide a detailed overview of the content and importance of understanding motor nameplates.

• Distribution Apparatus
• Motor Design Construction & Materials
• Stator Core
• Stator Windings and Rotor
• Motor Rewind Sequence
• Core Loss
• Coil Winder
• Motor Rewind - Testing & Evaluation
• Motor Nameplate

The ability to successfully use motor test instruments will be dependent upon your knowledge of basic electrical theory. The first several hours of this course is “theory review.” It is not only important to understand relationships between voltage, current and resistance, it is also important to understand the characteristics of different circuits and how they affect collected data. In this group of modules, you will review DC and AC theory at a level that will provide you the necessary background to effectively test electric motors both de-energized and energized. This topic in conjunction with the rest of the course will enable anyone that successfully completes this course to become a highly effective motor test technician.

• Introduction Review of Ohm’s Law 
• Series Circuits
• Parallel Circuits
• DC Theory Review Summary
• AC Theory Review Summary
• Inductance
• Capacitance
• Reactance and Impedance
• Transformer Theory

Prerequisite: Level 1 - Thermographic Applications or Infrared for Electrical Inspections.

A 34-hour quantitative thermography class designed for practicing thermographers interested in advancing their knowledge and capabilities. This class covers advanced theory and applications of infrared thermography in the preventive maintenance, quality assurance, condition monitoring and nondestructive testing of materials fields.

Level 2 focuses on radiometric temperature measurement and how taking accurate temperatures improves the diagnosis and interpretation of thermal situations. The course delves deeply into the concepts of emissivity, reflected temperature compensation as well as spatial and measurement resolution. Other topics include: inspecting though transmissive films and windows and the use and limitations of IR mirrors.

The Level 2 course extends the knowledge gained in Level 1 on infrared theory and heat transfer concepts. Students leave aware of the full operational capabilities of their radiometric thermal imaging equipment and are challenged daily with hands on demonstrations, experiments and inspection situations similar to those they will experience in the field.

This course fully meets the educational requirements for certification in accordance with Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A, as defined by the American Society for Nondestructive Testing.

The class is open to everyone regardless of whether or not they own a thermal imager.