Bearings for IEEE 841 motors

As the IEEE 841 specification becomes widely used outside of the petrochemical industry, more review is required to assure the intent is understood. A look at competitive literature in the context of IEEE 841, finds many different terms to describe bearing life. Terms like 'Bearing Life', "B10", "L10 life", and "L10a". Belted life claims vary from 26280 hours to 70000 hours for the same bearing, in motors with very similar geometry. Clearly there are questions in the industry about the evaluation of IEEE 841 bearing systems. This paper reviews the application issues surrounding bearings in IEEE 841 motors.