Proper selection of induction motor tests

When buying a new induction motor, the purchaser must decide on what amount and type of testing needs to be conducted to be assured that the motor will perform as required for their application. Various tests are available to verify performance and integrity, and the value of these tests depends on the application, user's experiences, motor size/voltage, etc. Many of these tests are not standard, and may add to the motor cost without adding significant value to the purchaser. Furthermore, while some of these tests may help ascertain a motor's reliability and performance, the testing may be harsh on the motor, degrading the integrity of the motor in the process. By determining which tests are truly required, both from a cost and a harshness perspective, an optimized motor test can be purchased. Also, alternate test procedures may exist which may yield similar information, but without the stress imposed by more traditional test methods and/or specifications. This paper explores the various tests available for induction motors, along with an analysis of the stress on the motor and value of information derived.