Motor Replacement and Technical Support Tips

May 10, 2022

Motor Minute™ Technical Tip – Motor Replacement and Technical Support Tips

Hi, Chris from Regal Rexnord here with your Motor Minute technical tip. Helping you become an HVAC motor pro one minute at a time.

Today’s motor minute topic is motor replacement and technical support tips.

When seeking technical support or replacement of a motor, the information you provide will not only save time but also ensure you get the correct support or replacement you need to get the job done.

When I was in the field, a long time ago, in a galaxy far far away, we had to write everything down and relay the information verbally. Today we have the benefit of the smart phone with a camera. This can really make your job and the task of the support person easier.

Pictures also reduce the potential for misunderstanding of information such as letters and numbers.

When contacting an HVAC manufacturer or authorized distributor for OEM product support, they will typically ask for the HVAC unit model and serial number. So, taking a picture of the unit’s rating plate will provide that information.

This information is also valuable when replacing the motor with a universal alternative. Notice that the horsepower rating is on the rating plate. The motor in the unit may not be the original motor and may have been replaced with the incorrect rating.

When seeking a universal replacement motor or technical support from a component manufacturer, such as the manufacturer of Genteq® motors, the information from the motor rating plate is crucial, but does not always provide all of the information required.

The label on the back or bottom of most ECM motors is not the complete rating plate. The complete rating plate is typically located on the side of the motor, which may require removal of the motor from the motor mount to view all of the information.

The motor rating plate typically provides a wiring diagram for the motor. However, since this is not always legible, providing a picture of the motor wires or plug will help with replacement and/or diagnostics.

The motor rating plate may not provide the frame or shaft diameter. Snap these helpful pix by placing your tape measure across the motor frame and next to the motor shaft.

Pictures of the application are also helpful. The mounting type will be needed to either match or provide a universal alternative.

Notice the measurement of the diameter of the air opening around the indoor blower motor. This measurement will help with selecting a universal mount (if needed) with the proper bolt hole circle diameter.

And that’s a wrap on this segment of Motor Minute technical tips. Remember that we provide motor training and product information in multiple formats including videos, literature, podcasts, articles, of course Motor Minute technical tips and classroom education both online and face to face. All of this industry leading training is available at no charge to HVAC professionals at regalmmu.com. Thank you for taking the time to build your motor knowledge.