U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Federal Energy Management Program – Operations and Maintenance

Motor Maintenance Checklist

Description Comment Maintenance Frequency
Daily Weekly Monthly Annually
Motor use and sequencing Turn off or sequence unnecessary motors. X      
Overall visual inspection Complete overall visual inspection to be sure all equipment is operating and safety systems are in place. X      
Motor condition Check the condition of the motor through temperature or vibration analysis and compare to baseline values.   X    
Check lubrication Assure that all bearings are lubricated per the manufacturer's specification.     X  
Check packing Check packing for wear and repack as necessary. Consider replacing packing with mechanical seals.     X  
Motor alignment Align the motor coupling to allow for efficient torque transfer to the pump.     X  
Check mountings Check and secure all motor mountings.     X  
Check terminal tightness Tighten connection terminals as necessary.     X  
Cleaning Remove dust and dirt from motor to facilitate cooling.     X  
Check bearings Inspect bearings and drive belts for wear. Adjust, repair, or replace as necessary.       X
Motor condition Check the condition of the motor through temperature or vibration analysis to assure long life.       X
Check for balanced three-phase power Unbalanced power can shorten the motor life through excessive heat build up.       X
Check for over-voltage or under-voltage conditions Over- or under-voltage situations can shorten the motor life through excessive heat build up.       X