Electric Motor Troubleshooting

How to Diagnose & Repair Electric Motors on Building HVAC Equipment

 POST a QUESTION or READ FAQs about how to troubleshoot electric motors such as air
conditioning compressor motors, heating equipment burner or fan motors, swimming pool motors,
water well pump motors

InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.

Electric motor test & repair guide:

This article describes A/C electrical motor troubleshooting: here we provide an

electric motor diagnostic table, a troubleshooting guide that helps diagnose
and repair most electric motor problems for motors found on HVAC equipment
in buildings such as air conditioners, furnace or air handler blower fans, oil
burner motors, well pumps, and condensate return pumps.

We also provide a MASTER INDEX to this topic, or you can try the page top
or bottom SEARCH BOX as a quick way to find information you need.

A/C Electric Motor Troubleshooting Guide - Test

Procedures

In this article we provide a diagnostic guide to

determine and repair problems with electric motors. The page top photo was
taken of of an oil burner electric motor not an air conditioning blower fan motor
or pump motor, but you'll see that all of these electric motors look a lot alike.
At left our photo illustrates the motor as typically found in a direct-drive HVAC
blower or air handler assembly. (BLOWER FAN OPERATION & TESTING)

[Click to enlarge any image.]

Article Series contents

 ELECTRIC MOTOR DIAGNOSTIC GUIDE

o A/C ELECTRIC MOTOR COMPONENTS
o ELECTRIC MOTOR DATA TAG
o ELECTRIC MOTOR START SWITCH
o ELECTRIC MOTOR WON'T START 14 Things to Check
o ELECTRIC MOTOR OFF on RESET 6 Things to Check -
overheating motor
o ELECTRIC MOTOR TESTS - Electrical Tests to Check HVAC
Blower Fan Motor or Outdoor Compressor Fan Motor Winding on
Heating or Cooling Equipment or on Other Electrical Motors
o ELECTRIC MOTORS, 3-PHASE
o ELECTRIC MOTOR WIRING DIAGRAMS & GUIDES

While our page top photo shows the red reset button most clearly, the reset
button on the motor at left may be harder to spot. Sometimes the reset button
on an electric motor is hard to find, and sometimes there is no reset button!

Fatal Shock Hazard Warning: Inspecting electrical components and

systems risks death by electrocution as well as serious burns or other
injuries to the inspector or to others. Do not attempt these tasks unless
you are properly trained and equipped.

See DMMs VOMs SAFE USE OF for help in making safe use of electrical test
equipment before you start poking your meter probes into anything.

Basic Components of an A/C Electric Motor such as

used on heating and air conditioning equipment
Before discussing how to diagnose air conditioner or heating system electric
motors let's be sure we know what motor parts might be involved. (Or skip
right to Table A if you prefer).

Photo: electric motor on a modern oil

burner.

The electric motor has quite a few parts if examined in detail, switches, wires,
possibly capacitors, oiling ports and more, but there are four basic parts to
every HVAC electric motor:

1. Electric motor rotor: the rotor follows (turns in the direction impelled
by) the rotating magnetic field and thus spins the motor shaft
2. Electric motor stator: the stator consists is a device or core containing
start and run windings (of copper wire) wound around a central core to
create a magnetic field.
3. Electric motor windings: the two windings are used to create an
electrical field in the stator.
1. Definition of Start winding: in an A/C (alternating current)
electric motor electrical current flowing through the start winding is
used just to get the motor spinning from a stopped condition. The
start winding is disconnected, usually by a centrifugal switch,
when the motor is up to speed.
2. Definition of Run winding: in an A/C electric motor the run
winding is what keeps the motor spinning once it has started.
Current flowing through this winding produces a rotating magnetic
field in the stator that keeps the motor shaft turning after the start
winding has turned off.
 4. Electric motor start switch: a centrifugal switch connects the A/C
electrical power to the motor to the start winding on the stator until the
motor has reached a speed typically of 75-80% of its full run speed
(typically that's1725 rpm or 3450 rpm on newer high-speed oil burners).

In addition to the basic electric motor components above there are two other
features to know about when troubleshooting a motor.

Which way does an Electric Motor Run - Can Electric Motors run
Backwards? Information found on the electric motor's data tag.

Details for this topic have moved to ELECTRIC MOTOR RUN DIRECTION.

In short: check the motor label: uni-directional electric motors run just one
way: clockwise (CW) or counterclockwise (CCW) but not both. Bi-directional &
self-reversing electric motors run in either direction, CW or CCW. Some
electric motors can start and run "backwards" following damage to the motor's
start capacitor or windings.

How to Read the Information on an Electric Motor Data

Tag

In our photo at left you can see the

notation on this electric motor data tag indicating the the motor is non-
reversing and rotates counter-clockwise - designated by the words CCW
ROTATION (red arrow).

If you enlarge the photo [Click any image to see an enlarged, detailed
version] you will see text above the red arrow noting that this is a NON-
REVERSING motor.
See ELECTRIC MOTOR RUN DIRECTION

The blue oval marks the motor's rotating speed - 3450 RPM - this is a high
speed oil burner. Older oil burners and equipment motors run at 1725 RPM.
Some HVAC equipment uses a variable-speed electric motor.

The green rectangle marks other useful data in the data tag for this motor,
made by Emerson Electric in St. Louis MO. This is a 1/7 hp motor, designed
for 115VAC, drawing 2.35A.

These data are helpful when diagnosing electric motor problems: using a
DMM or VOM we can detect unusual current draw above that 2.35A as a sign
of trouble and we can check that the voltage level delivered by the electrical
supply is close to 115VAC 60 cycle current single phase.

The motor's model number (SD55GYJTK-5181 in this example) is useful

when replacing the motor or contacting the manufacturer for assistance.

An Electric Motor Time Rating designation is specified as CONT (continuous

duty) - this motor is able to run continuously without damage or overheating
under normal conditions.

A temperature rating (40C) and other data are given as well, including an
explanation that this motor is. thermally protected and that should the motor's
thermal protection switch trip off the user needs to press the red button.
See ELECTRIC MOTOR OVERLOAD RESET

This motor's data tag also includes oiling specifications indicating the required
lubrication schedule, discussed
at ELECTRIC MOTOR LUBRICATION

Watch out: when buying replacement electric motors, fuel units, and blower
fan assemblies to be sure they all are compatible. For example on oil fired
heating equipment, the oil burner fuel units (the mechanical heating oil pump
driven by the oil burner electric motor via a coupling) can be purchased as
CW or CCW devices. All three components have to be designed to rotate in a
common direction:

1. the electric driving motor,

2. the oil burner combustion air blower fan assembly, and
 3. the oil burner fuel unit or oil pump.

If the fuel unit is not rotated in the proper direction the heating appliance won't
run - it won't receive fuel, and the driving motor and coupling parts may be
damaged.

If a squirrel cage blower fan on an oil burner or inside of an air handler is spun
backwards it will not move much air and equipment will not function properly.
See ELECTRIC MOTOR RUN DIRECTION

Electric Motor Lubrication Specifications & Schedules: when, how much

oil, where to oil

For article loading speed we have moved this data to ELECTRIC MOTOR
LUBRICATION

Electric Motor Thermal Overload Switch - the Thermal Switch

Details are at ELECTRIC MOTOR OVERLOAD RESET - separate article.

Electric Motor Start Switch Operation in Electric

Motors
The start switch connects power to the start winding to start the motor
spinning. This feature is necessary because depending on the position in
which the rotor stopped when the motor last turned off, the rotating electrical
field created by the run winding can't start the motor.

At CAUSES of HARD STARTING ELECTRIC MOTORS we explain how a

failed starting capacitor OR depending on the motor design, a bad centrifugal
switch can prevent a motor from starting.

A trained service technician may sometimes diagnose a failed start winding or

failed start switch (centrifugal switch) by spinning the motor manually
(potentially dangerous!). If the motor keeps running we suspect a bad start
winding or bad start switch (see diagnostic table details
at Table A: 14 THINGS to CHECK (in order) if an A/C Electric Motor Will Not
Start.

When the electric motor has reached about 75-80% of its full speed the
centrifugal switch opens, thereby disconnecting AC electrical power from the
start winding. Power was already connected to and remains connected to the
run winding.

So if the motor will start but won't keep running, we suspect a bad run winding
or bad wiring to the winding.

For electric motors used in most HVAC applications motor full speed is usually
1725 or 3450 rpm, though some equipment may use variable speed motors
as well. The centrifugal switch will open ("throwout") at about 2800 rpm for a
3450 rpm electric motor, and the centrifugal switch will open at about 1400
rpm for a 1725 rpm electric motor.

Table of Air Conditioning or Heating System or Other

Electric Motor Troubleshooting Procedures for a
Motor that Will Not Start

Table A: 14 Things to Check (in this order) if an A/C

Electric Motor Will Not Start
This table describes "offline" - power off, disconnected - inspections and tests used to
diagnose electric motor problems & failures and also limited Online tests (online MCA)
such as measuring current and voltage properties when a motor is running. [37]

Using a well pump motor as an example, most of these troubleshooting tips pertain to
other electric motor applications in buildings too such as in an air conditioning air
handler blower compartment.

Note that DC motors have different operating properties, so while some of the test
procedures listed here will help troubleshoot a DC electric motor, other test procedures
such as resistance measurements and distinctions between brushless and brush type
electric motors may be different. Some of the electric motor troubleshooting suggestions
in this list pertinent to well pump problems are from Betta-Flo Jet Pump Installation
Manual, National Pump Co. [38]

Electric motor repair general note: on HVAC equipment the electric motor is not
normally field repaired. The motor is replaced as a non-serviceable item. However in the
hands of an expert, most electric motors can indeed be repaired.

Motor Trouble Diagnostic Procedure - Offline

Repair Procedure
Cause Motor Circuit Analysis (MCA)
 Turn on "off" switches.

Replace bad fuse. Reset circuit

breaker; if necessary replace
Check that all service switches
bad circuit breaker.
for the equipment are in the "on"
position.
Let hot electric motor cool down,
then push in its reset button.
Check for voltage at the pump
motor or pump controls. If no
Be sure all safety interlock
voltage is found, check for
switches such as on
voltage at the electric panel.
compartment doors are
depressed and that the doors
If power is on to the building,
are securely shut. Replace a
1: Electrical check fuse or circuit breaker
bad safety switch.
Power is Off to serving the electric motor that
the electric won't run.
See
motor or system
ELECTRICAL POWER
Check for local reset button on
SWITCH FOR HEAT
the motor (popped out = off ) -
see step 3 below.
FAN AUTO ON THERMOSTAT
SWITCH
Check for other power reset or
power off buttons such as an
WATER PUMP ELECTRICAL
access door compartment safety
SWITCHES
switch that turns off power to the
equipment (found on A/C blower
CIRCUIT BREAKER FAILURE
compartment doors)
RATES

ELECTRIC PANEL
INSPECTION

Be sure proper breaker or fuse

Replace the fuse or re-set the
size in ampacity is installed
breaker - does the electric motor
ELECTRIC PANEL
now run and keep running
INSPECTION
normally?
2: Blown fuse, At CIRCUIT BREAKER
If the fuse/breaker blow/trip
tripped breaker FAILURE RATES we provide an
problem repeats check for
on electric example of a failure traced to
abnormal current draw (Table B),
motor circuit the breaker itself.
binding mechanical parts,
damaged electrical wiring,
At BURNED-OUT
internal short in motor, seized
COMPRESSOR we explain that
electric motor (such as an air
the compressor motor itself may
conditioner compressor).
be seized
 Some motors such as
submersible pumps include an
automatic self-reset once the
motor cools down. Other motors
use a manual button that must
be reset.

See ELECTRIC MOTOR

OVERLOAD RESET
Ambient temperature may be too SWITCH for how to find and
high, or other failure conditions reset this button. In that article
3. Tripped
(defective control switch, loss of we also list the reasons that a
thermal
well water for well pumps, motor may have shut down on
overload reset
binding driven mechanical thermal overload.
switch on
components, low voltage) can
electric motor
cause the motor to run too hot or At BURNED-OUT
too long leading to overheating. COMPRESSOR we describe
the diagnostic of cooling down a
hot A/C or heat pump
compressor with water from a
garden hose

Details are in the table below

at Things to Check if an Electric
MOTOR STARTS but
OVERHEATS

Check the line voltage at the

motor with VOM or DMM motor
or its control switch or at the
motor wiring. Be sure the proper size of wire
is used for the ampacity and
Incorrect voltage can prevent length of circuit;
motors from starting or may
cause slow "weak" electric motor Test for low voltage to the
4: Low voltage operation or may prevent the building.
to the electric motor from starting at all.
motor Typically an electric motor Example: At WATER PUMP
requires that voltage remain REPAIR GUIDE we describe
within 10% of the voltage rating weak well pump operation due
given on the motor's data tag. to low voltage or due to a partial
short to ground in the pump
Frequent operation at low wiring.
voltage can damage some
motors.
 AMPS MEASUREMENT
METHODS

DMM DIGITAL MULTIMETER

HOW TO USE

VOLTS / AMPS
MEASUREMENT EQUIP

TEST EQUIPMENT,
ELECTRICAL GUIDE

If the motor is a three phase unit

check that power is being
delivered on all power wires.
5. Lost phase in
power supply to
Note: some electric motors
a multi-phase
designed for multiple phase
motor
power will run on a single phase
but run hot and at reduced
power.

6: Loose, Check wiring against the motor

improper, or installation manual diagram,
Rewire or repair or replace
broken electric check all connections to the
wiring
motor hook-up motor for tightness, shorts,
wire burns, damage

For motors having trouble

starting see
CAUSES of HARD STARTING
ELECTRIC MOTORS where we
Check the control switch explain how a failed starting
contacts for burning or wear. capacitor OR depending on the
motor design, a bad centrifugal
Example: If the electric motor switch can prevent a motor from
7: Bad electric
control is a well pump pressure starting.
motor control
control switch, check the
switch
pressure control switch settings - For water pumps, adjust or
cut-in and cut-out; inspect for replace the pressure control
burned, pitted switch contacts or switch.
for dirt or wear.
Temporary emergency repair by
cleaning the switch contacts
may be possible.
 See WATER PUMP
PRESSURE CONTROL

A control that is intended to turn

the motor on or off may itself be
defective, such as a failed or Check and clear tubing
mis-wired thermostatic control, blockage (blow air through
timer, or pressure control switch. tubing). Or install new tubing.

Try temporarily bypassing the Be sure tubing is proper

control switch to assure that diameter and type to seal
power is being delivered to the properly with other fittings.
motor.
Tighten tubing fittings to be sure
Clean, repair, or replace the there are no water or air leaks.
8: Bad electric switch. Soap solution may help find air
motor control leaks in tubing fittings.
switch or Example: Clogged or leaky
control sensor tubing connecting a water pump Clear or replace clogged
pressure control switch to the pressure control switch if the
water system results in failure to bottom sensor opening is
properly sense and respond to clogged and cannot be cleared.
water pressure.
See WATER PUMP
Example: debris clogging can PRESSURE CONTROL
also occur in the bottom of a REPAIR
water pump pressure control
switch where it mounts or PUMP PRESSURE CONTROL
connects to the tubing. REPLACE

Turn off electric power to motor,

and disconnect the motor from
whatever mechanical assembly it
9: Bad
is driving.
mechanical 1. For a frozen electric motor
parts being itself, replace the motor
1. Failing electric motor bearings
turned by the
or motor shaft - the motor turns
electric motor - 2. Remove obstruction in
but runs hot, noisy, with
e.g. blower mechanical components,
vibration, and/or has trouble
assembly or well inspect for and replace
starting. The motor may show
water pump damaged parts
these symptoms:
impeller
motor noise
 hot or overheated motor bearings

vibrations at the motor may

indicate failing bearings or drive
shaft damage

sparking at the brushes (not all

motors have this component)

ultimately a seized motor drive

shaft

See if you can move the motor

shaft.

2. If the electric motor shaft won't

turn at all, the motor has bad
bearings, dirt in the bearing or
slipring, the motor has otherwise
become jammed or damaged

3. If the electric motor shaft will

turn when disconnected from
whatever it is driving, then look
for a binding or bearing or
damage problem in the driven
mechanical parts such as a
water pump impeller assembly or
a furnace blower fan assembly.

Single-phase electric motor

hums but won't start on its own.
Replace the starting capacitor.
In some cases giving the motor a
spin will enable it to start and
See TEST a MOTOR START or
10: Bad electric keep running.
RUN CAPACITOR how-to
motor starting
capacitor Use a VOM in ohms setting to
Also see HARD STARTING
check resistance across the
COMPRESSOR MOTORS
Or capacitor. When the motor is
switched "on" the ohms reading
See CAPACITORS for HARD
Bad Run should immediately drop to zero
STARTING MOTORS
Capacitor then slowly climb again towards
infinite resistance.
See VOLTS / AMPS
MEASUREMENT EQUIP
If the meter does not move (no
current flows) the capacitor is
 "open".

If there is very low or zero

resistance the capacitor is
shorted.

Note: not all electric motors use

a starting capacitor. Multi or
three-phase motors won't have a
starting capacitor.

When an electric motor won't

Watch out: To avoid risk of
start and we have confirmed
shock or death, turn off electric
that power is being delivered,
11: Resistance power to motor, and disconnect
usually we suspect that the
or Ohms Tests the motor completely from any
motor windings or the start
power source as well as
switch have failed.[1]
Bad electric disconnecting it physically from
motor internal whatever mechanical assembly it
Be sure you've checked for
winding, is driving.
thermal overload first.
Bad or sparking See:
Normal electric motor winding
brushes SAFETY for ELECTRICAL
resistance:
INSPECTORS
Other internal
At BASIC ELECTRICAL TESTS
wiring damage DMM DIGITAL MULTIMETER
for BURNED OUT
HOW TO USE
COMPRESSOR MOTORSwe
How to
discuss Ohms measurements
distinguish bad DMMs & VOMs, Using Safely
across the windings terminals of
electric motor
a good electric motor such as is
bearings AMPS MEASUREMENT
used in an air conditioner or
METHODS
heat pump system where you
from bad driven
should see approximately:
mechanical VOLTS / AMPS
components MEASUREMENT EQUIP
Pin 1 to Pin 2 – 3 ohms, Pin 2 to
Pin 3 – 6 ohms, Pin 1 to Pin 3 –
from an TEST EQUIPMENT,
9 ohms
electrical ELECTRICAL GUIDE to
problem such as
The lowest electrical resistance
open or shorted Visually inspect the motor for
reading should be below 10
electric motor evidence of overheating or
ohms (this is the electric motor
windings burning, such as discolored
run winding).
paint, and check for external
damage (loose motor mount,
The second highest reading
broken parts) as well as for dirt
should be about 2-4 times
or debris that may also enter the
higher than the lowest reading
motor assembly. (this is the motor start winding).

When the motor is running, (or The highest reading should be

was running) did you see the sum of the resistance read
sparking at the brushes? across the two smaller motor
windings
See if you can move the motor
shaft Watch out: a motor winding
wire may be damaged but may
1. Jammed electric motor / bad "open" or "break" only when the
bearings: If the electric motor motor is trying to spin or only
shaft won't turn the motor has when the motor gets up to full
bad bearings or has otherwise speed.
become jammed or damaged.
For a frozen electric motor
If the motor turns with difficulty itself, or for a motor with open
and/or makes grinding or or shorted internal windings,
scraping noises there is internal replace the motor
damage to the motor or its
bearings. If the mechanically driven
components are not jammed
If the motor shaft wobbles the or binding, and if the motor
bearings are shot; if the motor does not use a start/run
shaft will move back and forth (at capacitor, or if it uses a start /
right angles to the direction of run capacitor and you have
rotation) more than about 1/8" replaced that device without
there may also be internal solving the problem, it is
bearing or shaft damage. possible that an internal wire or
winding is open in the motor.
Electric Motor Winding Tests
If or restoring power the motor
Watch out: First turn off runs, this is most likely the case.
electrical power & then remove
all external wires connected to Order a new motor and replace
the motor. the old one the next time that
the motor won't start. - thanks
1.a. Shorted motor windings: to Paul Galow for these notes
Check the motor for shorted
windings; typically if the motor For sparks at the electric motor
windings are shorted to the see SPARKING ELECTRIC
frame or shorted together the MOTOR
motor will draw very high amps
and usually will trip a circuit See these electric motor
breaker or blow a fuse when you diagnostic articles
try to turn it on - Row J in this
BASIC ELECTRICAL TESTS for
motor diagnostic table. BURNED OUT COMPRESSOR
MOTORS
1.a.1 Motor windings shorted
internally: With the VOM DMM BURNED-OUT COMPRESSOR
set to measure resistance
(Ohms) check for continuity CAPACITORS for HARD
between the motor treminals. STARTING MOTORS

Make a note of the resistance COMPRESSOR /

that you read. You will need the CONDENSER DIAGNOSTICS
motor brand, model, possibly
serial number, and then with that TIGHT or SEIZED AC
data you will need to check with COMPRESSORS
the motor manufacturer to see
what is the proper resistance
across the motor windings.

Zero resistance or infinite

resistance across the motor
windings are easy to diagnose:

1.a.2. Motor windings shorted

to ground: With the VOM/DMM
set to highest resistance scale
and set to measure resistance
(Ohms) if you find that there is
zero resistance (continuity)
between the each individual
motor power lead and the motor
case or ground connection (test
one lead at a time) then a
winding is shorted to ground.

3 phase motor leads are

numbered T1, T2, T3 etc.

- If you see very high resistance,

say 500,000 ohms or more, the
motor may be OK.

1.b. Open motor windings:

Many (not all) single phase and
3-phase electric motors such as
those used in equipment and
appliances found in homes can
be tested "across the leads" for
an open winding in the motor. If a
motor winding has broken or is
"open" there will be no electrical
continuity across the winding
wires.

Check the motor for an open

winding - a wire has broken
inside the motor but has not
shorted to the motor case or to
ground as follows:

Continuity checks on motor

windings: First remove all
external wires connected to the
motor. Then check for continuity
between the motor terminals as
follows:

With the VOM or DMM set to

its lowest resistance setting and
to measure Ohms if you see very
low resistance, close to zero but
not actually zero, the windings
may be OK.

If you see higher resistances

there is a problem in the motor's
windings.(Check the wiring
diagram to confirm that the meter
is measuring across each
winding.)

If you see infinite resistance then

the winding is definitely "open" or
"broken".

Watch out: this "static test" of an

electric motor's windings can
miss a broken wire inside the
motor that opens (fails) only
when the motor is spinning.

Note: an electric motor may have

both open winding and shorted
winding damage at the same
time - something that can
happen if the motor's internal
parts are internally damaged e.g.
by debris falling into the motor.

2. Jammed external driven

parts: If the electric motor shaft
will turn freely and without
wobbling or scraping when
disconnected from whatever it is
driving, then look for a binding or
bearing or damage problem in
the driven mechanical parts such
as a water pump impeller
assembly or a furnace blower fan
assembly.

3. Sparking electric motor

brushes: if the motor uses
brushes and you see a shower of
sparks from the brush/armature
area when the motor is running
the cause may be

Worn brushes: some electric

Inspect the brushes for wear,
motors have replaceable
damage, sticking, bad springs.
brushes. If the brush is worn
down to a short stub or such that
Inspect the rotor for vibration,
its spring is contacting the rotor,
lost weight, out of balance,
that could be the trouble. To
damage.
inspect the brush(es), remove
the setscrew covering the brush
Check the motor capacity
assembly and remove each
against its load.
brush (typically there are at least
2). Replace worn or damaged
See SPARKING ELECTRIC
brushes with a matching brush
MOTOR
unit.

Brushes are worn unevenly and

are jamming in their moving
sleeve; replace the brushes and
check that the brush moves
freely in the sleeve. You may
need to clean the sleeve
 opening. I use a q-tip.

A worn or broken brush spring

can also cause brushes to jam.

A worn, corroded, or broken slip

ring can cause sparking at the
brushes

An overloaded electric motor can

result in rapid rush wear,
burning, sparking

A damaged rotor that is gouged,

has worn shaft ends, or has lost
a balancing weight (on larger
electric motors) will vibrate and
can cause brush wear and
sparking; that rotor will need to
be balanced or repaired.

4. Sparking electric motor due

to burned or scored
armature assembly Remove the part, clean and
remove scores, replace the
If you see sparks spewing from motor brushes.
the electric motor (we often see
this on electric drills and circular See SPARKING ELECTRIC
saws) the motor brushes are MOTOR
probably being damaged by a
burned, scored commutator.

Fuse blows or breaker trips as For electric motors that operate

soon as the motor tries to turn additional mechanical
on. Also see the electrical assemblies, such as a well
diagnostic suggestions in row 10 pump motor that drives a
above. pumping impeller assembly,
12: Electric
before condemning the electric
motor is shorted
See: motor itself, separate the motor
out, jammed,
from the components that it
burned out, or
AMPS MEASUREMENT drives and check for damaged
defective
METHODS mechanical parts that are
binding the motor.
DMM DIGITAL MULTIMETER
HOW TO USE Replace the electric motor or
have it repaired and rebuilt by a
 DMMs & VOMs, Using Safely specialist

VOLTS / AMPS
MEASUREMENT EQUIP

SAFETY for ELECTRICAL

INSPECTORS

TEST EQUIPMENT,
ELECTRICAL GUIDE

If the external wiring is ok (no

short circuits) the motor is
shorted internally or has suffered
internal mechanical damage.

Check that the pump pressure

control switch is trying to turn on
the pump and that there is
voltage at the pump wiring

13: Bad or
Wrong starter coil for the power
incorrect starter
supply can prevent the motor Replace the coil or motor
coil on electric
from starting.
motor

Check out the rear bell housing

See
of the motor to see if the motor
CAUSES of HARD STARTING
uses a centrifugal switch to
ELECTRIC MOTORS
switch the start / run capacitor or
other windings in and out of the
where we explain how a failed
14: Bad electric circuit at a specific RPM.
starting capacitor OR depending
motor
on the motor design, a bad
centrifugal If a centrifugal switch is present,
centrifugal switch can prevent a
switch check that its switch contacts are
motor from starting.
not welded closed or
contaminated with dirt and
Replace the centrifugal switch
grease. The switch mechanism
assembly if the switch is
should can move freely. -
damaged or not moving freely.
WikiHow [36]

15: Bad or TEFC electric motors use a If the motor has not already
jammed internal totally-enclosed fan for cooling. failed, clean the motor fan and
TEFC electric The fan blades are behind metal fan air inlet openings if clogged
motor cooling guard on the back of the motor. and observe whether or not this
fan solves a motor overheating
 The fan itself should be securely problem.
fastened to the shaft, should not
wobble nor be bent or damaged, If the motor has not already
and the cooling air inlet openings failed, replace the fan assembly
should not be clogged. A bad if it is bent, damaged, jammed,
cooling fan on an electric motor will not spin freely - or replace
or clogs that prevent cooling of the entire motor assembly.
the motor can lead to motor
failure. - WikiHow [36]

Various possible causes of

electric motor noise include:
loose mounts, bad bearings,
loose couplings, defects in the
driven-assembly or part.
See AMPS MEASUREMENT
If pressing the reset button starts
METHODS
the motor but it runs hot or noisy
see the motor noise diagnostic
16. Noisy See RESET BUTTON,
article at right. Check for high
electric motor ELECTRIC MOTOR
current draw in a binding motor -
see the amps measurement
ELECTRIC MOTOR NOISE
methods article at right.
DIAGNOSIS
If the motor hums and is not
starting, turn it off right away and
see the causes of electric motor
not starting listed earlier in this
table.

Some of the electric motor troubleshooting suggestions in this list are adapted from and
can be found at the Betta-Flo Jet Pump Installation Manual from the National Pump Co.

Also see Electric Motor Startup Ddiagnosis flowchart, Koldwater Training Software,
retrieved 2016/11/06, Tel: 1-573-547-5630 Email: support @ koldwater.comoriginal
source: http://koldwater.com/electricmotortroubleshooting.html

Table of Air Conditioning or Heating System Electric

Motor Troubleshooting Procedures for a Motor that
Overheats or Trips its Reset Button or Runs at
Abnormal Current or Voltage

Table B: 7 Things to Check if an Electric Motor Starts but Overheats and

Trips its Reset Button or Runs at Abnormal Voltage or Current Levels
See ELECTRIC MOTOR OVERLOAD RESET SWITCH for how to find and reset this
button as well as a description of how the thermal overload switch works, the use of
automatic-reset thermal overload switches, and related information.

Use a VOM to check the voltage

level at the pressure control
switch

See:

AMPS MEASUREMENT
METHODS
If voltage is too low, check voltage
at the electrical panel and check
DMM DIGITAL MULTIMETER
that the proper size wiring was
1: Bad line HOW TO USE
used for the ampacity and length
VOLTAGE
of run and that there are no partial
DMMs & VOMs, Using Safely
shorts or damaged wires or
connectors
VOLTS / AMPS
MEASUREMENT EQUIP

SAFETY for ELECTRICAL

INSPECTORS

TEST EQUIPMENT,
ELECTRICAL GUIDE

Check the actual electrical wiring

2: Incorrect
against the motor wiring diagram
electric motor Reconnect wiring properly
or the installation manual for the
WIRING
equipment

3: Electric Check the air temperature where Install adequate ventilation, or if

MOTOR runs the motor is located. If the air needed, shading, or relocate the
too HOT due temperature is over 100 degF, motor/equipment to a cool location
to surroundings the pump may be too hot and its
- inadequate thermal overload switch tripping Look for abnormal conditions that
ventilation, because of the environment, not cause the motor to keep running
operating a pump problem. (bad control, loss of well water,
conditions bad pump controls, water left
Operating conditions can cause running in the building, valve
Or a motor to overheat, such as a closed on pump outlet side,
well pump that runs continually strainer clogged at pump inlet or
The electric because of other problems in the outlet, pump running continually
motor is water system due to improper voltage, pump
overloaded. running backwards due to
An air conditioner compressor electrical damage or mis-wiring or
motor that is overheating may starter capacitor short)
sometimes be re-started by
cooling the equipment with water A well pump motor may run
(watch out for shorting electrical continually and be unable to reach
components). This is a shut-off pressure due to a
diagnostic step not an adequate damaged impeller or loss of well
repair measure. water.

Any electric motor that is being

asked to operate equipment
whose forced exceed the motor's
rated capacity will run hot and
will ultimately burn-up, or fail to
start.

If the motor starts and runs

normally when disconnected
from its load but has trouble
starting when re-installed, the
problem could be on the load
end

. A common example is trouble

at an electric motor on a heating
oil burner whose fuel unit (oil
pump) drive shaft is binding.

Causes of electric motor

overloading include and too-hot
operation include

Low supply voltage

Damage or binding in the driven-

mechanical system that the
motor is operating

Higher ambient temperature than

the motor is rated to handle

Worn bearings
 Excessive duty cycle

Internal damage in the motor:

shorted or grounded winding
(may show up only after the
motor has spun up to full
operating speed)

Check for a bad switch or motor

Install a valve on the water
control assembly.
discharge line and reduce water
flow to increase water pressure
Example: If the well recovery
4: Electric inside the pump itself.
rate is too poor and the pump is
MOTOR runs
operating at low water pressure,
too long or See WATER PRESSURE
possibly because a tailpiece is
WON'T SHUT PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS TABLE
installed to prevent air injection
OFF
and pump burnup, the pump may
See Air Conditioner Long on cycle
be overheating.
- Insufficient Cooling - Loose or
Worn Compressors
Also see step 6 in this table.

Running motor amps

measurements (current draw): Excessive LRA: if present, try
replacing the start-run capacitor.
Check the motor name plate
data and note the motor's RLA See CAPACITORS for HARD
amps rating. Or if available, STARTING MOTORS.
obtain from the manufacturer
detailed specifications for the For air conditioners & heat pumps
motor's operation and during see BURNED-OUT
start-up. COMPRESSOR
5. Excessive
or Abnormally LRA tests: (Lock Rotor Amps) For heat pumps, also
HIGH current Using an ammeter, measure the see CRANKCASE HEATERS
draw at current draw of the motor during
electric motor start-up. Excessive RLA: Further
investigation may be needed by
Abnormally high current draw at direct examination of the motor
the start of a motor on-cycle can and the mechanical components
indicate mechanical damage to that it is driving.
the motor, a developing short in
windings (? citation needed), or a Examples:
bad start-run capacitor. BLOWER FAN OPERATION &
TESTING - check for bad blower
Typical motor start-up current assembly bearings
draw in amps will be 5-6 times
the RLA but very quickly
(seconds) the motor current draw
should fall back to RLA.

RLA Tests: (Running Load

Amps) Using an ammeter,
measure the actual current draw
of the motor during operation.

While the specific tolerances will

vary depending on motor, motor
design, and application, if the
current draw measured in Amps
is significantly higher than the
manufacturer's specifications
(typically RLA or the amperage
expected when the motor is
running under load) the motor
may be failing or its driven parts
may be failing .

Don't get fooled:

Bad crankcase heater:

Attempting to start a failing or
failed air conditioner/heat pump
compressor motor can draw very
high current.

But a failed crankcase heater on

a heat pump compressor motor
trying to start in cold weather
may deliver similar symptoms.

A faulty overload safety

relay control on a motor (not
present on all motors) can shut
down a motor that is working
normally, fooling you into
thinking that the motor is drawing
excessive current.

See:

AMPS MEASUREMENT
 METHODS

DMM DIGITAL MULTIMETER

HOW TO USE

DMMs & VOMs, Using Safely

VOLTS / AMPS
MEASUREMENT EQUIP

SAFETY for ELECTRICAL

INSPECTORS

TEST EQUIPMENT,
ELECTRICAL GUIDE

Low amperage draw may

indicate internal motor wear or
more likely, worn parts
mechanically driven by the
electric motor

Example 1: in testing an air

conditioner or heat pump
compressor motor, unlike a high-
amp current draw which
indicates that the compressor is
Where there are no gauge ports to
danged internally in a way that
actually measure compressor low
its piston(s) is (are) tight in the
6. Abnormally side and high side vacuum and
cylinder, a low-amp current draw,
LOW current refrigerant pressures, this simple
if below normal, may confirm
or Amps draw electrical test is a useful first step.
internal wear on the compressor
at an electric
parts, and would support the
motor See Air Conditioner Long on cycle
diagnosis that the compressor is
- Insufficient Cooling - Loose or
worn and inefficient.
Worn Compressors
Example 2: a well pump or
heating circulator pump or oil
burner motor whose coupling to
the mechanically-driven
components has broken
completely may draw low current

Example 3: a well pump or water

pump that is running "dry" (no
water in the well) will draw
 abnormally low current.

See:

AMPS MEASUREMENT
METHODS

DMM DIGITAL MULTIMETER

HOW TO USE

DMMs & VOMs, Using Safely

VOLTS / AMPS
MEASUREMENT EQUIP

SAFETY for ELECTRICAL

INSPECTORS

TEST EQUIPMENT,
ELECTRICAL GUIDE

TEFC electric motors use a

totally-enclosed fan for cooling.
The fan blades are behind metal
guard on the back of the motor.
If the motor has not already failed,
The fan itself should be securely
clean the motor fan and fan air
fastened to the shaft, should not
inlet openings if clogged and
wobble nor be bent or damaged,
7. Bad or observe whether or not this solves
and the cooling air inlet openings
jammed a motor overheating problem.
should not be clogged. -
internal TEFC
WikiHow [36]
electric motor If the motor has not already failed,
cooling FAN replace the fan assembly if it is
Note: you won't find this design
bent, damaged, jammed, will not
on residential air conditioners,
spin freely - or replace the entire
heat pumps, well pumps, nor
motor assembly.
most other home appliances.
TEFC motors have external
cooling fins that are quite
distinctive.

AMPS MEASUREMENT
Various possible defects could
METHODS
cause an electric motor to jam or
8. NOISY
bind, such as loose mounts, bad
electric motor RESET BUTTON, ELECTRIC
bearings, loose couplings,
MOTOR
defects in the driven-assembly or
 part. ELECTRIC MOTOR NOISE
DIAGNOSIS
If pressing the reset button starts
the motor but it runs hot or noisy
see the motor noise diagnostic
article at right.

Check for high current draw in a

binding motor.

Adapted from various sources including Betta-Flo Jet Pump Installation Manual from the
National Pump Co. and Adapted & expanded from Beckett (1989)[1]

Table C: 7 Things to Check if an Electric Motor is Noisy

Table of Air Conditioning or Heating System Electric Motor Troubleshooting

Procedures for a Motor that is Noisy

For document loading speed we moved this data.

Please see separate article: ELECTRIC MOTOR NOISE DIAGNOSIS

Sparking Elecric Motor Repair

Reader Question: 12/22/2014 sparks when motor is running said:

When a table saw is turned on I see sparks... what is the cause and how to fix
it

Reply:

Sparky,

Some sparking is normal within many electric motors including table saws and
drills, but no sparks ought to be seen exiting the device or its motor for
obvious safety reasons.

Typically when I've seen sparks spraying out of a drill or table saw I've found
that the motor brushes need replacement. A burned commutator in the electric
motor is often the root problem. Some light cleaning of the commutator may
be needed. Take care not to score it. Remove the motor armature and sand it
with very fine emery paper. Inspect the amature while cleaning it
  If you see score or burn marks those need to be removed - otherwise
the new brushes in the motor will not last long.
 If you cannot clean the copper armature sufficiently to remove scores
and burns without sanding through the copper surface completely (I'd
like to see at least 1/16" remaining copper) then the part needs
replacement.
 When you've finished cleaning the copper armature surface that
contacts the motor brushes should be both shiny and very smooth.
Replace the motor brushes while you're at it.
 When replacing the armature be SURE that you don't leave grit on the
parts or in the bearings or you'll probably ruin the motor. While you're at
it feel for side play when replacing this part - which may indicate worn-
out bearings in the motor mount.

Electrical Tests to Check HVAC Blower Fan Motor or

Outdoor Compressor Fan Motor Winding on Heating
or Cooling Equipment or on Other Electrical Motors
Example of an electric motor test: testing a blower fan motor winding:
referring to the electrical diagram for your equipment, unplug electrical
connectors at the fan motor. Measure the resistance between each lead wire
with a multimeter or VOM. The multimeter should be set in the X1 range.

For accuracy, don't measure when the fan motor is hot, allow it to cool off.

When the resistance between each lead wire are those listed in the
specifications for your equipment the fan motor should be normal. Zero
resistance or infinite resistance are indicators of a problem.

Repair Article Recommendations by System Type

 Air conditioning or heat pump systems: to locate the various controls

and switches for A/C or heat pump systems see CONTROLS &
SWITCHES, A/C - HEAT PUMP.

Also see THERMOSTATS, HEATING / COOLING.

 Heating systems: If you are looking for the main burner reset buttonOn
heating equipment you'll want to see: Aquastat Functions and Cad Cell
Relay Switch Flame Sensors (hot water boilers and some water
 heaters),

STACK RELAY SWITCH On older oil fired boilers and furnaces, SPILL
SWITCH, FLUE GAS DETECTOR (gas fired equipment), and

LOW WATER CUTOFF CONTROLS On steam heating systems.

Condensate pump motors on steam heating systems are also discussed

at CONDENSATE RETURN PIPES, PUMPS, STEAM
 Thermal overload relays on electric motors used on air conditioning,
heating, water supply and other building equipment may shut off an
overheated motor and (if not automatic) may require a manual reset.

See ELECTRIC MOTOR OVERLOAD RESET SWITCH explanation

(how to reset a motor off on reset).
 Water supply systems: Controls on well pumps and water supply
equipment that may require reset or repair are discussed
at CONTROLS & SWITCHES on WATER TANKS.

Working with single phase vs. 3-phase electric motors

Reader comments on single phase & 3 Phase motors

Most single phase motors have two sets of windings.

The main or primary windings are directly connected to the power lines while
the motor in running. The second windings are usually thinner wires physically
offset from the main windings inside the motor.

The purpose of the secondary windings is to provide directional information

and an initial strong kick to get the motor started turning. Once the motor is
started, the main or primary windings can keep the motor running just fine.

Less common, these secondary windings are directly powered from the power
lines through a run capacitor that provides a continuous time or phase shift to
the windings.
Also see HOW to CHOOSE a START / RUN CAPACITOR

Far more common, the secondary windings and capacitor are powered
through a centrifugal switch that is closed for approximately 1/2 second on
starting. As the motor gets up to 2/3 speed, the centrifugal switch opens and
disconnects the secondary windings.

This switch is usually behind and part of the connection plate where you
attach the power cables in the end of the motor. Any little piece of dust can
keep this switch from closing when the motor is stopped. At this point, the
motor just sits there and hums, not knowing which way to go or how to get
started.

Simply knocking this one little dust particle off makes the repair, and the motor
will run fine henceforth. Most of the time you have to pull the back end of the
motor off to get to this switch.

Reversing the direction of the current in the secondary windings reverses the
direction of the motor. This can usually be done by switching the leads to the
secondary windings. Sometimes one of the secondary leads is attached to a
primary windings and you have to dig into the windings to find it and separate
it out.

You can buy electronic phase converters to generate a third leg which work
reasonably well, but generally works for just one electric motor at a time. The
converter must be somewhat closely matched to the motor in size. It converts
AC to DC, then creates an artificial third leg electronically. This approach is
about 80-85% effective in that you need to derate the driven motor by 15% or
so.

You can use any 3 phase motor to generate the third leg if you can get it
started. I have read about people using a small single phase motor to get a
bigger 3 phase motor going, or using a pull rope wrapped around the motor
shaft to pull start the big 3 phase motor.

Once running, a 3 phase motor will generate a third leg which you can use to
run other 3 phase motors. Y wound motors work much better than a Delta
wound motors in this approach. This is about 65-70% effective.

I think you can use a capacitor to the third leg much like single phase motors
to generate enough of a phase offset to get the 3 phase motor started.

The shocked client may have used the 3 phase motor to run the compressor
directly. He probably needed a good unloader to prevent the motor from
getting bogged down by the compressor until the motor got up to speed. The
center of the Y windings may have been attached to the neutral or ground
wires, but probably would be shifted towards the third leg.

You can buy commercial rotoconveters designed to generate 3 phase from 2

phase. They look like a motor with no output shaft and have an attached big
box containing a batch of capacitors. The rotating armature of a 3 phase
motor on its own will generate a weak third leg that will probably be somewhat
phase shifted towards the 2nd leg.

The capacitors are attached between the first and third leg, which will
generate a leading current towards the first leg, somewhat offsetting the shift
towards the second leg. Adding a few more turns would generate a larger
voltage output from the generated third leg. I have never taken a rotoconverter
apart, so this is just a good guess. Rotoconverters make a very clean 3rd
phase from single phase , approaching is 90-95% effectiveness.

You can run multiple 3 phase motors of different sizes simultaneously. The
motors actually help each other. Rotoconverters are somewhat noisy, maybe
two-three times that of an equivalent motor. Otherwise they work very well.

I have use a rotoconverter for 20 years to run my mill and metal lathe. I am
running a 5 hp lathe on a 3 hp converter and have never managed to slow it
down. Rotoconverters are often used oil companys to run remote oil extraction
pumps

It is cheaper to buy the converter than to pay for the miles of copper for the
third leg from the power company. - 2017/03/31 from Ozzie

Also see LOST NEUTRAL SHOCKS HOMEOWNER- a 3-phase motor

"converted" to single phase becomes unsafe

Electric Motor Wiring Diagrams, Parts, Resources,

Research
 BASIC ELECTRICAL TESTS for BURNED OUT COMPRESSOR
MOTORS
 Burt, Charles M., Xianshu Piao, Franklin Gaudi, Bryan Busch, and N. F.
Taufik. ELECTRIC MOTOR EFFICIENCY UNDER VARIABLE
FREQUENCIES AND LOADS [PDF] Journal of irrigation and drainage
engineering 134, no. 2 (2008): 129-136.
Abstract:
 This paper details a study performed by the Irrigation Training and
Research Center to determine motor performances under varying
speeds [induced by a variable frequency drives (VFD) controller] and
loads.

A further goal of the study was to provide sufficient information to

designers so that they could estimate total pumping plant power usage
with a VFD-controlled installation. Motors were tested with a VFD as
well as across-the-Iine. On average, the relative efficiency of the
electrical system with a VFD may be approximately 8% lower than the
relative efficiency of a properly designed, full-load across-the-line
system.

If one considers actual field operating conditions this 8% is misleading

because overall energy savings can be obtained with VFDs due to their
ability to properly adjust speeds to meet actual field conditions.
 ELECTRIC MOTOR HORSEPOWER
 ELECTRIC MOTOR RUN DIRECTION
 ELECTRIC MOTOR NOISE DIAGNOSIS
 ELECTRIC MOTOR OVERLOAD RESET
 INSTALLATION, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF RELIANCE®
STANDARD INDUSTRIAL AC INDUCTION MOTORS - PDF, 180 – 449
Frames (NEMA), 112 – 280 Frames (IEC), Instruction Manual B-3620-
25, April, 2007, Baldor Dodge Reliance, P.O. Box 2400, Fort Smith, AR
72902-2400 U.S.A., Ph: (1) 479.646.4711, Fax (1) 479.648.5792,
International Fax (1) 479.648.5895
www.baldor.com
 TEST a MOTOR START or RUN CAPACITOR
 BALDOR MOTOR CHART [PDF], NEMA Quick Reference Chart to
NEMA Frames & Motor Properties, Brownell Motors and Drives,
 BETTA-FLO JET PUMP INSTALLATION MANUAL,[PDF] National
Pump Company, 7706 North 71st Ave., Glendale, AZ 85303, Tel: (800)
966-5240 Email: [email protected], website:
http://www.nationalpumpcompany.com, retrieved anew 9/13/12, original
source:
http://www.nationalpumpcompany.com/pdf/Betta_Flo_IOM_Jet_Pump.p
df
  BROWNELL MOTOR REPAIR PARTS CATALOG [PDF] Essex
Brownell, Essex Group, Inc., 1601 Wall St., Fort Wayne IN 46801 USA,
Website: www.superioressex.com Tel: 800-774-4643
 TECO WESTINGHOUSE MOTORS & DRIVES PRICE BOOK [PDF]
TECO-Westinghouse Motor Company, 5100 N. IH-35, Round Rock TX
78681 USA, Website: www.tecowestinghouse.com Tel: 1-800-873-8326
- catalog excerpt:

Our manufacturing plants are located in the U.S., Taiwan, Mexico,

Malaysia, Australia, Great Britain and China. A full line of induction,
synchronous and DC motors and generators are available in both
horizontal and vertical configurations from 1/4 hp to 100,000 hp. We
also offer complimenting AC drive products.

...

Continue reading at ELECTRIC MOTOR OVERLOAD RESET or select a

topic from closely-related articles below, or see our complete INDEX to
RELATED ARTICLES below.

Or see ELECTRIC MOTOR DIAGNOSTIC FAQs

Or see these

Electric Motor Repair Article Recommendations by System Type

 Air conditioning or heat pump systems: to locate the various controls

and switches for A/C or heat pump systems see CONTROLS &
SWITCHES, A/C - HEAT PUMP.

Also see THERMOSTATS, HEATING / COOLING.

 Heating systems: If you are looking for the main burner reset buttonOn
heating equipment you'll want to see: Aquastat Functions and Cad Cell
Relay Switch Flame Sensors (hot water boilers and some water
heaters),

STACK RELAY SWITCH On older oil fired boilers and furnaces, SPILL
SWITCH, FLUE GAS DETECTOR (gas fired equipment), and
 LOW WATER CUTOFF CONTROLS On steam heating systems.

Condensate pump motors on steam heating systems are also discussed

at CONDENSATE RETURN PIPES, PUMPS, STEAM
 Thermal overload relays on electric motors used on air conditioning,
heating, water supply and other building equipment may shut off an
overheated motor and (if not automatic) may require a manual reset.

See ELECTRIC MOTOR OVERLOAD RESET SWITCH explanation

(how to reset a motor off on reset).
 Water supply systems: Controls on well pumps and water supply
equipment that may require reset or repair are discussed
at CONTROLS & SWITCHES on WATER TANKS.

Or see these

Electric Motor Diagnosis & Repair Articles

 ELECTRIC MOTOR DIAGNOSTIC GUIDE - home

o A/C ELECTRIC MOTOR COMPONENTS
o BURNED-OUT COMPRESSOR
o CAPACITORS for HARD STARTING MOTORS
o CHATTERING RELAY CONTROL SWITCHES
o ELECTRIC MOTOR DIAGNOSTIC FAQs
o ELECTRIC MOTOR DIAGNOSTIC FAQs-2
o ELECTRIC MOTOR DIAGNOSTIC FAQs-3
o ELECTRIC MOTOR HORSEPOWER
o ELECTRIC MOTOR LUBRICATION
o ELECTRIC MOTOR OVERLOAD RESET FAQs
o ELECTRIC MOTOR RUN DIRECTION - backwards
o ELECTRIC MOTOR RUN DIRECTION FAQs
o ELECTRIC MOTOR START SWITCH
o ELECTRIC MOTOR WON'T START
o ELECTRIC MOTOR NOISE DIAGNOSIS
o ELECTRIC MOTOR OFF on RESET
o ELECTRIC MOTOR OVERLOAD RESET SWITCH
o ELECTRIC MOTOR TESTS
o ELECTRIC MOTOR WIRING DIAGRAMS & GUIDES
o HARD STARTING COMPRESSOR MOTORS
o HARD STARTING ELECTRIC MOTOR CAUSES
o OIL BURNER NOISE SMOKE ODORS
o OIL LINE BUZZ & VIBRATION CURE
o RESET BUTTON, ELECTRIC MOTOR
o TIGHT or SEIZED AC COMPRESSORS
o WATER PUMP PROTECTION SWITCH