There are many considerations one needs to make while installing motors, especially safety as electrical hazards are very dangerous. In this post, we will try to cover all the aspects one needs to consider while installing or re-installing an AO Smith motor. AO Smith motors are one of the most widely used motors in the world and there are certain aspects about these motors that one needs to know before installing them. We are going to list out all of those features and the step by step actions one needs to take while installing the motor.
1. Heat
Heat is easily the most important consideration one needs to make while installing motors from AO Smith. Single-phase pool and spa motors from AO Smith feature a thermal overload protector that will shut down if the motor overheats. Overheating is always a serious issue when it comes to motors as they need to run continually and heat is inevitable. Heat can damage the motor’s windings, insulation, bearing lubricant and capacitors. Ventilation is the key to avoid these heat issues and the easiest way to achieve this is installing the AO Smith motor in a location that is free of dirt, dust or any other airborne debris. Air flow must be very good where the motor is placed or installed so that there are no heating issues whatsoever.
2. Moisture
Also ensure to avoid moisture as much as you can though AO Smith motors have excellent resistance to moisture. Ensure that the motor is installed where water cannot be splashed nor in low spots like underneath gutters or flood lines which could spoil the whole motor. A lot of humidity is something that must be avoided too and to be on a safer side, it is always preferred to elevate the motors at least two inched from the ground.
3. Power Source
The power source that you will be using for the new AO Smith motor must be in complete sync with the specifications mentioned on the motor plate. Line voltage, phase and frequency of the current source and that of the specifications must match before you begin with the installation. If the current capacity is too high one must contact the local utilities to look into it and if the current capacity is too low, one must check for overload circuits, loose connectors etc.
4. Altitude
As and when the altitude increases, the motors will have overheating issues in parallel. If you are installing the motor at an altitude higher than 3000 feet above sea level, it is advised to use a motor with the next larger horsepower rating than the one recommended for that application at sea level or use an E-Plus or Conservationist (high efficiency) motor of the same rating.
5. Mounting
Mounting is an important consideration to make while installing AO Smith motors for efficiency and durability. It is important that the motor is fastened to the ground/base and to the pump very firmly so as to prevent any vibration, loosening or future misalignment. If the motor starts vibrating or loosening as and when it is working, the motor will soon stop functioning normally and stops working suddenly.
6. Grounding
Both from a safety perspective and functionality perspective, any electrical appliance must have proper grounding to ensure there are no electrical hazards. While installing ensure that the green grounding screw inside the AO Smith motor is used to ground the motor to the service ground. In addition to this, use the bonding lug that is present outside the motor which is used to bind all the conductive surfaces of the motor together to prevent a potential difference between the surfaces. One must also ensure to comply with all the local and national electrical codes of grounding to avoid any issues further.
7. Pump Seal
For AO Smith motors, it is recommended that a Sintered Carbon Graphite seal be used while reassembling a pump or installing a replacement motor. Pump seals ensure that there is no leakage on the motor which could lead to both electrical hazards and a dysfunctional motor.
