Motor Overtemperature

What does 16 mean?

The motor has exceeded its safe operating temperature, often indicating that the load applied to the motor is too heavy for its current capabilities. If the load is not excessive, the motor's thermal protection parameters in the drive may be incorrectly configured. Sustained motor overtemperature can degrade winding insulation, leading to premature motor failure.

• Continuous operation of the motor at or above its rated full load current for extended periods, causing excessive resistive losses.
• Insufficient cooling airflow to the motor due to clogged cooling fins, blocked fan, or high ambient temperature in the motor's environment.
• Incorrect motor thermal protection parameters in the AC drive (e.g., P1-08 Motor Thermal Time Constant) that do not match the actual motor.
• Supply voltage imbalance (if direct-on-line) or harmonic distortion from the drive, leading to increased motor losses and heat.
• Degradation of motor winding insulation or bearing friction, causing increased internal heat generation.

Click steps to track your progress.

1. 1

   1. Measure the actual motor surface temperature using a calibrated infrared thermometer or contact probe and compare with the motor's nameplate data.

2. 2

   2. Verify the motor's actual operating current (e.g., from P1-05 in the drive) and compare it to the motor's rated full load current.

3. 3

   3. Inspect the motor's cooling fan for proper operation and ensure its cooling fins are free from dust, dirt, and obstructions.

4. 4

   4. Review the drive's motor thermal model parameters (e.g., P1-07 Motor Rated Current, P1-08 Motor Thermal Time Constant) and adjust if incorrect.

5. 5

   5. Measure the ambient temperature around the motor and ensure it is within the motor's specified operating range.