Are you concerned about damage to your electric motor bearings caused by electrical arcing? Understanding the importance of shaft grounding can save you from costly downtime and repair/replacement.
How Shaft Voltage Causes Bearing Damage
Electric motors powered by variable-frequency drives (VFDs) are prone to shaft voltage. VFDs are known for enabling energy savings and precise motor control, but they induce high-frequency voltage on the motor shaft (across the bearings). When this voltage discharges through the bearings, it causes electrical discharge machining (EDM), leading to bearing damage and premature failure.
The Consequences of Bearing Failure
When bearings fail, it can lead to catastrophic motor breakdowns, resulting in expensive unplanned downtime and repairs or replacements. The repercussions can be severe for applications relying on continuous operation, such as manufacturing, transportation, and HVAC and water treatment systems. Preventive measures are crucial to maintaining productivity.
How Shaft Grounding Works
Shaft grounding devices provide a path for harmful shaft voltage to discharge safely, preventing arcing through the bearings. These devices consist of conductive materials that divert discharge current away from the bearings. By providing a low-impedance path from the shaft to ground, they protect against EDM and help motor bearings reach their full lifespan.
The Benefits of AEGIS® Shaft Grounding Rings
AEGIS® Shaft Grounding Rings are a proven solution for protecting electric motor bearings from electrical discharge damage.
Complete 360-Degree Coverage
Unlike most shaft grounding devices, which offer partial coverage, AEGIS® Rings provide complete 360-degree protection around the motor shaft. This ensures maximum effectiveness in diverting harmful current away from bearings.
Versatility Across Applications
AEGIS® Rings are used in many industries—from manufacturing to transportation—and across different applications such as HVAC systems, food processing machinery, water treatment equipment, and electric vehicles.
Customizable Solutions
AEGIS® Rings can be sized to fit almost any rotating equipment. From motors under 1 to thousands of HP, generators, and turbines, we can make an AEGIS® Ring to fit your shaft.
The Unique Advantage of Warranty Protection
One key advantage of AEGIS® Shaft Grounding Rings is our comprehensive warranty protection. We offer a 2-year extended warranty against bearing fluting on motors with AEGIS(R) rings installed according to our best practices.
Ensuring Long-Term Motor Health with AEGIS® Shaft Grounding Rings
Protecting VFD-driven motor bearings from electrical damage is crucial for maintaining operational efficiency. Reliable shaft grounding systems like AEGIS® Shaft Grounding Rings offer a proven solution, ensuring long-lasting protection against bearing failures caused by stray current.
For more in-depth information on safeguarding your motors, download our product sheet or Bearing Protection Handbook.
AEGIS rings also come with a 2-year extended warranty against bearing fluting damage. No other form of shaft grounding comes with a warranty like this.
To learn more about AEGIS shaft grounding and best practices for electrical bearing protection, sign up for a training. We offer monthly live training webinars, and we can also visit your facility to review your exact application.
