Shaft Grounding Devices: What Are They?
When working with a motor shaft or similar device, it is important to have the right electrical protection in place for the safety of equipment and those that operate it. As extraneous electrical current may build up over time in a motor shaft, a device must be in place to effectively redirect it away. This solution comes in the form of a shaft grounding device, also known as a shaft earthing device. With motor shaft grounding, one can prevent issues that occur as a result of excessive electrical current, as well as protect motor bearings and other components from wear. As a shaft grounding device can easily extend the functionality and reliability of a motor shaft, it can be very beneficial to have a general understanding of their use.
Motor bearing components and other surrounding devices may be damaged over time as a result of circulating current, and the shaft grounding device prevents this issue by minimizing the amount of voltage that accumulates within the system. Excessive shaft voltage may build up from a variety of sources, ranging from electrical induction to high-frequency circulating currents that are produced by Variable Frequency Drives (VFD). No matter where the excess current sources from, the shaft grounding device will be able to manage all current through power redirection to the ground. While some motor shafts may be specifically designed to take on high amounts of stress, other components may be more sensitive to electricity, necessitating protection. Additionally, the bearings themselves will often act as the lowest path of resistance in the shaft without grounding.
Beyond the protection of various hardware components, many modern motor shafts are now being manufactured with integrated circuits and computers for increased functionality. However, all of this advanced circuitry is at risk of a breakdown if fluctuating voltages are not treated. If such hardware is present in an assembly, an engineer should make sure that there is no low path of resistance in the bearings or integrated circuitry.
To properly protect the system, always ensure that the grounding device is properly installed where current will be redirected to the ground every time. If motor bearings and other hardware continue to face ample wear and tear, there may be an issue in the pathway, such as a point where electricity enters surrounding components. To confirm if there is an issue with grounding, inspect the bearings for signs of damage such as fluting, putting, scarring, and discoloration.
Many manufacturers offer shaft grounding devices for motor shaft assemblies and bearings, and choosing the right fit for your requirements is important. Generally, considerations may include the type of assembly that you are operating, as well as the amount of current that you will need to redirect. Once you narrow down your specific needs, let the experts at Aviation Store Online help you secure all the parts and components you require with competitive pricing and unmatched lead times.
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