How to Choose the Best MEMS Sensor for a Wireless Condition-Based Monitoring System—Part 2: How to Detect Mechanical Faults

When a critical motor unexpectedly breaks down in a factory, production stops. If a specific part or even the entire motor needs to be replaced, there is a risk that long lead times may be incurred. Unplanned downtime costs 10 times more than planned downtime. This article will focus on describing common AC induction motor (ACIM) faults and will detail how to identify and diagnose specific fault types as well as the advantages triaxial MEMS accelerometers can offer over other vibration sensors.