A structured visual and physical inspection sequence for any electric motor of uncertain condition — the first engineering step after any suspected damage event, and the source of evidence every later test result gets compared against.
Purpose
Before any electrical test is meaningful, the physical condition of the motor needs to be documented — nameplate legibility, visible contamination, corrosion, and mechanical condition all shape how test results should be interpreted. This checklist exists so that step is systematic, not left to memory.
When to Use
Immediately after any flood, fire, or mechanical damage event, before testing begins
As part of routine periodic condition monitoring
Before commissioning a motor received from a supplier or after long storage
Classification
Engineering Discipline
Mechanical, Electrical
Machine Types
Motor
Industries
All — general-purpose
Required Inputs
Camera for as-found photographic documentation
Confirmed electrical isolation before any physical inspection
Basic hand tools if terminal box access is needed
PPE appropriate for the site condition
Expected Outputs
A completed checklist plus photographic record, ready to inform test planning and to serve as the "as-found" evidence referenced later in an Engineering Decision Record.
The Checklist
Safety isolation confirmed and locked out before inspection begins
As-found photographs taken before any cleaning or drying
Nameplate data recorded — manufacturer, model, rated voltage/current/power, insulation class, frame size
Nameplate checked for legibility, damage, or inconsistency with the physical machine
Visible contamination, corrosion, or waterline marks documented
Shaft rotated by hand (if safe to do so) to check for obvious mechanical binding
Bearing area visually inspected for grease contamination or leakage
Connected cables and conduit inspected for damage
Overall condition summary recorded before proceeding to electrical testing
Procedure
Confirm isolation before touching the motor.
Photograph before disturbing anything.
Work through the checklist above in order — nameplate first, since it governs how every later reading is interpreted.
Flag any item that raises a question rather than guessing — an inconsistent nameplate, for example, is itself a finding worth resolving before testing.
Acceptance Criteria
JudgementA checklist item "passing" means no finding was observed that would change the test plan — it does not mean the motor is confirmed good. Any flagged item should be resolved or explicitly carried forward into the test plan, never silently dropped.
Engineering Notes
Note
A mismatched or replaced nameplate is itself a significant finding — it means the rated values you'll compare test results against may not be verified, and should be flagged clearly rather than assumed correct.
Typical Mistakes
Common Mistake
Cleaning the motor before photographing it — this destroys the as-found evidence that both engineering records and insurance claims may depend on.
Common Mistake
Skipping the mechanical checks because the concern is "electrical" — bearing condition affects the recovery decision regardless of what damaged the motor.
