Troubleshooting Motor Noise

Noise complaints typically occur when the motor is installed near frequently occupied areas. Here are four ways you can reduce noise.

1. Nuts & Bolts
   1. In a retrofit (induction motor replaced with a Turntide Smart Motor), a minimum of
      4 nuts and bolts are removed and reinstalled.
      Check that all motor and motor mounting plate bolts and nuts are properly
      tightened.
2. Belt Tension
   1. If the belt is too tight, this forces the motor to operate at a higher torque
      consequently increasing the noise level. Measure the belt tension with a belt
      tension gage.
   2. If you do not have a gage, keep this in mind: 1/64” of belt deflection is required for every 1” of distance between the motor and fan shaft.
      Using an example calculation:
      If the distance between the fan and motor shafts is 16”, you should have ¼” of
      deflection in the belt (64 divided by 16). Put downward pressure on the belt to see
      how far it will move.
      • If less than ¼” then the belt is too tight.
      • If greater than ½” then the belt is too loose.
      
   3. Fan Pulley and Motor Pulley Alignment
      1. Use a straight edge to verify pulley alignment.
      2. Verify that all pulley set-screws are secure
         
   4. Isolation Feet
      1. Motor isolation feet can reduce the motor decibel level up to 50%.
         

1. Confirm the motor feet are installed properly using the Motor Isolator Feet Install Guide
2. Check that the wires are connected per wiring diagram
3. Check belt alignment between pulleys. Improper alignment can cause abnormal noises.
   1. Make sure the motor pulley is secured to the motor shaft, if it is loose, it can misalign the belt.
4. Make sure the motor is firmly secured to the motor mounting plate. A loose motor can cause vibrations which can make weird noises.
5. Noise during startup can be caused by an older firmware on the motor controller.
   1. Make sure that the motor controller has the latest firmware installed.
6. Noises combined with vibration that start and stop, check the data cable for continuity.
   1. Make sure that the data cable is properly connected and secured on both ends, vibrations can occur if the cable is loose.
7. Motor terminal box is one of the largest sources of audible noise for our motor.
   1. Make sure that locknut is not securing it tightly to the NPT fitting it will vibrate more and make more noise.
8. Adjusting the speed of the motor can decrease motor noise.
   1. The speed can be increased or decreased in increments of 10 RPM while measuring dB level to find the RPM that provides the lowest dB level.
9. If none of these steps resolve the issue, escalate to engineering and replace the motor.